The agony of choice: Picking a new HF radio in 2024

In the world of amateur radio, choosing a new HF rig in 2024 feels a lot like picking out the last piece of gear you'll ever buy. In my case, that’s not far from the truth—I want this radio to last me a lifetime, and so it’s no small decision. After hours upon hours of poring over reviews, spec sheets, and YouTube demos, I'm finding myself in a frustrating conundrum. With options like the Icom IC-7300, IC-7610, Kenwood TS-890S, Yaesu FTDX10, FT-710, and FTDX101 on the table, you'd think one of them would clearly stand out. But alas, none of these radios ticks all of the boxes I’ve set.

The Wish List (or 'What I’m looking for in my dream HF radio')

User Interface: I like to have all the controls I use most often at my fingertips. I'm not keen on diving into menus to make quick adjustments—especially when you're trying to catch that weak DX station on a narrow band opening. A well-designed user interface with physical knobs for commonly used features is preferable.

Nice Screen: These days, I feel like a decent screen with a good waterfall display isn't too much to ask for, right? But it’s not just about having one—it needs to be visually pleasing and offer the right mix of data at a glance without overwhelming me.

RF Performance: I primarily chase DX using SSB, CW, and data modes like FT8. That means I need a rig with excellent sensitivity, good dynamic range, and the ability to handle crowded bands without folding under the pressure. It’s crucial for me that this radio pulls signals out of the noise, even with my relatively simple wire antennas.

Connectivity: As someone who likes to use digital modes, I need seamless CAT control and straightforward data mode connectivity. Plugging in and getting my PC to talk to the radio shouldn’t be an adventure every time.

Longevity: This is a big one. I’m planning to invest in a radio that will see me through the rest of my days on the air. I want something that’s not only durable but also future-proof in terms of features and firmware updates. 

The Contenders

-Icom IC-7300

It’s hard not to love this little radio. The RF performance, especially for its price, is incredible. The user interface is clean, and Icom's touchscreen is a big selling point. However, the 7300 lacks some of the more robust features found in higher-end radios. Also, its display, while good, is not quite up to the level of the pricier rigs.

-Icom IC-7610

The IC-7610 almost ticks all the boxes. Dual receivers, a better screen than the 7300, and excellent performance on CW and data modes. But then again, it’s a hefty investment. Is it that much better than the IC-7300 to justify the extra cost? Two receivers is a must for many people but not for me.

-Kenwood TS-890S

Fantastic RF performance, one of the best CW rigs out there, and a solid user interface. Price wise it's close to the IC-7610, and it’s just as visually striking. The lack of dual receive isn't a problem for me and I've had a number of Kenwood radios in the past and all were lovely to operate and listen to for extended periods (TS140,TS440,TS480,TS870).

-Yaesu FTDX10

The FTDX10 intrigues me with its compact size and strong RF performance. The screen is good, and the waterfall is smooth. But again, the lack of dedicated knobs for some frequently-used features forces me into menus, which is a pet peeve. It's a great radio, but is it a great fit?

-Yaesu FT-710

The FT-710 feels like a trimmed-down version of the FTDX10, and while it’s got some strong points, it doesn’t quite measure up in the areas that matter most to me—especially in terms of user controls and overall refinement.

-Yaesu FTDX101

The hybrid SDR architecture gives it that edge in dynamic range, and the display is stunning. The downside? It’s big, heavy, and has a price tag to match. And do I really need a rig that complex? There’s a fine line between having advanced features and having so many that I’ll spend half my time figuring out how to use them!

The Struggle

Each of these radios excels in some areas but falls short in others. The Icoms win on the display and general usability front, but I feel like the Yaesu models might have the edge when it comes to pulling in weak DX signals. The TS890s, meanwhile, offer that classic feel and stellar CW performance, coupled with that classic Kenwood audio on SSB.

What’s keeping me stuck in analysis paralysis is the fact that no radio ticks every single box. If only I could combine the best features of each into a custom rig tailored perfectly to my needs! But alas, I’m left weighing trade-offs and wondering if I’ll ever find a radio that feels like 'the one'.

Maybe that’s just the nature of the hobby—there’s always going to be something better on the horizon. But for now, I’ll keep plugging away at reviews, weighing features, and trying to picture which radio will be my companion for the years to come.

I'm hoping very much that when I am finally able to choose, I’ll spend more time on the air and less time wishing I’d picked something else!

Got thoughts on any of these rigs? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from fellow hams wrestling with the same decision!