what is the best radio to use now

i am thinking of coming back to this hobby but unsure what radio to buy. in the 70s and 80s i ran the 148 gtl dx, i have been on ebay and they are out of my price range. i have about £150 to £200 to spend on a radio, what would like something that can preform as well as the 148 did, can you please help.
Dave.

I bought a CRT Xenon for the car off eBay for £50 with a mag mount whippy... I had a Midland 3001 back in the 80's but didn't want to spend a fortune on a rig to find there is no one this side of Bristol using CB still.... So far around Torquay I have heard no one...

There are a few HAM users in Barton, not sure on CB

President McKinley.

Save a bit more and get a used hf rig

Ok like the summer camp coffee warmer the 450 or the 706

ft-450d is a very good radio and not too expensive.
Built in tuner so a long wire end fed for not a lot and your are cooking on gas.
Don't forget the 30Amp power supply.

Hi Dave, I'd heartily recommend the CRT 6900, or the CRT 9900.  Both radios are also known as the AnyTone 5555 and 6666 when re-branded.  The 6900/5555 are both within your price range and are very easy to use.....the 9900/6666 are a bit more expensive and are a bit more complicated.  All these radios can be programmed by the shop to cover all the bands between 10-11 metres, so it's an ideal starting point for FM/AM/SSB comms across the amateur bands, and more.  As you're coming back to the hobby, I'd opt for the 6900/5555, as they will have a 'familiar feel' with the displays and knobs where they should be, if you know what I mean?  Both rigs can be used at home with a battery/transformer, or in the car, and work great with both home antennas and mobile antennas on the car roof.

I hope this helps chap?

Cheers

Simon.

I have owned anytone q5v6 and the q6.  SS3900 (one of my favs) was a Grant fan for ever (just because I didn't want to be like everyone else (cobra 148gtl/2000gtl)lol  few Royce am/ssb radios, (I collect them) But I'd have to say  a good ol HF rig, I owned 2 Yaesu FT 757GX2. Moved onto the KEnwood TS430S then to the TS440s and now the TS450s.  they just offer more options , filtering, ATU on some of them. I own a Xeigu G90 SDR, it's neat little radio, but I like my older HF stuff for SSB work. With a good speaker or headphones, it makes it more "comfortable" I guess to listen too.  ANd for the prices of some of these newer radios?   You can aquire and decent older HF unit.  I still have the Anytone q5 V6 (5555 V6)  Its ok.  its my back up  unit on the desk or beats around in the mobile at times for road trips ect.  Btw, the Xeigu G90 paired to  a RM Italy KL203,  most can't tell the difference between the Icom 7300 or my Station when its in use. lol  and  is still cheaper than the Icom 7300.  But not much to look at as opposed to the IC7300 ;-)

Hi Dave. As some others I would recommend the 6900 as it is in the price range you are looking at, or the G90 if you can save some more, but only because I am using these two and they are performing for me superbly. My G90 is not on 11m because I want to keep it stock, but on 10m (which effectively has the same as conditions as 11m) with the power wound down to 10W it performs well. Know one knows I am using a cheapish 10m radio or the G90 unless they ask and are often quite surprised when they learn what they are.

With my first contact into Belgium on the 6900 I had a long QSO and the OP was so surprised at the radio and low power I was using he spent some time with me first turning off his amp, then turning his power down to closer to mine, and he only dropped a couple of S points. He finished with the words "some times I wonder why I spend all my money on this equipment I have".

I do like a good button pressing and knob twiddling  ..if you do then an older used HF set may be the way to go like has also been suggested. I am sure I would love to use one too, but haven't had hands on to comment.