Yaesu FT-252/257

[rusty_tlc]

Looks like Yaesu is trying to get into the low end HT market.
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0252.html

Still more expensive than Beofeng and only mono band but you get the Yaesu name, for what that's worth. The radios are probably built in the same factory as Beofeng.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

It's waterproofed, unlike the Baofeng.

Still for that price you could get 3 Baofengs,, which are down to $35 on Amazon.

 

[4x4mike]

I saw those new units on the Yaesu site the other day. I don't have my finger on the pulse of the HT or radio world but I had not heard of them. It seems like they should have a more basic radio with a lower price. Most companies have these models. Like Warn with their Tabor and VR lines.

I imagine the Yaesus will be a little more solid, have better batteries, warranties, replacement parts, etc. Having said that I have a Yaesu HT and a Boefeng HT.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I think if you did a positive negative comparison the Baofeng would come out on top, and not by a small margin. Dual band and DTMF/key board pretty much seal that deal by themselves.

About the only two things the Yaesu radios have over the Baofeng are the price and waterproofing. I've had my VX-7r for a few years and the waterproofing has never been required (YMMV).

So it comes down to how much you are willing to pay for a brand name. (I seriously doubt the quality is that much different between the two radios.)