Discover the real story behind the Yaesu FTX1 Field model. A veteran ham operator breaks down 5 key flaws, compares it to the IC-705, and shares field-tested insights every operator should know.
🎬 Summary / Introduction
There’s been a lot of chatter about the Yaesu FTX1 Field Model lately — from glowing praise to heated criticism. In this video, Jason KC5HWB dives deep into what’s not so perfect about this much-hyped portable transceiver. Forget the fanfare and the “sponsored” hype — this is a raw, honest look from a real operator who’s spent time in the field, not in the studio.
As someone who’s been operating QRP and portable setups for years, I had to share this one. Too often, we only hear the “wow” moments of a new rig. This breakdown offers a refreshingly grounded take on the FTX1, especially for hams considering it as their next SOTA or POTA companion.
👤 Creator Bio
Creator: Ham Radio 2.0 – Jason KC5HWB
Jason is a seasoned amateur radio operator and YouTuber who covers everything from gear reviews to live contesting, field days, and hamfest tours. His goal is to keep the ham community informed and inspired — with a focus on real-world use over brand loyalty.
Follow Jason:
- 🔗 YouTube Channel
- 🌐 Website
- 🐦 Twitter/X
⚡ 3 Key Takeaways
- Weight is a major issue – The Yaesu FTX1 Field is significantly heavier than the Icom IC-705, even without the battery.
- Honesty matters – Despite rumors, Jason clarifies that Yaesu (and others) never paid him for reviews.
- Field vs. Portable confusion – The “Field” designation doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ideal for backpacking or lightweight portable ops.
🧭 Step-by-Step Breakdown: 5 Things Wrong with the FTX1 Field
1. Weight
“When I picked this up at Dayton Hamvention, the first thing everyone said was: it’s heavy.”
Even with the battery removed, the FTX1 feels noticeably denser than comparable models like the IC-705. If your goal is ultralight field ops, this rig might be overkill.
2. BNC Ports
Jason hints that the BNC connectors may not be as robust as expected for a field radio. This could be a long-term durability concern, especially in rugged conditions.
3. Design & Balance
The radio’s ergonomics make it less comfortable for handheld or mobile use. Its layout feels like it was designed for “tabletop field use” rather than quick-deploy scenarios.
4. Battery Setup
The battery design adds weight and complicates portability. Compared to modular battery options on similar rigs, the FTX1 feels less flexible.
5. Expectation vs. Reality
Yaesu markets the “Field” model as portable, but Jason argues it’s more of a stationary outdoor radio. The difference between “Field” and “Portable” really matters when you’re hiking uphill with your gear.
🧰 Resources Mentioned
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Yaesu FTX1 Field | The subject of the review; a high-performance field transceiver aimed at portable operators. |
| Icom IC-705 | A popular benchmark for lightweight QRP rigs. Jason compares it directly to the FTX1. |
| Signal Stick Antenna | A durable, flexible antenna ideal for field communications; used in Jason’s demo. |
| Dayton Hamvention | The largest ham radio event in the U.S., where Jason first handled the FTX1. |
💡 My Personal Advice as a Ham Operator
If you’re planning to backpack or activate SOTA/POTA sites, weight and battery flexibility are everything. While the FTX1 performs well technically, I’d recommend testing it in the field before committing. For casual portable ops from a campsite or vehicle, it’s fantastic — but for mountaintop activations, you’ll feel that extra heft.
Remember: the best radio is the one you’ll actually carry.
❓ FAQ
1. Is the Yaesu FTX1 Field worth the upgrade from the IC-705?
If you prioritize audio quality, maybe. But for portability, the 705 still wins.
2. Does Jason get paid by Yaesu for these reviews?
No. He explicitly clarifies that all his reviews are unpaid and unbiased.
3. Can the battery be replaced easily?
Not quite as convenient as the HT style IC-705 battery system. For SOTA type activations, carrying an extra FTX1 battery would require additional consideration.
4. Is the FTX1 suitable for POTA/SOTA?
It can work, but the weight might be a drawback for longer hikes or backpack activations.
5. How does the FTX1’s build compare to Icom or Kenwood models?
Sturdy and durable, perhaps — but arguably too much radio for lightweight operations.
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