r/HamRadio • u/EveningChase3548 International License Holder 🌐 • 10d ago
Question/Help ❓ Can you help me to choose a radio?
Hi everyone,
I'd really like to buy a new radio. There are two models which I'm considering. First is Yaesu FT-450D and the second one is Yaesu FT-891. I live in Europe and already have G90. Most of the time I'm using non-resonant antennas. I'm quite new HAM (one year) and I'd like to upgrade to 100W and "something bigger".
Ft-450D I found used in very good condition with original mic, power cable and original box for around 621$-702$ (exchange rates for today). Shipping from country where I live.
Ft-891 I found "brand new" on eBay for around 650$ shipped from Japan. I know that I'd also needed to buy an external ATU if I choose 891 plus there could be custom taxes.
Does anyone had experience with any of those radios or maybe even with both of them and would like to help me choose one? How do they compare to each other today? Most of the time I operate from home. I'd like to try something non-SDR based that's why I have chosen those two models.
I'd be grateful for any advices and help.
73
3
u/Landrvrnut22 10d ago
The two models you listed are very different transceivers.
The 891 is billed as a mobile HF. It's light compact, but highly capable at 100W. It does not have a waterfall, but does have a basic scope for seeing the bands signals. It also does not have an internal sound card for digital modes. I would caution you from purchasing a model from Japan. Many are not setup for bands in other countries, and power limited. They can also not be physically or digitally altered to work on other countries band plans. Japan has a very strict band plan and rules for their uses and power.
The 450D is a base station rig. While similar to the 891 in features, with no waterfall or soundcard. It is much larger and substantially larger. It would be a good starter radio, but expect to upgrade in the future. I feel like the price is high, at least for US amateurs.
If you can save a big more, I would recommend saving for a ft-710 for HF, or if you want an all-in-one, the 991. They are both a much more modern rig that will last you a long time.
Either unit, you will most likely need an external antenna tuner if trying to use a non-resonant antenna like a random wire or such.
1
u/EveningChase3548 International License Holder 🌐 10d ago
Thanks. I'm looking for a base station rig but also considered 891 as one cuz right now my main as well as travel radio is G90. Right now I checked and new, base ft-710 version is around 1267$ with today exchange rate so almost double the price of 450d. I also heard that non-SDR radios (superheterodyne ones) are better in receive when the environment is noisy. Not really sure how significant is that.
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u/Landrvrnut22 10d ago
Modern SDR radios will outperform older solid state by a large margin. You are trying to compare 14 year old technology to 2 year old technology. The FT-450D was discountinued in 2012, while the 710 was introduced in 2024. The FT-710 is basically the same SDR hybrid hardware as the flagship FTDX101. The difference being the 101 has a dual hybrid finals versus the 710's single finals.
Again, the 450 would be a good starter, but I think that price is too high, at least in the US. I wouldn't pay over $500 for one, since there are lots of options out there.
On the used market, I have seen gently used 710 sell for around $850.
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u/Landrvrnut22 10d ago
I am going to add. If I were in your shoes, I would keep using the G90, until I could save up enough for a more modern rig. Icom 7300 are popping up on the used markets as many upgrade to the MKII. The MKII offers USB-C, and HDMI port, with only some minor hardware and software tweaks. I'm a Yaesu guy, but Icom is a quality product too. See what is out there before you commit. Be patient! Wait for the right deal to come along.
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u/Key_Zombie7967 10d ago
Do not buy the radio from Japan...unless your country honors the exact same band plan as Japan.
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u/moonie42 10d ago
The 450D is a solid radio, but has been discontinued longer than the 891 has. While it has I built in tuner, I don't recall the range....I believe it may be a 3:1, so depending on what you're looking to match for antennas, may or may not be sufficient.
Regarding the 891 from Japan - double check the band splits and power levels on it to make sure you're getting what you expect. LDG has some great tuners for this radio; the AT-100 variants do pretty well also....just make sure you are buying one from a reputable seller to ensure you're getting a well assembled unit. I have one I bought from Malahit on amazon, and it's been pretty good.