I went to look at the ft5dr. I was ready to purchase. But when it would not show frequencies while scanning, that was an instant deal breaker for me. So I bought a pristine ft3dr, have had it over a year now, and it does everything I need it to do, including showing the scanning frequencies, and I saved over 200.00. Just my opinion.
I have had my FT3Dr for 3 years now, so I’m very familiar with it. One of my favorite features is the ability to name each individual memory, and with 16 characters no less. It displays the name and frequency simultaneously, on both A and B VFO’s. This capability is entirely lacking on the FT5. Instead, the FT5 gives me the ability to change the color of my frequency display. A feature I have never, ever, wished my FT3 had. One true upgrade the FT5 does have over the FT3, is its IPX7 rating over the FT3s IPX5. There are reviewers that say the FT5 also has better audio, but the FT3 audio has never been an issue for me. I’ve been happy with my FT3DR since day 1, and the FT5 has done nothing to change that.
As a relative newcomer to the Hobby, I have like many messed about with the cheaper end of handies. I am now in the market to buy a decent HS and as a Yeasu operator, I am thinking about the FT5, I had thought about the FT3 but the price comparison from new would drive me towards the FT5. Never having had the FT3, I guess the differences others are finding will make no difference to me. Thank you for sharing...............
Hey Mike, How about a video of your radio displays above your countertop? I like the way you have them setup. I was thinking to do mine like that. Have you made any videos showing your shack?
Hmmm... I love my FT3D and I'd love the FT5D for sure but... it would feel like a "sidegrade" more than an upgrade. If there was a killer function on the 5, I'd be all over it like a rash... as it is, I have other radio toys I'd rather be spending money on (I'm looking at you, FT-991A...)
I have both, the FT3 & FT5. The FT3 does SSB and the FT5 doesn’t. The FT5 is IPX7 and the FT3 is not. I couldn’t decide, so I got both with plans to sell the one I didn’t want. FFWD a couple years and I still have both… 🤷🏽♂️
I went to look at the ft5dr. I was ready to purchase. But when it would not show frequencies while scanning, that was an instant deal breaker for me. So I bought a pristine ft3dr, have had it over a year now, and it does everything I need it to do, including showing the scanning frequencies, and I saved over 200.00. Just my opinion.
I have had my FT3Dr for 3 years now, so I’m very familiar with it. One of my favorite features is the ability to name each individual memory, and with 16 characters no less. It displays the name and frequency simultaneously, on both A and B VFO’s. This capability is entirely lacking on the FT5. Instead, the FT5 gives me the ability to change the color of my frequency display. A feature I have never, ever, wished my FT3 had. One true upgrade the FT5 does have over the FT3, is its IPX7 rating over the FT3s IPX5. There are reviewers that say the FT5 also has better audio, but the FT3 audio has never been an issue for me. I’ve been happy with my FT3DR since day 1, and the FT5 has done nothing to change that.
As a relative newcomer to the Hobby, I have like many messed about with the cheaper end of handies. I am now in the market to buy a decent HS and as a Yeasu operator, I am thinking about the FT5, I had thought about the FT3 but the price comparison from new would drive me towards the FT5. Never having had the FT3, I guess the differences others are finding will make no difference to me. Thank you for sharing...............
My story is exactly the same! The right choice! I also bought ft5dr and am very happy!
The FT5 is a great radio, you will really like it.
I have the FT5D myself and love it
Hey Mike, How about a video of your radio displays above your countertop? I like the way you have them setup. I was thinking to do mine like that. Have you made any videos showing your shack?
Hmmm... I love my FT3D and I'd love the FT5D for sure but... it would feel like a "sidegrade" more than an upgrade. If there was a killer function on the 5, I'd be all over it like a rash... as it is, I have other radio toys I'd rather be spending money on (I'm looking at you, FT-991A...)
I have both, the FT3 & FT5. The FT3 does SSB and the FT5 doesn’t. The FT5 is IPX7 and the FT3 is not. I couldn’t decide, so I got both with plans to sell the one I didn’t want. FFWD a couple years and I still have both… 🤷🏽♂️
Where did you get your shelf that holds your radios? Is it custom made?
congratulations terrific radio 73 from kb2uew
I really like it too. The simplest thing I like is the belt clip.
This is gonns be my first real expensive handheld snd I'm still so stuck I think I'm gonna get the 5.. Or a ftm 500dr
Nice review
Thanks!
Does it come with a band scope
yes
If you can get a cheap ft2d is better the ft3d and ft5d have some design problems
You must use expensive, name brand accessories for them to work. Buy an Original "San Disk" or it will not work. Trust me, I tried.
What is San Disk?
I bought a glass, a second battery, a case for batteries, a second antenna, a wire for 12 volts...forgot what?
@@theend5304 A name brand of SD cards.
@@hbryant1971 Ah! Thanks for the explanation! I didn't know.
San Disk SD cards aren't expensive.