Yaesu FT-991A vs Icom IC-7300! Which Is Better?
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Today we compare Yaesu FT-991A vs Icom IC-7300. We’re breaking this down into key categories so you can decide which radio deserves a place in your shack. These radios are both popular, but depending on what you’re looking for, one might edge out the other. Let’s get into it.
Display and User Interface
When it comes to the display, the Icom IC-7300 absolutely wins this round. It has a 4.3-inch touchscreen that’s responsive, easy to navigate, and offers one of the smoothest waterfall displays in this price range. You can make out even the faintest signals with ease. It feels fluid, almost like you’re using a smartphone. The waterfall scrolls in real-time, and the IC-7300’s interface is intuitive, making it simple to adjust settings without diving into multiple menus .
On the Yaesu FT-991A, the waterfall is functional but not as smooth. You might feel like you’re watching a slideshow rather than a real-time display. It’s decent, but when you compare it directly with the IC-7300, it just doesn’t hold up. The interface is also more complicated. Yaesu’s menu system has a steeper learning curve, and it’s not as user-friendly as Icom’s layout .
Features and Functionality
The Yaesu FT-991A is a true shack-in-a-box, offering HF, VHF, and UHF. If you want one radio to do everything, this is it. You get 100 watts on HF and 6 meters, plus 50 watts on 2 meters and 70 centimeters. It also includes C4FM, Yaesu’s digital voice mode, which can be useful if your local repeaters support it. This makes it a versatile option for operators who want to cover all the bands without needing separate radios .
In contrast, the Icom IC-7300 is more focused on HF and 6 meters bands only. You won’t get VHF or UHF here, and there’s no digital voice mode like D-STAR or C4FM. But what it lacks in band coverage, it makes up for in receiver performance and overall quality. It’s designed for those who primarily operate on HF and want the best performance in that spectrum .
Performance and Sound Quality
If you’re looking at receiver performance, the IC-7300 is hard to beat. Thanks to its RF direct sampling system, the 7300 is incredibly sensitive, offering better noise reduction and cleaner signals compared to the FT-991A. It’s especially good at pulling in weak signals, making it perfect for DX hunters . The audio on the IC-7300 is also well-regarded, with operators often getting unsolicited “great audio” reports straight out of the box .
The FT-991A performs well on HF, but the IC-7300 edges it out in overall sound clarity. The ALC (Automatic Level Control) on the FT-991A can sometimes limit the audio quality, especially if you’re using external processing gear. Also, while the C4FM digital mode sounds interesting, many users report it sounds like a bad MP3 when in use.
Ease of Use and Programming
For ease of use, the IC-7300 wins. Its touchscreen interface is intuitive, and you’re not bogged down by layers of confusing menus. Everything feels streamlined, and even first-time users can get the hang of it fairly quickly. Plus, with Icom’s consistent firmware updates, the radio continues to improve over time .
The Yaesu FT-991A, on the other hand, has a more complex menu system that can be frustrating. Navigating through different settings requires more steps, and the touchscreen doesn’t feel as smooth as Icom’s. This can be a downside, especially if you’re the type of operator who likes to tweak settings on the fly.
Build Quality and Portability
Both radios are solidly built, but the Yaesu FT-991A has a bit more of a reputation for final amplifier failures, especially when running high-power digital modes like FT8. Some users have had issues with the finals blowing out, which can be costly to repair . The IC-7300, on the other hand, has fewer reported issues and is generally considered more reliable over long-term use .
When it comes to portability, the IC-7300 is slightly more power-efficient. If you’re running on battery, the IC-7300’s lower power consumption makes it a better option for portable use. It draws about 0.9 amps on standby compared to the FT-991A’s 1.8 amps, so you can operate longer without draining your battery.
Price and Value
Price-wise, both radios are similarly priced, but what you get depends on what you need. The Yaesu FT-991A offers more bands and the ability to operate on VHF and UHF, which is a huge plus if you want a single radio for everything. For the money, it’s the better value if you need an all-in-one setup .
However, if HF performance is your priority, the Icom IC-7300 gives you more bang for your buck. The receiver performance, better user interface, and smoother waterfall make it a fantastic option for HF operators. You’ll feel like you’re getting a higher-end radio with the IC-7300, even if it doesn’t cover VHF and UHF.
Verdict
So, which radio should you go for? If you want a do-it-all radio with HF, VHF, and UHF in one package, the Yaesu FT-991A is the one to go for. It’s versatile, covers multiple bands, and includes C4FM, even if the user interface and waterfall aren’t as refined .
But, if you’re focused primarily on HF and want the best receiver performance, smooth user experience, and less hassle with menus, the Icom IC-7300 is hands-down the better choice. It’s more power-efficient, has better audio, and is easier to use, especially if you plan on doing more portable or field operations .
Let me know in the comments which one you’re leaning towards—are you team Yaesu or team Icom?