Richard,

The biggest advantage to the Kenwood is that you get true dual-band
operation, by which I mean that you can be monitoring one repeater while
actually working another one.  With the cheaper handhelds, once the radio
hears something, it locks onto the signal, and you can't listen to the other 
band until the current signal disappears.  Also, the Kenwood covers three 
amateur bands, and can receive everything from the AM broadcast band up 
through 800MHz (excluding cell phones, of course).  Of course, if your main 
consideration is price, and you don't want the additional features, then go 
for the cheap handhelds.

Steve

until the first signal goes away.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Fiorello" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 14:51
Subject: hand-helds


> Hi;
> Just have to ask what if anything does the kenwood thf6a that has been
> very popular offer over these new very low priced hand helds?  For some
> of the prices I've seen it would hardly be worth repairing one.  The
> kenwood thf6a is drastically more expensive and not sure what one gets
> for all that cash.  Has to be putting a dent in the sale of handhelds by
> kenwood icom and yaesu.
>
> -- 
> richard
>