QRP Head 2 Head(ish): Yaesu FTX-1 vs Icom IC-705

IMHO, neither one of these radios are true FIELD radios. My opinion of a field radio is one that can be easily backpacked, is lightweight and does not include a sensitive touch screen. For example, radios like the KX2 and the LAB599 Discovery TX500 are true FIELD radios. The IC-705 and the FTX-1 are IMHO drive up, picnic bench radios. 

While the FTX-1 is YET another flashy Yaesu rig, there are several issues I have observed while watching several YouTuber FTX-1 reviews. 

• The IC-705 includes WIFI, GPS and Bluetooth where the FTX-1 does not offer WIFI but does offer GPS and Bluetooth as add on options. With WIFI and GPS you can easily run an app for FT8 and wirelessly coneect to the IC-705. The FTX-1 requires a laptop and a cable between the units.
• The AMP for the FTX-1 has no separation cable so remote mounting the AMP in a vehicle cannot be accomplished. 
• The APRS has no reply function. Apparently Yaesu is aware of this and they claim they will be fixing this oversight in the future.  
• The placement of the HF / VHF UHF antenna connections is backward. Therefore you cannot place a vertical antenna on the U/V antenna port because doing so blocks the HF antenna port.  
• The RX current draw is double the draw on the IC-705. Since the FTX-1 has a large capacity battery, this may not be so much of an issue.

In summary, there are positive aspects to the FTX-1 as well. 

If you are looking for a picnic bench POTA activation rig, then either the IC-705 or the FTX-1 will do the job. 

The FTX-1 has a crisper screen, and is a true dual band radio. It has dual, front firing speakers and some say better RX sensitivity and selectivity. 

Personally, I have done POTA activations on and off over the years. I am a CW / FT8 operator and use my KX3, a Bioenno 3Ah battery along with ham sticks and other wire antennas. 

Like everything else in life, you need to make the choice that best suits you needs. 

73 de Gary - KE2YK