My KT-8900 is not making me happy so I'm looking for a good radio for my rig. Right now the Kenwood TM-281A is the front-runner because it's simple, ruggedized, cheap, and it gets good reviews. So I was wondering what other recommendations you might have for radios under $300, and whether I gain much utility in going with a dual-bander and if digital modes like system fusion or d-star are useful at all.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwWBeGU3w1bW52fFA_O6BQ

Does anyone know what the conditions are up around Collockum pass? Is there still snow up there?