The Yaesu FT-60R is probably the best-selling higher-end dual-band handheld radio ever, and with excellent reasons. Read on to find out why!
I honestly do not personally know an amateur radio operator who has not at least used one of these Yaesu FT-60R radios. Even if they make the move to a handheld that does a digital mode like DMR, Fusion, or D-STAR, they tend to keep this radio.
In fact, according to Yeasu’s website, the Yeasu FT-60R was introduced in 2004 and is still a current production unit that you can buy brand-new from just about anywhere that carried amateur radio equipment. There are reasons for this longevity.
The Yaesu FT-60R is probably the best-selling higher-end dual-band handheld radio ever, and with excellent reasons. Read on to find out why!
I honestly do not personally know an amateur radio operator who has not at least used one of these Yaesu FT-60R radios. Even if they make the move to a handheld that does a digital mode like DMR, Fusion, or D-STAR, they tend to keep this radio.
In fact, according to Yeasu’s website, the Yeasu FT-60R was introduced in 2004 and is still a current production unit that you can buy brand-new from just about anywhere that carried amateur radio equipment. There are reasons for this longevity.
Let’s start with what you notice first when you pick the Yaesu FT-60R up, it is heavy and sturdy. If anyone ever tries to mug you in a dark alley, it would make an amazing weapon and probably not get a scratch on it. The only radio that I think is more solid than this one is my Yaesu FT-270, which is just a thank you could hammer nails with.
Grab another radio and wiggle the belt clip, wobble the battery even when it is latched in, tilt the knobs back and forth, then try that with the Yaesu FT-60R and fail miserably. Everything is tight and secure.
Many other radios have switches that all feel about the same, from the PTT button on the side, to the MODE buttons, to the keys on the front, they all have about the same resistance, travel, and the same little click when they are engaged. Not the Yaesu FT-60R. The keys on the front have no click and are smooth as butter, the PTT has a little more resistance and a nice heavy click like a good mechanical keyboard, the MONI and light buttons below the PTT have a little more resistance and tighter clicks, and finally, the knobs on top are just a joy to use.
All of the controls on the Yaesu FT-60R are top quality, and that includes the LCD screen. Sure, many dual-banders have color screens but they tend to be cheap and pretty junky. This screen is really nice and can be clearly seen sitting on your desk without the backlight on, even at a pretty serious angle. Comparing the Yaesu FT-60R vs Baofeng radios, the display has a lot more contrast with bolder, blacker numbers and symbols and is readable at much more acute angles.
When using the Yaesu FT-60R you are sure to get a lot of compliments on your audio because it puts out amazing audio which is clear, crisp, and well regulated. You can be understood right at the edge of range where other radios will fail.
Speaking of audio, the speaker on the Yaesu FT-60R is just amazing for its size. I am not sure how they did it, but it is wonderful. Sure, there are handhelds that have much larger speakers that sound as good or better, but I am really impressed with the speaker given its size.
Yaesu FT-60R programming can be done from the keypad or by using the freely available CHIRP software, but you will need to buy the programming cable for connecting it to your computer. It is also very simple to program right from the radio, which is unusual for most dual-band radios. You often hear people talking about how difficult it is to program the Baofeng UV-5R is in the field, you won’t hear that complaint from users of the Yaesu FT-60R.
Comparing the Yaesu FT-60R vs FT-65R I find the Yaesu FT-65R to be a good radio, but no comparison to the 60R, it just isn’t made as well and doesn’t seem to operate as well either. Yes, I own both, and yes, I much prefer the 60 to the 65.
Images:
Radio Specifics:
| Screen readability | Very Good | |
| In-hand feel | Very Good | |
| Included antenna | Very Good | |
| Construction quality | Excellent + | |
| Belt clip | Very Good | |
| Programmability | Very Good | |
| Transmit audio | CLICK TO LISTEN | |
| Frequency accuracy | 145.000 @ 145.000 | |
| Maximum power output 2m/70cm | 2.5 watts / 1.1 watts | |
| Actual weight | 368g | |
| Battery advertised mAh | 1400mAh | |
| Battery tested mAh | ||
| Radio manual | CLICK TO DOWNLOAD | |
| Programming software | CLICK TO DOWNLOAD | |
| Price based score 0-5 | 4.5 | |
| Overall score 0-10 | 8 |
Test Images:
If you are interested, click here for an article on how I test radios.
FEATURES:
- Dual Band VHF/UHF 2 Meter & 70cm Amateur Radio
- CTCSS/DCS (PL & DPL)
- DTMF
- AlphaNumeric Display
- Lighted Keypad
- Multiple scan modes
- Receives 108-520Mhz and 700-999.99Mhz (less cell),
- Transmits 144-148Mhz & 430-470Mhz
- Locking mode prevents accidental changes of frequency
- One Thousand memory Channels
- NOAA Weather Alert
- Receives Emergency channels in 800-900Mhz
- RF Power Output: 5W (High) / 2W (Middle) / .5W (Low)
- Includes 1400mA Battery, Charger, antenna & belt clip
| PROS: | CONS: |
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Conclusions
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Thanks Mr. Hall for writing this article it convinced me to buy this radio. So far the radio has been great and I’m really happy with my purchase. However, I do recommend new hams to get a better diamond antenna to replace the one yaesu gives you as it’s kind of useless it works okay though,still I recommend buying an aftermarket one.
Received my ft-60r yesterday, 12/20/2023, and already love it; for all the reasons you mention.
Nice review.
Thank you