HF Is Overrated (Yeah, I Said It) episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 21, 2026 · 11 MIN

HF Is Overrated (Yeah, I Said It)

from HamShackTV · host HamShackTV

For years, ham radio has pushed one idea: If you’re not on HF… you’re not a “real” operator. But is that actually true? Or is HF just sitting on a pedestal it doesn’t deserve anymore? In this video, I break down the real problems with HF—cost, complexity, noise, and accessibility—and why more operators are finding better experiences outside of it. This one’s going to trigger some people. 👇 Let’s hear it—Is HF still king… or overrated? 🛡️ SPONSORED BY BETTERSAFERADIO Not everyone has the space, budget, or freedom to run a full HF station—and that’s exactly why companies like BetterSafeRadio exist. They focus on practical, ready-to-go radio solutions: GMRS radios Portable communication setups Gear that actually works right out of the box No towers. No HOA battles. No massive investment just to get on the air. 👉 Check them out here: https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx Use promo code AA4WX7 for 7% off 🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY! GET THE BEST IN MOBILE RADIO MOUNTS: https://www.lidoradio.com/?sca_ref=10673105.CO7opX2nTeqclAj 🛒 Shop My Amazon Link https://geni.us/HSTVAmazon ***Gigaparts*** Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More! Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout. 📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV https://HamRadioPrep.com 🌍 Join World Radio League Track QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTV https://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=josh ABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS) https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktv Use coupon code hamshacktv10 at checkout for 10% off 👉 Buy your SEEED T1000 here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html 🔌 Digirig Interface Your all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast: https://digirig.net/p/8/ 🖥️ Intehill Monitors for POTA & More Crystal-clear portable displays perfect for field ops: https://tidd.ly/46n7BSh 🧢 Official HamShackTV Merch From shirts to mugs — support the shack in style: https://hamshacktv.printify.me/ 📡 BetterSafeRadio Gear Save 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7 https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx 🌐 Explore Meshtastic Get started with off-grid comms — click here: https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e 🚀 Join This Channel for Perks & Exclusive Content Get member-only videos, badges & more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbVjEmjCQcwcD-Lk91owhw/join 🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon Store My curated picks in one place: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktv Let’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it: 💬 Chat with Us on Discord Join the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9 📘 Follow on Facebook Daily posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes: https://facebook.com/HamShackTV 🌐 Visit the website for videos, merch & more: https://HAMSHACKTV.COM ⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack! Songs that may be used in my videos: Newsmark - 615 Music The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

For years, ham radio has pushed one idea:If you’re not on HF… you’re not a “real” operator.But is that actually true?Or is HF just sitting on a pedestal it doesn’t deserve anymore?In this video, I break down the real problems with HF—cost, complexity, noise, and accessibility—and why more operators are finding better experiences outside of it.This one’s going to trigger some people.👇 Let’s hear it—Is HF still king… or overrated?🛡️ SPONSORED BY BETTERSAFERADIONot everyone has the space, budget, or freedom to run a full HF station—and that’s exactly why companies like BetterSafeRadio exist.They focus on practical, ready-to-go radio solutions:GMRS radiosPortable communication setupsGear that actually works right out of the boxNo towers. No HOA battles. No massive investment just to get on the air.👉 Check them out here: https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wxUse promo code AA4WX7 for 7% off🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY!GET THE BEST IN MOBILE RADIO MOUNTS: https://www.lidoradio.com/?sca_ref=10673105.CO7opX2nTeqclAj🛒 Shop My Amazon Linkhttps://geni.us/HSTVAmazon***Gigaparts***Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More!Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout.📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy WayHam Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTVhttps://HamRadioPrep.com🌍 Join World Radio LeagueTrack QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTVhttps://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=joshABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS)https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktvUse coupon code hamshacktv10 at checkout for 10% off👉 Buy your SEEED T1000 here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html🔌 Digirig InterfaceYour all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast:https://digirig.net/p/8/🖥️ Intehill Monitors for POTA & MoreCrystal-clear portable displays perfect for field ops:https://tidd.ly/46n7BSh🧢 Official HamShackTV MerchFrom shirts to mugs — support the shack in style:https://hamshacktv.printify.me/📡 BetterSafeRadio GearSave 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx🌐 Explore MeshtasticGet started with off-grid comms — click here:https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e🚀 Join This Channel for Perks & Exclusive ContentGet member-only videos, badges & more:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbVjEmjCQcwcD-Lk91owhw/join🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon StoreMy curated picks in one place:https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktvLet’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it:💬 Chat with Us on DiscordJoin the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9📘 Follow on FacebookDaily posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes: https://facebook.com/HamShackTV🌐 Visit the website for videos, merch & more: https://HAMSHACKTV.COM⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!Songs that may be used in my videos:Newsmark - 615 MusicThe Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

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HF Is Overrated (Yeah, I Said It)

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This episode is 11 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 21, 2026.

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For years, ham radio has pushed one idea: If you’re not on HF… you’re not a “real” operator. But is that actually true? Or is HF just sitting on a pedestal it doesn’t deserve anymore? In this video, I break down the real problems with...

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