Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, 3:16 p.m. — One of the best values in HF+VHF transceivers has long been the Icom IC-746PRO. It’s an easy rig to operate and full of excellent features.
Unfortunately, it was discontinued.
It’s replacement is the IC-7410, a rig that is virtually the same size as the 746 with a nearly identical front panel layout. Some features have been upgraded (and are touted in its advertising). And while Icom pitches this as the replacement for the 746PRO, there’s something important missing — the 2-meter band.
The IC-7410 is an HF+6M rig, without the added bonus of 2 meters. While it may replace the 746PRO in the price range, it quietly shaves off one of its best features.
The true replacement for the 746PRO isn’t the 7410, but the soon-to-be-released IC-9100, which will feature both the 2-meter and 70 cm bands, plus room to add D-Star and 1.2 GHz. I’m not sure what price this rig will have, but it will certainly be well beyond the price range of the 746PRO; it’ll probably be closer to the $2,000 price range.
And yeah, I guess if I was looking at a new Icom, it would be the IC-9100. It’s just a bit of slight-of-hand that they’re replacing one of the best values in ham gear with something less — while promoting it as something more. I expect to stay away from the IC-7410 … unless I see a good deal on one, hi!
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