Should You Buy New or Used Ham Gear?

Every ham hits this question sooner or later: should you buy new or used ham gear? Maybe you just passed your Technician exam, or maybe you’re upgrading from an HT to a full HF station for emergency and off-grid work.

New radios promise a clean slate and factory support. Used radios promise more capability per dollar, but carry a little more risk. The good news: once you understand the trade-offs, you can make a smart call that fits your budget, skills, and goals.

In this guide we’ll first compare the pros and cons of new vs used ham gear, then walk through what to check when buying used, and finally look at some trusted places to shop without getting burned.

New vs Used Ham Gear: Quick Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look at how new and used equipment stack up for most amateur radio operators.

Pros and Cons of Buying New Ham Gear

New equipment is the “plug it in and go” option. You pay more money but trade that for less risk and less fiddling.

Advantages of New Ham Gear

• Full warranty: If something fails early, you’re covered for repair or replacement.
• Dealer support: A good dealer will help with questions, firmware updates, and returns.
• Latest features: Modern filtering, digital modes, built-in sound cards, and better user interfaces.
• Clean history: No mystery about lightning strikes, high-SWR operation, or previous “repairs.”
• Easy to research: You’ll find current reviews, manuals, and active user groups.

Disadvantages of New Ham Gear

• Higher price: You may have to settle for a simpler radio to stay on budget.
• Fast depreciation: Like a new car, some value disappears as soon as you open the box.
• Overkill for starting out: You may not need every fancy feature on day one.

Pros and Cons of Buying Used Ham Gear

Used equipment is how many hams build very capable stations without draining their bank account. The trick is separating “lightly loved” gear from “hard abused” gear.

Advantages of Used Ham Gear

• More radio for the money: A used mid-range HF rig often costs what a new entry-level radio does.
• Access to classic gear: Some older rigs have excellent analog audio, big knobs, and rock-solid reliability.
• Great for backup and experimentation: Perfect for a go-kit, portable setup, or testing antennas without risking your main rig.
• Slower depreciation: If you buy smart, you can often sell used gear later for close to what you paid.

Disadvantages of Used Ham Gear

• Unknown history: You can’t always know if a radio survived a lightning hit or years of poor installations.
• Short warranty or none: Dealers may offer a short used warranty; private sellers often don’t.
• Possible repair costs: A “bargain” radio that needs a display or PA repair can end up costing more than new.
• Older technology: Some used rigs lack modern filtering, USB audio, or easy computer control.

When New Gear Makes More Sense

You’ll usually be happier with new gear when:

• You’re buying your very first radio and don’t have an experienced Elmer to help test used gear.
• You need mission-critical reliability for emergency communications or public service work.
• You want current digital mode support with USB, built-in sound cards, or network control.
• Your budget can comfortably cover the radio and a decent antenna, power supply, and feedline.

If you’re not sure what kind of operating you’ll love yet—VHF repeaters, HF DX, digital modes—starting with a solid new radio from a major brand removes a lot of variables while you learn. You can always add a used backup rig later.

When Used Gear Is the Smarter Move

Used gear shines when you want maximum flexibility per dollar and you’re willing to do a bit of homework.

• You already own one good radio and want a backup or secondary station.
• You’re building a portable or field setup for POTA, SOTA, or emergency deployment.
• You’re eyeing a higher-end radio, but only if you can find it gently used.
• You like tinkering, basic repair work, or learning how older rigs are put together.

If that sounds like you, used gear can multiply your station capability without multiplying the budget. Just be picky about what you buy and who you buy from.

What to Look For When Buying Used Ham Gear

When you’re shopping used, treat every radio like a mini inspection project. Here’s a simple checklist you can follow at a hamfest, club sale, or when a package arrives in the mail.

1. Check the overall condition.

   Look at the case, front panel, and knobs. A few scuffs are normal. Deep gouges, bent rack ears, or cracked plastic can hint at drops or mobile abuse.

2. Inspect the connectors.

   Examine SO-239, power connectors, mic jacks, and accessory ports. Stripped threads, cracked insulators, or green corrosion are all warning signs.

3. Power it up and test basics.

   Make sure the radio powers on reliably, the display is readable, the backlight is even, and all buttons/knobs respond. Spin the main tuning dial to check for skips or jumps.

4. Verify receive performance.

   Tune to strong local repeaters or known HF signals. Does the S-meter behave normally? Try different modes and bandwidths. Excessive hiss, crackling, or deaf receive compared to another radio is a red flag.

5. Measure transmit power and SWR.

   With a dummy load and wattmeter, verify that the rig makes roughly the rated power on at least a couple of bands. Watch SWR and current draw to confirm it isn’t fighting an internal problem.

6. Listen to your transmit audio.

   On FM, ask another station for an honest audio report. On HF SSB, use a second receiver or WebSDR to listen to yourself. Distorted or very weak audio may indicate issues in the microphone, audio chain, or finals.

7. Look inside (if appropriate).

   With power disconnected, gently remove the cover if the seller agrees. You’re looking for burned parts, bodged repairs, insect nests, or evidence of lightning damage like blackened traces.

8. Confirm accessories and documentation.

   Original mic, power cord with proper fusing, brackets, manuals, and programming cables all add value. Their absence isn’t a deal-breaker, but mentally price them into the total cost.

9. Ask about history.

   How long have they owned it? Shack-only, or mobile? Any repairs? Honest sellers will usually share the story, including quirks you might otherwise discover the hard way.

If you’re new, bring an Elmer or another experienced ham along when you can. A second set of eyes (and ears) is worth a lot more than a few dollars saved on a sketchy deal.

Red Flags When Shopping Used Ham Gear

Most used gear is fine, but a few warning signs should make you slow down or walk away.

• “No way to test” combined with a high price.
• Listings marked “parts only”, “for repair”, or “untested, came from estate” when you need a working rig.
• Heavy nicotine staining, rust, or a strong mildew smell inside the radio.
• Obvious DIY modifications with wires tacked onto boards, hot glue everywhere, or unlabelled switches on the case.
• Refusal to provide basic test results like power output numbers or clear photos of the inside.
• Unwillingness to offer any kind of short return period on a relatively expensive radio.

None of these are automatic deal-killers for experienced fix-it hams, but if you need a reliable daily driver, you don’t want your new rig to arrive in “project” condition.

Where to Buy Used Ham Gear Safely

You can find used ham gear almost anywhere online, but some sources are a lot safer than others. Here’s a short list of reputable places to start, including the sites you might already know.

Used Gear from Major Ham Dealers

Many established ham radio dealers maintain a used, open-box, or consignment section on their websites. The advantage is that you’re buying from a business that tests equipment, describes it honestly, and usually offers at least a short warranty.

• Ham Radio Outlet (HRO) Used Equipment — Their used list at hamradio.com/used.cfm is fed from stores around the U.S. and typically includes everything from HTs to HF amps.
• GigaParts Used Radio Gear — Check their used page at gigaparts.com/products/used-radio-gear for trade-ins and open-box items.
• Universal Radio Used Listings — The long-time dealer still hosts used and demo listings plus an FAQ at universal-radio.com/alert.html. Read their notes carefully so you understand terms and warranty on each item.

These dealer sites are great when you want less risk than an anonymous auction but still want the savings that come with used gear.

eBay and Other Big Marketplaces

eBay can be a fantastic source of deals on used ham gear if you’re careful. Search for “used ham radio equipment” and you’ll see everything from vintage HF rigs to modern VHF/UHF mobiles.

A few tips if you’re buying from large marketplaces:

• Stick to sellers with strong feedback and plenty of completed transactions.
• Read the whole listing, including the fine print about returns and shipping.
• Avoid radios listed as “no returns” and “for parts or not working” unless you truly want a project.
• Ask specific questions: “What power output do you see on 20 meters into a dummy load?”
• Pay through methods that include buyer protection and avoid sketchy off-platform deals.

Local Clubs and Hamfests

Don’t forget about the most old-school option: your local radio club and hamfests. These are some of the best places to buy used gear because:

• You can often test radios on site with a dummy load and power supply.
• You may already know the seller or be able to ask around about their reputation.
• Negotiating is easy, and you can walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

While you’re there, you can also meet potential Elmers, get antenna advice, and check out other operators’ stations. For more radio ideas, browse the Radio section here on BrokenSignal.tv after you get home.

Online Classifieds and Specialty Sites

Beyond the big names, there are ham-focused classifieds and aggregators that pull listings from multiple dealers and individuals. These are worth exploring once you’re comfortable evaluating used equipment and prices.

No matter where you shop, the same rules apply: do your homework, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you’re not getting good answers.

Practical Tips Before You Pull the Trigger

• Research the model you’re considering: common failure points, average used price, and needed accessories.
• Budget for the whole station: antenna, feedline, power supply, and maybe a battery if you care about off-grid operation.
• Make a short must-have feature list so you don’t get distracted by knobs you’ll rarely use.
• Compare new vs used pricing from at least two dealers plus one marketplace.
• If you’re into digital comms or mesh projects, check out our Meshtastic articles and other tech projects to see how your radio might integrate.

A little planning up front will keep you from overspending on features you don’t need—or worse, saving a few dollars on a radio that doesn’t actually fit your goals.

FAQ: Buying New vs Used Ham Gear

Is new or used better for a first ham radio?

If your budget allows, new is usually easier for a first radio. You get a warranty, support, and a known-good starting point while you learn the basics of operating and station setup. If you go used, buy from a trusted dealer or local Elmer who can help you test everything before you rely on it.

How old is “too old” for used ham gear?

Age by itself isn’t the problem—condition and parts availability are. A well-cared-for HF rig from 15–20 years ago can still be an excellent performer. On the other hand, a more modern radio that’s been abused or stored in a damp basement might be trouble. Focus on service history, how it was stored, and whether parts and service are still available.

What’s a fair discount for buying used instead of new?

There’s no single rule, but for radios that are still sold new, a clean used price around 60–80% of new is common, depending on age and condition. Rare or very popular rigs can be closer to new price; very old, scratched, or repair-prone radios should be much cheaper. When in doubt, look at multiple recent sold listings, not just one optimistic asking price.

Conclusion: So, Should You Buy New or Used?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a right answer for you.

• Choose new gear if you’re just getting started, want maximum reliability, and prefer to spend your time operating instead of troubleshooting.
• Choose used gear if you’re comfortable inspecting and testing equipment, have some help from experienced hams, and want the most capability for your budget.

Either way, focus on a solid antenna system, clean power, and safe station wiring. The best radio in the world can’t make up for a bad antenna or noisy power supply.

When you’ve decided which path you’re taking, stick around and explore more guides in our Radio section and Tech section. We’ve got plenty of projects and how-tos to help you get the most out of whatever rig you bring home.