Yaesu FT450D vs. Alinco SR8

[Singularity35]

Thinking of a first rig and from what I see, it's come down to these two, any feedback or anything I should be aware of with any of these two?

Feedback is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[n8fgb]

I personally stay clear of anything made by Alinco. They have serious quality problems. The FT450 has been around for several years, and is a proven performer. I have one myself, and know several people with them, and all are happy.
Rich

 

[Singularity35]

Thanks for taking the time.

 

[binrat]

I used a 450 a few years ago at Field day. Nice entry level rig with so much potential.

 

[w9cll]

I personally stay clear of anything made by Alinco. They have serious quality problems.

I don't think I would agree with this but between the two rigs I would look at the Yaesu.

 

[RatsoW8]

I personally stay clear of anything made by Alinco. They have serious quality problems. Rich

First I've heard of their "quality problems". No Alinco radio I've owned including a DX-7oTH that I have now ever had an issue. On the otehr hand every Yaesu I've owned over the past 5 years has had problems. I had an FT-450AT that had the failed main CPU a year after i bought it new and one of the their 2m moblies that died completely after a year. Also bough it new.

I have to say that I belive the FT-45o failure was a bad batch of main CPU's. Once back from Yaesu where it was repaired under warranty it wa s pleasure to use. The FT-450D has all the improvements us 450 users always wanted and some excellent features at it's price point that make it a better choice than an IC-718. I'd buy another one. Then again the Alinco has the detachable head that makes it great for mobile use.

 

[Singularity35]

I'm leaning a bit towards the alinco because of price, is it a bad deal for the price? Getting used is a bit iffy here but may I have any suggestions of a used rig that should be a good deal for around the same price as the alinco? Thanks in advance again.

 

[TonyV225]

Yaesu FT-450 hands down!!! I have several rigs and that FT-450 is used daily because its a great radio with a lot of "Useful" features.

 

[Singularity35]

Thanks guys. I have to save up a bit more then.

I was thinking that maybe I had enough to start if I got the Alinco...

 

[Oatmeal]

I've been looking at HF radios for the last few days and the used ones I've seen most are asking almost as much as a new FT 450D cost..

Have also did some research on the ft 450d radio, and most people running this radio loves it, and out of the 113 reviews I seen those guys rated this radio at a 4.5/6...well this is what I've seen about the 450d..

But it pays to do some research on the radio before you jump in and buy it...so far I like what I've read about the 450d.....don't no much about the other one here ..

 

[TonyV225]

You will like the 450 I guarantee it!! The DSP is nice along with all the rest of the features that are actually usefull in everyday use

 

[Singularity35]

You will like the 450 I guarantee it!! The DSP is nice along with all the rest of the features that are actually usefull in everyday use

Thanks, I can't help but get excited with your enthusiam.

 

[Mudfoot]

I owned a 450 for a few months, didn't care much for it. I've been using my Alinco SR8T daily. It's a stout rig and potent on AM. I've owned many Alinco radios, both VHF and HF. I honestly can't recall any of them having issues.

The SR8T can be had cheap, especially used ones. The filters in the 450 are meh. Nothing to call grandpa about.

Besides, the 450 is a goofy, ugly ass radio.

 

[binrat]

Besides, the 450 is a goofy, ugly ass radio.

Well yes, yes it is.

 

[crappykraco]

Kicking this around right now as well. I don't mind the looks of the 450D.