Opinions on Yaesu FT-991

[K0RGR]

You might consider selling the 817 and getting a KX3 for your portable work. 10 watts is 3 dB better than 5. They have a 2 meter add on for it now, too.

The 991 looks OK to me - if someone gave me one I wouldn't throw it out. It might eventually become a replacement for my ancient IC-746. I don't think it would
be a very good portable, though - I bet it sucks battery power at a serious clip. You might want to check the specs. I looked at their ads and they don't list receive current drain, and their website rejected my attempts to download a brochure.

[N8YX]

I wish the thing had a remote head option, just like I wish the 817-ND did. Mounting options for either are severely constrained in and on my vehicles.

[2W0IWM]

I'm not sure I can afford to go for a KX3 plus a new radio for the house just yet, but it's a consideration for the future. I need to do my homework on the KX3 first though. I have the manual for the 991, so I'll check the standby current now... Gimme a sec... Whew,

RX - no signal - 1.8A
RX - signal present - 2.2 A

bit of a hungry hippo Amps wise.

it would be nice if the head could be used remote like some of the other radios. When I started out in amateur radio, I had the 897D. Great set, which I used as a base and portable set. I assumed the 991 was its replacement. I now think I'm wrong.... Still kind of like it though. Damn... Lol