Choosing between ham radio transceivers comes down to matching the radio's scope to the way you plan to operate. The FT-897D covers HF, 6m, 2m, and 70cm in an all-mode design, while the Yaesu FT5DR takes a handheld VHF/UHF approach. The central decision is broader band coverage versus a more focused handheld package and a lower listed price.
Quick verdict
Choose the FT-897D if HF is central to your plans and you want the all-mode wording in its title. Choose the Yaesu FT5DR if a handheld VHF/UHF radio, LCD screen, and included accessories are more relevant. They serve distinctly different operating briefs, so the right choice depends more on coverage and format than on the shared Yaesu name.
At-a-glance comparison
| Comparison | FT-897D | Yaesu FT5DR |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 738.20 | USD 320.00 |
| Band scope | HF (160m-10m), 6m, 2m, 70cm | VHF/UHF, 144/430MHz |
| Product phrase | HF/VHF/UHF All Mode | Handheld HT Transceiver VHF/UHF |
| Condition | Used | Used |
Where each radio wins
Where the FT-897D wins
The FT-897D wins for a shopper who needs HF in the brief. Its listed range spans HF from 160m-10m alongside 6m, 2m, and 70cm, creating a broader band brief than the FT5DR's VHF/UHF focus. It is the more direct match when one radio needs to cover both HF ham radio use and VHF/UHF operation. The trade-off is the higher purchase amount and the fact that this unit is used, so its wider scope comes with a larger financial and condition consideration.
Where Yaesu FT5DR wins
The FT5DR wins when a handheld format and VHF/UHF focus are the priority. The absolute price spread is $418.20, making the difference between the two choices easy to quantify. Its package includes a charging dock, clip-on holster, stock antenna, and short antenna, which gives it a practical orientation for shoppers who want those specific accessories. If HF is not part of the requirement, the FT5DR's more focused band brief avoids paying for capabilities that may not matter to your use case.
Product notes
FT-897D
The FT-897D is the right match for a shopper whose plan starts with HF. Its all-mode description is the concrete reason to choose it for a multi-band brief, alongside the coverage range named in the title and attributes. The trade-off is straightforward: the radio is listed as used at USD 738.20, the description mentions scratches and signs of use, and the attributes state no manufacturer warranty. The 8.6-lb listed weight also matters if you are comparing how much hardware you want to handle, though it does not by itself determine radio performance. Pick the FT-897D when HF and all-mode scope come first; its price and used condition are the practical limitations.
Yaesu FT5DR
The Yaesu FT5DR takes a focused approach to VHF/UHF operation. Its package includes a charging dock, clip-on holster, stock antenna, and short antenna, giving a concrete reason to choose it when those accessories matter. The LCD screen and listed 79 channels add useful operating detail without changing the radio's handheld brief. Its limitation is scope: shoppers specifically seeking HF coverage should choose the FT-897D instead, because the FT5DR's listed bands are VHF/UHF. The radio is also listed at USD 320.00, with a 5W power output; those are important boundaries in this comparison. Choose the FT5DR for its accessory package and focused bands; choose the FT-897D when HF is central.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the FT-897D if HF access, the 6m/2m/70cm range, and an all-mode radio are central to your plans.
- Choose the Yaesu FT5DR if you want the handheld format, VHF/UHF operation, LCD screen, and included dock, holster, and antennas.
- Let price settle the decision if both operating briefs could work: the two listed prices are $418.20 apart, with the FT5DR at USD 320.00 and the FT-897D at USD 738.20.
