[CQ-Contest] IC-706 vs. FT-857

[Kelly Taylor]

Hi all,

I'm considering these two radios for portable contesting and backup at home (or primary if they outperform the 850).

But the 706 presents a problem with the mics. My Heil won't work with the 706 (according to Mr. Heil, anyway), and the Heil "ic" elements which work with the 706 aren't directly compatible with the 850. (Too bad the 706 doesn't have the same mic input stages as the PROs.)

If so, how does the 857 stack up to the glowing reports I've heard of the 706?

Thoughts?

73, kelly
ve4xt