Yaesu FT-60 Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

The Yaesu FT-60 is one of the most popular handheld transceivers in the amateur radio world and for good reason. It’s been around for over a decade and has developed a reputation for being reliable, durable, and easy to use. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ham radio operator, the FT-60 is often recommended as a go-to device.

This dual-band transceiver (VHF/UHF) offers a wide range of features, including a rugged build, strong battery life, and a straightforward user interface. With so much positive feedback, it’s natural to wonder: is the Yaesu FT-60 truly worth the hype in today’s world of advanced technology and modern radios?

In this review, we’ll dive deep into its key features, performance, pros and cons, and compare it to other popular models. By the end, you’ll know if the FT-60 is still a solid choice or if it’s time to look elsewhere for your radio needs.

Key Features of the Yaesu FT-60

1. Durability and Build Quality

One of the most important aspects of any handheld radio is its build quality, especially for those who use them in the field. The Yaesu FT-60 excels in this area. It’s designed to be rugged and durable, making it suitable for outdoor use, emergency situations, and even harsh conditions.

• Rugged Construction: The FT-60 is built with high-quality materials, ensuring that it can withstand drops, knocks, and rough handling.
• Water and Dust Resistance: While it may not be completely waterproof, it offers a degree of water and dust resistance that allows it to be used in less-than-ideal conditions without worry.

Whether you’re hiking, camping, or using it during a public service event, you can count on the FT-60 to hold up under tough conditions.

2. Frequency Range

The Yaesu FT-60 offers dual-band coverage, making it highly versatile for different communication needs.

• Dual-Band Coverage (VHF/UHF): The radio covers both VHF (144-148 MHz) and UHF (430-450 MHz) frequencies. This makes it useful for a variety of ham radio operations, including local repeaters and direct line-of-sight communications.
• Wide-Band Reception: Beyond the standard ham frequencies, the FT-60 has a broad receive range. It can receive signals from 108 MHz to 520 MHz and 700 MHz to 999 MHz, allowing you to monitor public safety channels, weather, aircraft, and more.

This broad frequency range ensures that the FT-60 can serve as more than just a communication device—it also acts as a valuable listening tool for monitoring emergency situations and other broadcasts.

3. Battery Life

Battery life is another area where the FT-60 stands out. Its battery life is strong enough to support extended use without constant recharging.

• Standard Battery: The FT-60 comes with a NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) battery pack that provides up to 8-12 hours of operation, depending on usage.
• Optional Upgrades: If you need more power, you can opt for a higher-capacity battery pack or use an external power source, such as a car adapter.

The option to easily swap out the battery or upgrade ensures that you’re never left without power, making it ideal for emergency communication or long outdoor adventures.

4. Ease of Use

The Yaesu FT-60 is known for its user-friendly design, which is a major selling point, especially for beginners.

• Simple Interface: The layout of the controls is straightforward and intuitive. Even if you’re new to ham radio, you’ll quickly get the hang of operating this device.
• Backlit Keypad: The backlit keypad is a particularly useful feature for night operations. You can easily see the keys and make adjustments without needing additional light.

From programming frequencies to adjusting settings, the FT-60 is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to focus on communication rather than fumbling with complicated controls.

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Performance Review

1. Signal Quality and Range

The performance of any handheld transceiver largely depends on its signal quality and range. The Yaesu FT-60 performs well in both areas.

• Signal Reception: The FT-60 offers excellent signal reception, even in areas where weaker signals might cause problems. Whether you’re in an urban setting or a more remote rural area, the FT-60 manages to pull in signals clearly.
• Range: While the exact range of the FT-60 will depend on your environment (buildings, hills, and other obstructions can affect this), users typically report solid communication up to several miles, especially when using repeaters.

2. Power Output

The power output of the FT-60 is flexible, offering both high and low settings, depending on your needs.

• High Power: The FT-60 has a maximum power output of 5 watts, which is more than sufficient for most general amateur radio use. This ensures that your transmissions are strong and clear, especially when using repeaters.
• Low Power: For shorter-range communications, you can drop the power output to 0.5 watts. This helps to conserve battery life when you don’t need maximum power.

This adjustable power output makes the FT-60 adaptable to different situations, ensuring that you’re always operating at optimal efficiency.

3. Audio Quality

Clear audio is essential for effective communication, and the FT-60 delivers on this front.

• Built-In Speaker: The built-in speaker provides clear and crisp sound, ensuring that you can hear transmissions even in noisy environments.
• Microphone Performance: The microphone also performs well, picking up your voice clearly without distortion, which ensures smooth, understandable transmissions.

Whether you’re transmitting or receiving, the audio quality of the FT-60 ensures that communication is easy and effective.

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Pros of the Yaesu FT-60

1. Affordability

One of the biggest advantages of the Yaesu FT-60 is its price point. Despite offering a wide range of features and strong performance, it’s relatively affordable, especially when compared to newer models that may offer additional (and sometimes unnecessary) features.

2. Reliable Performance

The FT-60 is known for its consistent, reliable performance. Users praise it for holding up well in various situations, from casual use to emergency scenarios. Its stable signal quality and durable build make it a trustworthy choice.

3. Wide Accessibility

While some radios are better suited for either beginners or experienced operators, the FT-60 is a great middle ground. Its simplicity makes it accessible for new users, but its power and versatility also make it appealing to experienced hams. The learning curve is minimal, which helps make it a popular choice for all skill levels.

4. Strong Community Support

Because the FT-60 has been around for a while, there’s a strong community of users who are familiar with it. This means there’s plenty of available support, including online forums, tutorials, and resources to help you get the most out of your radio.

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Cons of the Yaesu FT-60

1. Outdated Technology

The FT-60 lacks some of the more modern features found in newer handheld radios. For example, it does not support digital modes like DMR, C4FM, or D-STAR, which are becoming increasingly popular in the ham radio community. If digital capabilities are important to you, this might be a drawback.

2. Bulky Design

Compared to newer models, the FT-60 is somewhat bulkier and heavier. While it’s durable, its larger size can be a bit cumbersome, especially if you’re carrying it on long hikes or during extended outdoor activities.

3. Limited Advanced Features

If you’re looking for advanced features like Bluetooth, GPS, or integrated APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System), the FT-60 might fall short. While it excels in the basics, it doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles that more modern radios offer.

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Comparing the Yaesu FT-60 with Other Models

1. Yaesu FT-65

The Yaesu FT-65 is a more modern version of the FT-60, offering similar features with some upgrades. It’s smaller, lighter, and has a more streamlined design. However, the FT-60 still edges it out in terms of build quality and overall durability. The FT-65 might be a better option if you’re looking for something more compact.

2. Baofeng UV-5R

The Baofeng UV-5R is often seen as a budget alternative to the FT-60. While it’s significantly cheaper, it lacks the durability, build quality, and reliable performance of the Yaesu FT-60. The UV-5R is great for beginners or those on a tight budget, but for long-term use and reliability, the FT-60 is the better choice.

3. Icom IC-T70A

The Icom IC-T70A is a competitor to the Yaesu FT-60, offering dual-band capabilities and solid performance. While both are durable and reliable, the FT-60 tends to have a more user-friendly interface and better battery life. The Icom IC-T70A, however, is lighter and might be more comfortable for some users to carry around.

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Is the Yaesu FT-60 Worth the Hype?

The Yaesu FT-60 certainly lives up to its reputation in several ways. Its rugged construction, reliable performance, and ease of use make it a solid choice for both beginner and experienced ham radio operators. It excels in delivering clear audio, stable signal strength, and versatile frequency coverage. The FT-60 is also highly affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

However, there are some trade-offs to consider. The FT-60 lacks modern features like digital modes (DMR, C4FM, D-STAR), Bluetooth, and GPS, which are becoming standard in newer models. Additionally, its bulky design might not appeal to those who prefer lighter and more compact radios. Despite these shortcomings, the FT-60 remains a reliable, durable, and highly functional handheld transceiver for anyone who prioritizes strong analog performance and a simple interface over cutting-edge technology.

Ultimately, whether the Yaesu FT-60 is worth the hype depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for a durable, easy-to-use, and affordable radio that focuses on reliable analog performance, the FT-60 is a fantastic option. However, if you require modern features and digital modes, you may want to explore other radios that can meet those needs. The FT-60 continues to hold its ground as a dependable workhorse in the ham radio world, and it’s certainly worth considering if your focus is on quality and simplicity.

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Conclusion

The Yaesu FT-60 is a handheld transceiver that has earned its reputation over the years as a dependable, affordable, and versatile option for amateur radio enthusiasts. Its key strengths lie in its rugged durability, reliable analog performance, and ease of use. It’s accessible for both beginners and experienced operators, offering strong signal reception, wide frequency coverage, and a simple, user-friendly design.

On the downside, the FT-60 lacks some of the modern features found in newer radios, such as digital modes, Bluetooth, or GPS. Its bulky design may also be a drawback for users seeking a more lightweight device. Despite these limitations, the FT-60 remains a reliable choice for those who value robust analog performance and affordability.

In the end, the Yaesu FT-60 is worth the hype for those looking for a solid, dependable transceiver that gets the job done without the frills of modern digital features. If you’re in the market for a no-nonsense, durable radio that delivers consistent performance, the FT-60 is definitely worth considering. If you own one or have used it in the past, feel free to share your experiences in the comments below!