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After passing their exam at HamCram, many students are anxious to go purchase their first radio. I've taken a look at what's out there and have created a list of the models best suited to new Hams. I've avoided the more complex models that take a computer to program (effectively) or have so many features that even old Hams throw up their hands in confusion.
What to Buy: Handheld Radios
Here are the models I recommend:
Single band, 2 meters ($120-$140)
Yaesu VX150 -- This radio is a fairly direct descendent of Vertex commercial radios (Vertex/Standard/Yaesu are a single company, now mostly owned by Motorola).
Yaesu VX170 -- Basically, this is a 150 with a LCD display -- I recently purchased one of these to show at HamCram and it's become my favorite radio. OK, one of my favorites. It's easy to use and I don't have to keep the manual handy every time I turn it on.
Icom IC-V82 -- This is a big handie-talkie capable of an impressive 7-watts of output power. Skip the digital add-on features that Icom is touting.
Kenwood TH-K2AT -- I am not a big fan of Kenwood radios, but this is their best option. Kenwood seems to be slowly getting out of Ham Radio.
Dual band, 2 meters and 440 MHz. ($170-$190)
Icom IC-T7SPORT
Yaesu FT60R
If all I knew about a radio was its brand name, I'd buy Yaesu first, Icom second, Kenwood third, and everyone else (including the cheap talkies sold on eBay shipped direct from China) last.
What to Buy: Accessories
It is easy to spend more on accessories than the radio! Here are the common accessories, listed in the order in which I would purchase them.
Car charger
Mobile antenna
AA-Battery Holder
Extra rechargeable battery
Speaker/Mic
Better handheld antenna
Base charger
Optional: Programming software and cable (sometimes sold separately)