Favorite form factor?

[Tony.RI]

I like the Jedi the best. While I like Saber's controls and prefer the lower prices, they are awkwardly too tall. The Astro that I have, an XTS3000, just seems too clunky and thicker than it needs to be. For me, I'm happy with my HT1000 and MT2000. They're just how I feel a standard-size handheld should be.

I started thinking about this last week when I started using my new-to-me MT2000 more than the XTS3K, even with the bad LCD. So, what are your favorite form factors and why?

[Terry_Glover]

I'm with you on the Jedi's. They're still my favorites, including the HT1000s, JT1000s, MTS2000s & MT2000s. The full keypad models with OEM batteries (with the finger grip indentations on the rear corners) and a tall OEM wideband VHF antenna are the most handsome and macho looking.

Every year or so someone here resurrects this question and out of all the different past and present H/T's the Jedi's seem to remain among the most popular everytime.

[jnglmassiv]

If I'm wearing it or in the car, I prefer the Sabers' ff. In hand or on a lot of tabletops, jedis are great.

[n1oty]

I, too, like the Jedi's, but I think the xts2500 is a much better form factor.

John

[DPL]

XTS2500 for me. The Jedis were my favorite until I got one of these, though.

The 3000s/5000s are too bulky for me.


Although, if I need a radio to tuck in my pocket or my backpack, I take my Saber or Astro Saber. And they win hands down in the looks category, too.

[MT2000 man]

Out of all the radios (from M) out today, my trusty MTS2000 Jedi is hands down the most rugged (well, the Saber/Astro Saber takes first prize for that, but are much too LARGE to carry around "off duty", or with any casual clothing), and reliable radio. Perfect size, very dependable, and as common as a Honda Civic. The Jedi series has GREAT audio, great sensitivity, and not *TOO* bulky. However, one drawback to the Jedi series is that it's (as Elroy used to say) a "snap-together" radio. That was never an issue for me however, the MTS still remains my everyday/best radio for both reliability and durability.
I say, give me an MTS/MT2000 any day of the week.
Now, if i had to choose a purely Digital radio, it would be the Astro Saber, hands down. The Astro Saber is tough as nails, can be used as a club (and still work after), thrown, dropped, kicked, etc. and it will just keep on working. The only problem is a majority of the people do not want to carry around a radio that's the size of a 6D celled Mag-lite lol.

[Tony.RI]

Out of all the radios (from M) out today, my trusty MTS2000 Jedi is hands down the most rugged (well, the Saber/Astro Saber takes first prize for that, but are much too LARGE to carry around "off duty", or with any casual clothing), and reliable radio. Perfect size, very dependable, and as common as a Honda Civic. The Jedi series has GREAT audio, great sensitivity, and not *TOO* bulky. However, one drawback to the Jedi series is that it's (as Elroy used to say) a "snap-together" radio. That was never an issue for me however, the MTS still remains my everyday/best radio for both reliability and durability.
I say, give me an MTS/MT2000 any day of the week.
Now, if i had to choose a purely Digital radio, it would be the Astro Saber, hands down. The Astro Saber is tough as nails, can be used as a club (and still work after), thrown, dropped, kicked, etc. and it will just keep on working. The only problem is a majority of the people do not want to carry around a radio that's the size of a 6D celled Mag-lite lol.

You just can't beat the Sabers in sound quality, durability, ergonomics, and great surplus prices. But they're just so dang big! (And wideband only...) I'm still looking forward to getting good prices on Astro Sabers, though!

I've been wondering about the phrase "snap together." Do you mean that thats how the battery connects, or is it in reference to internal parts?

[MT2000 man]

Believe it or not, Astro Sabers have come down significantly compared to say 3-6 years ago. I remember the average UHF Astro Saber III on E-bay was well north of $800, most of the time not including things like the charger, battery, etc. Now, they are almost half that. Also keep in mind, the Astro Saber was discontinued quite some time ago, and is NOT a current product. The regular Analog saber was discontinued AGES ago. I think the same will go for the XTS5000's in a few years as far is the price is concerned.
Anyway, "snap-together" is referred to as the battery "snapping on" the back of the radio. Whereas the saber, it just slides on, and is more secure.

[N4KVE]

Actually "snap together" on a Jedi refers to the radio. It "snaps together". Except for a small screwdriver at the bottom of the radio to start the disassembly process, no tools are necessery. A completely disassembled Jedi "snaps together" with no tools. I do love the Jedi & equipped with the 7143 battery fits my hand well. My favorite is a short Saber w/o encryption mated to a short battery. Now that's short & slim. Fits a back pocket great. GARY N4KVE

[MT2000 man]

Actually "snap together" on a Jedi refers to the radio. It "snaps together". Except for a small screwdriver at the bottom of the radio to start the disassembly process, no tools are necessery. A completely disassembled Jedi "snaps together" with no tools. I do love the Jedi & equipped with the 7143 battery fits my hand well. My favorite is a short Saber w/o encryption mated to a short battery. Now that's short & slim. Fits a back pocket great. GARY N4KVE

lol all this time I thought it was the battery snapping to the back, therefore "snap-together'. lol Man I feel like a dumb***. Thanks for the clarification Gary !

Mike

[N4KVE]

No problem. We all learn something every day. I know nothing compared to some of the folks here. GARY N4KVE

[mruwave]

I fully realize that I'm an old fart, but my hand fits perfectly around a high power HT220!!!! If you can't get to your pistol, you can use it to incapacitate the perp, and it'll still work when you call in to have a call for assistance downgraded. Besides, they just look cool. Second place goes to the P1225/GP300, but the knobs on the 220 set it off perfectly.

- Jim

[MT2000 man]

I know this thread is a blast from the past, but i figured it is related in a way to this current topic. Enjoy. Please keep in mind that this thread was started back in 2002:

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5130

[SYNTORX71MAN]

Astro Saber, Sabers by Far...Only drawback was sitting them upright on a table...A sneeze would tumble them over...LOL

[devilz311]

I love the JEDI's by far, although I am partial to the standard QC alert tone on the Waris series...

[mike m]

Nice shapely brunette about 30 to 35ish, 125 lbs give or take a few, 5' 6" is just the right fit.

If the subject was radios that you meant, then sabers of course.

But like others have mentioned with the tall battery they do come close to falling over on a table.

[dbusse]

For non-uniform work, the Saber works best under a sportcoat with a surveillance kit-- no bulge.

DLB

[MT2000 man]

Nice shapely brunette about 30 to 35ish, 125 lbs give or take a few, 5' 6" is just the right fit.

If the subject was radios that you meant, then sabers of course.

But like others have mentioned with the tall battery they do come close to falling over on a table.

lol
Yes, the Sabers with the tall batteries do tend to be a bit "too tall'. However, as dbusse said, due to it's thin construction it can easily fit in a back pocket, etc. and one would hardly notice it's there. Try stuffing an XTS5000/XTS3000 in your back pocket lol
Not to get too off topic, but, Speaking of the Saber, looks like circleM is going back to the saber design with the new APX radio. That, combined with the "pistol grip" released battery will make a very good design/form factor for a duty belt (now you can carry both spare mag. clips, and spare battery clips lol).

[Pj]

The Saber/Astro saber of course, with the short battery (but makes the radio look weird). The XTS2500 is a nice size, and the 3000/5000 with the slim battery...and you have yourself a Jedi.

[OCSD117]

Personally liked the Jedi Series till I got an XTS3000 and then once I got an XTS2500 That's where I stand!

[RadioSouth]

Wow, suprised to see so many Saber fans. Me too, big fan of the slimness and with a short battery it's really a completely different package than with that caveman like 4595 battery.

[Tony.RI]

Wow, suprised to see so many Saber fans. Me too, big fan of the slimness and with a short battery it's really a completely different package than with that caveman like 4595 battery.

I think I might need to get me one of the slim batteries.