the optima is supposedly very good on SSB. I have not had one or heard one on the air but everyone seems to rave about them which is good.
Now as far as looking for a "high power" radio i wouldnt worry about finding a radio that does a lot of power by itself. I would pick a radio that you like regardless of what it does for output power, then letting us know what radio you decide on purchasing does on power, THEN finding an amplifier to go with it. Most radio's with built in amplifiers or high power radios usually get very hot and can suffer damage from being long winded (talking for a long period of time)
if youre going to get a optima mk3 get yourself a nice texas star 350 which will get you out of the noise level and will do a decent job and if you look around they can be had for anywhere between 100-170 bucks. if they are used, i wouldnt worry too much they can take a hell of a beating and keep on ticking. i had one for a while and it served me very well. they will get you to around 200 watts which will make a huge difference over a stock radio.
are you looking for something to run base or mobile?
good luck with your purchase and welcome to the forum.
222 Connecticut
Now as far as looking for a "high power" radio i wouldnt worry about finding a radio that does a lot of power by itself. I would pick a radio that you like regardless of what it does for output power, then letting us know what radio you decide on purchasing does on power, THEN finding an amplifier to go with it. Most radio's with built in amplifiers or high power radios usually get very hot and can suffer damage from being long winded (talking for a long period of time)
if youre going to get a optima mk3 get yourself a nice texas star 350 which will get you out of the noise level and will do a decent job and if you look around they can be had for anywhere between 100-170 bucks. if they are used, i wouldnt worry too much they can take a hell of a beating and keep on ticking. i had one for a while and it served me very well. they will get you to around 200 watts which will make a huge difference over a stock radio.
are you looking for something to run base or mobile?
good luck with your purchase and welcome to the forum.
222 Connecticut