Bob, welcome back. Lighting and audio from the new shack are top notch.

After your initial review of the FT3D back in 2019 I went out and purchased one Im very happy with it, I will not be upgrading...... Glad to see you back on KZfaq.

This is the 1st time I've watched one of your videos. I think it's great that you always ask people people what they're looking for or thinking about buying a radio. You don't jam things down the throat to make them feel like they have to buy something. I have subscribed and will get get your videos automatically. Thank you for a very good video and your time.

Absolutely loved this video. Natural, straight to the point, and feels genuine. Thank you sir!

Thanks for the good, concise presentation of the changes and updates since the previous model. The FT2D was my first more expensive HT and I was very happy about some aspects (ease of programming in the field, easy of use of System Fusion) but unhappy about others (APRS usability, TNC features, desensing from strong nearby transmitters). I am sticking to my TH-D74 as my daily radio and keeping the FT2D in the drawer for now. I'm hoping the next FT6D will be a worthy upgrade, not just a product refresh.

Welcome back! Thanks for this video - first one of many that I’ve seen with a real comparison with recommendations.

Brand new to Ham Radio and I just ordered an FT5 on black Friday for just a little over $350.00 . This content was just what I was looking for after my purchase. Thank 😊

Glad to see u back on KZfaq! This is a really good breakdown on the FT-5. I’ve had the FT-70 for little over a year and I passed on the FT-3 due to reports of the lower audio quality. When the FT 5 came out with the audio issues resolved, I bought one from HRO. Its a really cool radio with some great features and the audio is fantastic. However, I’m just not sure I’m actually going to use all of the features offered from the FT-5. I hate to admit it, but I think this is just more radio than I need.

Bob I want to wish you a Merry Christmas I'm so happy you're back I just got back in the radio so timing is good 👍👍👍👍👍

Still got my FT2 keep it in a pouch very happy with it. Always enjoy your videos.😀

Good overview of the differences between FT-5D and FT-3D. Glad to see Bob is back making videos too! 73

Thanks for the video Bob. Glad to see you back. Kevin

Well timed video. I had just started looking at the FT5. Appreciate the helpful information.

Hey Bob I'm glad you're back on I've always enjoyed your videos Man I think you're a great guy thank you so much and Merry Christmas to you 💕💕💕💕

Tks for sharing. I am preparing to buy FT5 recently. The video gives me a lot of useful tips. Tks again.

Good stuff as always, Bob. Keep it up!

I am just getting started myself and love that you are in Idaho as I am thank you for all the great information

Thanks for the review and good luck with your channel!

Bought the FT3 for it's APRS abilities. Haven't felt the audio problem so many have complained about to be a problem. Do like the FT3. Won't be upgrading. But if someone doesn't have a 3 and is looking to upgrade and want's APRS, go for the 5. Looks good. Glad you're back. Steve, k70fg

Thanks Bob...Your videos are always entertaining and informative

Glad you are back. Not planning on upgrading yet.

FT3 has memory banks.

I just ordered a a Yaesu FT-5DE, which is the version of the FT-5 for the european market. I own two Yaesu FT-70D handhelds and I will give you my impressions about the new Yaesu soon.

I’ll be keeping my FT3D. Thanks for the review Bob!

As always awesome stuff (and thanks for helping me save money!). What is your go to aftermarket antenna for the UHF/VHF radios you use? Nagoya??

Hi Bob, I love your videos. Glad your back. I actually heard you on DSTAR once and I couldn't believe it. Keep up the good work. Octavio KC1NSI Rochester, MA

Great video honest review. I have one and don’t have my Tech license yet…. What antenna is that you are using?

Great show glad your back

Nice video. You're very good at this. Please keep doing these videos!

Bob, sorry lose you to the wild wild west, but know you're much happier. So glad to see you back. Love how entertaining you make your channel.

I just got my tech license last week... I got the ft5 as soon as i past the test. Im happy with it.

Nice review, just ordered the FT5 to replace an old yaesu FT50r, it’s still a solid radio, the 5 will be a long overdue great upgrade

Hi Bob Great that you are back to doing videos again. Bought the FT-3 after playing with yours, I am going to stick with it. Don't see any reason to upgrade.

Appreciate the video. What antenna do you recommend for handheld radios?

Thanks for this video, I’ve been debating between which one to buy. Looks like the FT3 will be what I purchase

Thanks Bob, really enjoyed the video. Sat at breakfast watching it with my FT3D on the table monitoring. I still have an FT2D, which I’m more inclined to take outdoors and if I upgraded I’d become reluctant to take that radio out of doors given the investment and the risk of dropping it. 73s from Scotland MM6USS.

I like this video very much! Actually I like all your videos! Not only the beginning ;) Your videos helped me to decide on my ham radio shopping! Thank you and take care! 73!

Nice to have you back on KZfaq sir. When my Kenwood TH-72D gives up the ghost, I may buy an FT5 replace it

Hey buddy love your video just getting back in the ham radio this one looks like a winner thanks for sharing it 👍🙏🙏🙏

Welcome back... We've missed you!

FT60R is a tank. 160 SOTAs with mine. Save up and get a ICOM 705. With those two radios you can cover 90% of what ham radio can be!

Thank you for the info that you provided on this insightful video!

Good review Bob. Thanks

I don’t find a problem with the FT3, the volume is fine and am very happy with it, I will not be upgrading.

Bob, great to see you’re back. I don’t see the upgrades worth the price. I’m staying with FT3 and FT2.

Happy FT3 user here. I use the Banks feature just about every day depending on where I happen to be. I would love an FT5 but its a bit pricey for me. Enjoy the vids. Thx.

Hi , this is the information i was looking for. I was concidering the FT3DR but will probably purchase the FT5DR. Thanks for the information.

Welcome Bob. Hope you are enjoying your escape to the Intermountain West. Love all your previous videos and hope to see more. Fred. WB5NOE

Like that you are back and producing great videos, so keep them coming. As far as the FT5 I don’t think there is that much of an improvement, I probably will hold off until the price drops. Still waiting to see if anyone will make a radio that does all the digital modes...thanks ! 73 de N6LPV

You are correct $500 for a dual band FM handheld is ridiculous. I am currently in active advanced class operator licensed since 1974. Am considering getting involved again, but just don't know about activity in this area, SW Washington State.

Just bought one of these at the 2023 Hamvention...watching your video right now! Looks promising.

Had ft3 since they were available, use daily all day. The changes aren't that big of a deal. The extra volume is nice, but only rarely lacked on the ft3 with like the windows down in truck, wind noise. Still find myself turning the ft5 down when in the truck, as I'm used to having it 3/4 volume and in the cup holder it boosts the audio a good amount. I do miss seeing the scan, especially when I wanted to stop in a certain bank or channel range. The volume pitch adjust on the ft5, I find pointless and if anything I prefer the high pitch boost better than low boost, but kinda prefer just flat. I do think this ft5 has better receive, at least compared to my ft3 did (with same antennas, getting previously unheard repeaters etc, one fusion wiresx I could never hear prior :) ). Tried the belt clip holster thing for a few days, but found the extra step of removing the cradle and then the battery to drop in the charger was just a hassle at end of shift or whenever, switched to the ft3 style clips for both batteries (bought extra clip for batt #2). Mars mod was just as simple on the ft5 (do prior to programming, lol, cuz it resets to factory new afterwards). RTsystems said this week or next for Mac prog software, anxiously waiting. The improved water rating is nice to have in the back of the mind. Getting used to the changed button locations quickly. Glad I got it at the end of the day, even though it's not big changes really.

Nice review on the FT5D. I have the FT3D and like it so I'm going to just stay with it.

After the Orlando 2024 HamCation, I’m in the process of upgrading my HT. I’ve looked at your video and it has help in my decision making of what radio to buy. !73

I am curious about your radio setup in the jeep. You mentioned the AnyTone, and how you were configuring it for offroad usage. Does this mean you have a specific set of frequencies and bands in mind? How would your offroad config differ from your usual usage? 73s from Drax and WI0H.

I currently have the 70D. Is it worth getting the FT5D or picking up a used FT3D? Thank you for the side by side comparison.

Getting into Amateur Radio... this'll be my first transceiver. Liked your concise no nonsense video. As this will be my first handheld I'm seriously considering it. I like the forward and backward compatibility with Yaesu models which means accessories are out there and that makes it appealing to me. Despite it's niggles as all handhelds no doubt have, being a newbie I like that I can grow into this hobby knowing that this handheld has plenty of features to last me. Thank you for the review Bob. Edinburgh Scotland.

Thanks, gonna get one for Christmas!

Bob, welcome back! Great video. Thank you, and 73..

Thanks for the review

Hi, just came across you on a mooch through the interweb. Great video, looking forward to seeing your stuff . 73

Thanks for the review.

The FT3D has banks and I have all my frequencies separated out by band and county. I love the new features of the FT5D but they aren’t enough for me to upgrade. Love your channel!

I'm very pleased with the FT3D, i've never had an issue with the volume. Just had to chime in for the algorithm.

Thanks for the information. Upgraded from a FT-70DR to the FT5D, Dayton special pricing over the weekend.

I have the ft2 . I was wondering how the battery life of ft5 compares , thanks

Just curious what your opinion on aprs between the two is? I have a FT3D and it won’t decode packets unless the planets are aligned properly. Looking around online, I don’t seem to be alone.

Hi, I like your channel. could you do a comparison of the FT2DR to the FT5DR. I never got the 3.

So both of us were cops in Cali. You moved to Idaho. I moved 7,337 miles away to the Southern Part of the Philippines. That alone should make a statement. In the Amateur Radio world, the FT5DR is not perfect, but quite cool. It works quite excellent in YSF2DMR through the "Hotspot". Unfortunately there are no digital repeaters in my part of the Philippines.

How good is the GPS reception with the FT5D? I have an Anytone 878 and the GPS reception is poor. And thanks for the great video! Chris

Great review. Greetings from Heber City UT!

I have this ran down to HRO last weekend and didn't go for getting this radio but they sold me on it it's nice my first yarsu radio

Great review - The reality is once you have heard the ft3 and ft5 side by side you won't want the FT3 , also the used Market for the FT5 in the few months will be a very good value choice.

Great review as always.

I’m still using my old VX-170, but have been researching for a possible upgrade.

New ham here, I bought a Yaesu FT-65 as my starter radio and love it. I really like the color display on that FT5D. Other than that would would be a main motivator for me to get the FT5D. I live in a rural area and only have a few repeaters plus the statewide SAR system. Thanks a lot. Liked and subbed. KO4SZT

Appreciate the review

Hey thanks for this video on the FT 5DR. I just bought one and am very happy with it! Just curious as to what antenna your using. What brand it is? By the way welcome to Idaho! Thanks!!

Thank you Great review

Here is my comment to fool the KZfaq algorithm Bob LOL. Good to see another video from you, it's been a while. Great comparison, highlighting the differences BTW. I will stick with my FT3 a while longer, and wait to see if Kenwood will come out with a good replacement for the TH-D74

Thanks for the review, I think I'll stick with the ft3 for now.

Thanks for a quick comparison!

How about the accessories? Does the FT5 use the same battery, etc. as the FT3?

Welcome Back! I see you changed out the antenna on the FT5, what did you change to?

Great video. I may wait for a while and see if the price drops or they put out a rebate. It is a lot of $$$ for an HT. But I get it. They changed the scan process to save battery life. That is why the scan frequencies don't show up. That would be helpful to let the other know WHY they changed it. I heard that direct from the Yaesu rep on an interview.

Hi Bob. Sal has the FT 5DR and I am thinking of making the jump. Especially now since he added a WIRESX site that covers part of Nevada. Nice to see your back. Took me a year, but i here now.

Thanks Bob good honest opinion on both.👏👏

Thanks for the info!

This guy is good ! Just sold me on the FT-5. Just subscribed too.

Hi Bob, what antenna are you using on your FT3D and FT5D?

I got the FT3 about 4 months ago because I couldn't get the ID51 and I like the radio my main complaint about the FT3 is that it turns it's self on at the same time every day that and the audio are the only 2 things I don't like but that bit of the FT5 not showing the channels as you scan just might be a deal breaker if when it stops on a channel if it don't show the info on the one it stopped that would be a big problem also if you can tell me how to stop the radio from turning it's self on at the same time every day I would be very grateful for that into thanks and 73 from Ed W9JE

Thanks for an honest review!

How is APRS decoding? My ft3 decodes only about 1/4 of packets heard.

Bob, been waiting patiently for you to return after the big move…

I just subscribed. I have been a ham for over 25 years but just trying to learn about the digital world.

I noticed you changed out the stock antenna. What did you get and how much did it help. Thanks. Great video.

Yes BobI agree with you my friend you're absolutely right on the other two radios but this one I think yaesu really looked at the problems and made some big changes coming out with this new radio this is a beautiful radio man looking at the pictures I got to have one in my hand I got to get one thank you for sharing this video and you are number one I'm glad you're back I'm really glad you're back 👍👍👍👍

I subscribed to your channel man you're the best I love you and Jason and Josh 👍❤️👍

Thanks for your video. Thank you!

Still a damn good upgrade from the FT-1DR... I sure do love NEW tech. We'll see what the future holds.