[VHFcontesting] IF Radio Advice - Adding On and Portable Ops.

[Jarred Jackson]

I am thinking about adding an FT-817 as a new IF radio for the rover station on 902 and above that can be easily removed and used as a liason/portable radio for a future 10 GHz tripod mounted portable station. I would like to have the option for 6m/2m/432 on the portable station and I have a FT-290R as the IF radio for 10 GHz. Weight and current consumption are considerations when using it as a liason/portable radio as this setup needs to be carried up a trail to the final location and will be battery powered. But I am willing to sacrifice a little weight and battery power if the FT-817 just doesn't perform well on VHF/UHF bands. I am concerned about the sensitivity specs on the 817, but not sure if I should be. 
 
Are there any other IF/Portable radios I should be considering? 
Any downsides to the 817 I should know about?