The button is raised from its encasement surround, in contrast to the older FT-60’s mildly recessed PTT design. The button protrudes from the upper left side of the HT, tilted up at a slight angle that ergonomically accommodates either thumb or forefinger activation. Within a day of intermittent use I found myself appreciating the size and weight, as well as the simplified but comfortably familiar keys and menu structure.įeatures: Perhaps the most standout new feature of the FT-65R is the PTT button. It is slightly narrower than the FT-60R in all dimensions, making a comfortable fit into the palm and sporting a more-than-adequate belt clip. Although we did not conduct destructive testing, the FT-65R gives an impression of rugged reliability at a mere 9.17 ounces, nearly 4 ounces less than its older brother. We found, however, that beyond those surface features was a well-conceived, simple-to-operate, and in many ways improved Yaesu basic HT that preserved some of the best features of the FT-60. At least it doesn’t speak Chinese to you when you press the keys. But the reverse SMA antenna jack may be more than some loyal fans can stomach. The FT-65R is, in fact, made in China with Yaesu Japanese design. We picked up a new FT-65R at Ham Radio Outlet, Denver, in March 2017 and put it through the paces.įirst Impressions: For some stalwart Yaesu HT fans the FT-60R will give a poor first impression as “too Chinese,” sacrificing some of the older brother’s rounded feature styling and small illuminated keys for more “Baofeng-like” sharp angles and larger unlighted keys.

Ft 60 chirp programming