Choosing among ham radio transceivers means deciding whether you need something you can carry, a radio for a vehicle, or a unit with an explicitly named HF/VHF/UHF all-mode scope. The four choices also differ in condition, package presentation, and price, so the quickest route is to identify the use case first and treat the dollar figure as a tie-breaker.
Quick take
The prices vary substantially. The Yaesu FT5DR centers on handheld VHF/UHF use, the FT-897D on HF/VHF/UHF all-mode operation, the Black Yaesu VX 7R on AM/FM and a new in-box presentation, and the FT-8900R on mobile FM use. Each radio maps to a different setup, so start with the requirement that matters most.
Listed-price comparison
| Radio | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FT5DR Handheld HT Transceiver VHF/UHF | USD 320.00 | |
| FT-897D HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Ham Radio Transceiver Amateur Radio 100W | USD 738.20 | |
| Black Yaesu VX 7R Radio Transceiver Brand New In Box All Original | USD 450.00 | |
| Yaesu FT-8900R Quad-Band Mobile FM Transceiver | USD 699.99 |
Decision matrix
- Portable VHF/UHF: Yaesu FT5DR Handheld HT Transceiver VHF/UHF - a dual-band radio with 144/430MHz coverage, an LCD screen, and named accessories.
- HF range and an all-mode label: FT-897D HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Ham Radio Transceiver Amateur Radio 100W - explicitly names HF (160m-10m), 6m, 2m, and 70cm.
- AM/FM with new packaging: Black Yaesu VX 7R Radio Transceiver Brand New In Box All Original - combines New condition, AM/FM support, and original contents.
- Mobile or in-vehicle FM: Yaesu FT-8900R Quad-Band Mobile FM Transceiver - identified for mobile use with 2m, 70cm, UHF, and VHF bands.
Product notes
Yaesu FT5DR Handheld HT Transceiver VHF/UHF
At USD 320.00, the Yaesu FT5DR Handheld HT Transceiver VHF/UHF is the clearest pick for a carryable dual-band setup. It operates on VHF and UHF, with 144/430MHz, and includes a charging dock, clip-on holster, stock antenna, and short antenna. An LCD screen, analog band plan, 79 channels, and 5W output are also specified. The trade-off is its Used condition, and its stated coverage is VHF/UHF rather than the HF range named for the FT-897D. The 5W figure is simply a specification, not proof of a performance edge. Choose the FT5DR when portability and the included accessories matter more than HF coverage.
FT-897D HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Ham Radio Transceiver Amateur Radio 100W
At USD 738.20, the FT-897D HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Ham Radio Transceiver Amateur Radio 100W fits a shopper who needs explicitly named HF coverage: HF (160m-10m), 6m, 2m, and 70cm. The title also makes the All Mode label and 100W specification easy to identify. Its limitation is the condition: it is Used, with scratches and signs of use. It is also the highest-priced radio in this comparison. Choose it when the stated HF range and all-mode wording are the deciding requirements; the FT5DR's handheld focus and the FT-8900R's mobile focus point to different setups.
Black Yaesu VX 7R Radio Transceiver Brand New In Box All Original
At USD 450.00, Black Yaesu VX 7R Radio Transceiver Brand New In Box All Original suits a shopper who puts New condition and an AM/FM-focused specification ahead of a named band range. The title calls out a brand-new, in-box presentation, and the package includes the original contents, including the battery and radio. The concrete limitation is that its stated operating detail is AM and FM, making it less specific for someone shopping by the HF range of the FT-897D or the VHF/UHF wording of the FT5DR. Choose the VX 7R when new packaging and AM/FM are central; its listed price places it between the other three choices.
Yaesu FT-8900R Quad-Band Mobile FM Transceiver
At USD 699.99, the Yaesu FT-8900R Quad-Band Mobile FM Transceiver is the straightforward match for mobile or in-vehicle use. Its stated bands are 2m, 70cm, UHF, and VHF, and a microphone plus a 12V power source are identified. The limitation is the condition: the unit is Open box. Its title specifies FM, so a shopper prioritizing the FT-897D's All Mode wording should choose according to mode needs rather than treat the radios as interchangeable. The FT-8900R's concrete reason to choose it is its mobile format. Pick it when a vehicle setup is the main use case.
Final recommendation by use case
- Carryable VHF/UHF radio: Yaesu FT5DR Handheld HT Transceiver VHF/UHF.
- HF/VHF/UHF all-mode scope: FT-897D HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Ham Radio Transceiver Amateur Radio 100W.
- New, original in-box presentation: Black Yaesu VX 7R Radio Transceiver Brand New In Box All Original.
- Mobile or in-vehicle radio: Yaesu FT-8900R Quad-Band Mobile FM Transceiver.
Start with where the radio will be used and the bands or modes you need. The FT5DR and FT-8900R address handheld and vehicle contexts, while the FT-897D is the direct match for explicitly named HF and all-mode scope. The VX 7R takes a different route with AM/FM and New condition. Use the listed-price table only after that fit is clear.
