FT-991A vs IC-7300: Ham Radio Showdown

I get asked this question a lot! Which radio should you buy, the Yaesu FT-991A or the Icom IC-7300, both great radios for the starting ham.

In this video I hope to answer that question and show the key similarities, differences and specifications that I looked at when comparing the two radios.

Buy a Icom IC-7300

Buy a Yaesu FT-991A

Above links are affiliate.

Brochures:

Yaesu FT-991A -

⏱️TIMESTAMPS⏱️
0:00 A Common Question
0:37 Why Did I Sell my FT-991A?
1:11 Similarities between the two radios
3:08 Key Differences - The FT-991A
5:27 Key Differences - The Icom IC-7300
8:26 What Radio Do I Recommend?

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► Ham Mail: Hayden Honeywood - P.O Box 5071, Sandy Bay Tasmania 7005 Australia

#HamRadio #FT991 #IC7300

Music:

[forgetyourlife]

This video should have been 3 days long with lots of people arguing and taking sides then finally just staring at one another in disgust.

[AdamosDad]

After about 2 years studying the two, I finally bought the Yaesu FT 991A and am very happy so far.🖐🏼🎙73's kd9oam

[floridomd]

It appears that you failed to mention the receiver types on these. The FT-991A has a triple-conversion super-het receiver with an SDR front end. The IC-7300 is a pure ADC SDR. This might be a big talking point to some. The IC-7300 has a better receiver than the FT-991A. The FT-991A does not suffer from RX overload like the IC-7300.

[JosephAnthonyJosefius]

I have the FT991A, I love it. My favorite mode is CW, the 991A has the APF (Audio Peak Filter) button for CW which works great. Also, I love having the option to do 2 meter SSB and CW :)

[acestudioscouk-Ace-GACE]

Thanks for a good comparison based on personal experience. A bonus for UK amateurs is that the IC300 has capability for the 4m band allocation. In some parts of the country, 4m is more popular than 6m.

[peter-vkacz]

“Need to have one of these in your shack?” Almost... I think you nailed it Hayden, but I went one further... both need to be in the shack! Separating these two great radios is like being asked which child you love the most!
I enjoy them equally, just for different reasons.
Good video - all good points made - as usual, Hayden. Thank you!
Peter, VK3ACZ

[tracysroberts]

I've had an IC-7300 for about 6 months. It was a huge upgrade from my TS-570S, particularly as I mostly work digital modes. The Signalink and my botched up CAT control cables went back into the parts box. I'd love something to cover 2m and 70cm but that would be a hard sell for the wife. Cheers, VK3TTT

[thorktjt]

Just purchased a 7300. So far.... I love it! I'm having a lot of fun with it and my DXC Classic ABV. Thanks Hayden!

[kholt]

Just got a 7300 because I have used it at FD with my club. Love it. Also have a 7100, 706m2g. Have 2 yaesu HT.

[Mxyzptlk]

I do enjoy my 7300 because it’s so easy to use. I bought a 991a and had it briefly, but having to look up every function via a long numbered menu list got tiring. Sure after a lot of use I’d get used to it, but I didn’t have to do that for the 7300. So I sold the 991a and hello 9700.

[SirFrucka]

Just ordered one from DX Engineering! Was supposed to not be in stock until about July 29th, but was refreshing tabs and 5 popped into stock. Still out everywhere else. As of 6:54 PM Pacific 6/08/2022 there are two left. Hope I like it. Very little chance I wont.

[markrowell]

I have both radios. I have been an ICOM user for many years and I LOVE the human interface on the IC-7300. It is intuitive and so simple to find what you want to change that I hardly ever have to refer to the manual.

I bought the Yaesu FT-991A because the local repeaters change to a C4FM capable machine and I thought it would be nice to be able to use that mode. After receiving it I thought the interface was absolutely horrible. I have owned it about a year and the manual is already dog eared from me constantly have to look up how to use its features. For that reason, I never use it for HF and relegate it to VHF/UHF/C4FM only. It may have great specifications and VHF/UHF functionality, but I really regret buying that radio. On the plus side, the C4FM mode is easy to operate. I bought an ICOM ID-5100 to get D-Star capability for the vehicle and that mode is a bit harder to use.

[piquat]

At 10:10, DSTAR is also found in the Icom ID-5100. Does dual RX, even has a diplexer built into it so it can act as a local repeater with a dual band antenna. Work in the back garage with the 440 handheld and the 5100 repeating out on 2m. Capable little radio.

[DonzLockz]

I keep changing my mind... now I think I want the FT991A. I still need to save up so more homework to do. Thanks for the info Hayden. ✌️🤓

[IowaSheepdog]

I looked at both and decided on the 7300. I like the form factor better and ultimately did not want an all-in-one radio. I picked up a 9700 for my VHF/UHF needs. I like ICOM’s base radio line better for the shack radios. It’s a different story for mobile and HT. I have a FT-3DR for my HT and I am going to pick up a FT-400XDR for mobile use.

[GraemeKoch]

Excellent video Hayden, I like the FT-991A a lot, but prefer to add the IC-9700 to my IC-7300 as well. Thanks, Hayden.👍

[Jules]

Near future 991a owner once it is shipped. Love my 857D so the 991a was an easy win. But with the exception of the larger display and record feature I was very tempted.

[TheNoCodeTech]

HLTW TeamReplay for the win.
Great stuff here mate. Think I'm going with both for the answer 991a for portable and 7300 for home.

[Pacman]

I have the 991A love this radio it has VHF/UHF which is a plus when you don't have alot of room. I also like it has C4FM which I don't only use with my hotspot but there is a group of guys on 29.250 on C4FM Its also nice having 2m ssb I thought about buying a 7300 since i have never owned a Icom in my life but I love all my Yaesu radios!

[darylcheshire]

I own the Icom-IC 7300 since Tuesday. I’m still waiting for a commercial portable antenna, I have attempted to connect simple wire (speaker cables) but haven’t heard anyone so looking forward to getting the real antenna and setting it up in assorted picnic locations and mixing it with camping when it gets warmer.