My parents are looking at getting a couple of 2m handhelds, mostly for emergency SHTF use, I think. They're not tech savvy and have been out of the HAM circle for about 15 years now, although they've maintained their licenses. I've been out of it myself recently and haven't kept up with the tech, so I'm looking for recommendations.
The Yaesu VX-8DR was recommended to them, but it seems way too complicated for what they need and can manage. They like the ruggedness and compactness. After a quick search, I thought maybe the FT-270R would be better suited to them and it's a lot more economical.
I always ran Kenwood when I was active, but I know Yaesu makes good quality stuff too, and they like the submersible feature. That would've saved my TH28A that I drowned in the backseat of my Honda Accord when I was in high school, but that's a story for another day.
I encouraged them to reacquaint themselves with their local club, but thought I'd ask here too. Any recommendations?
The Yaesu VX-8DR was recommended to them, but it seems way too complicated for what they need and can manage. They like the ruggedness and compactness. After a quick search, I thought maybe the FT-270R would be better suited to them and it's a lot more economical.
I always ran Kenwood when I was active, but I know Yaesu makes good quality stuff too, and they like the submersible feature. That would've saved my TH28A that I drowned in the backseat of my Honda Accord when I was in high school, but that's a story for another day.
I encouraged them to reacquaint themselves with their local club, but thought I'd ask here too. Any recommendations?