Straying a bit from my usual Chinese radios, but I thought it was interesting to see
W0STU's review of the FT-65R and some comparisons to the Chinese HTs. He sums up:
"The new Yaesu FT-65R is a nice update to the FT-60R, just not a perfect
one in our view. Returning a VFO knob and the regular SMA antenna jack
would get much closer to the perfect update. The updated menu structure
and display are unquestionably nice mods, with just enough legacy
characteristics to make the learning transition a breeze. The relocated function
key and the operator-programmable keys are master strokes. The
transceiver’s performance characteristics are top-notch, much superior
to that observed in Chinese-branded and manufactured HTs. The bottom
line — we will add the FT-65R to our list of recommended, basic, first
radios for the new Technician licensee, and we may even find ourselves
regularly snagging this HT off the shelf as that “go to” radio when
heading out the door."