With so many radios out there, this can be a confusing question for all radio amateurs. At ARRL HQ, our job is to show you how to choose one to suit your needs. Newcomers wish for ease of operation, while contesters and serious DX'er require top performance. And don't forget affordability. A good start  is to read past and present ARRL Product Reviews.

• QST Product Review-In Depth, In English QST Aug 2004.
  A detailed look at the QST Product Review process with a detailed description of Lab testing and what the numbers mean to equipment buyers.
• Flea Market Madness! A Beginner's Guide to Buying and Selling
  QST August 1998. pp. 57-59
  What to look for, and look out for, at one of the best sources for bargains and treasures.
• QST Product Reviews: A Look Behind The Scenes   QST Oct 1994, pp. 35-38
  Learn how the ARRL Laboratory evaluates new products - and what all those numbers mean to you!
• The DX Prowess of HF Receivers   QEX Sept/Oct 2002, pp. 36-40
  Performance numbers for a variety of modern day receivers
• Improved Dynamic-Range Testing   QEX Jul/Aug 2002, pp. 46-52
  An in-depth look at receiver dynamic range and intercept points.

• Buying Your First Radio
• QST Product Review Columns (Member's Only Page)
  We currently have all of the Product Review columns from 1980 to the present available

  Members must register to enter the Members Only area. This is a one time procedure and you will need your membership number which appears above your name on your QST mailing label. Register here.

  If you are not an ARRL Member and wish to join, please go here.