Originally Posted by
dionysusbacchus
Japanese currency has been steadily declining against the dollar, this radio now sells for $1,905.00. Not getting warranty service at this price really wouldn't bother me.
I've had my 18mz for about two years now and purchased it at my LHS within the US. I think the 18mz units before I got mine had an issue with the touch screen not being very responsive to the touch, as what some guys mentioned to me. Anyways, I've not had any issues at all with mine. So if not dropped or such how likely is it that they would require servicing and/or repair? It's a computer so the greatest risk is most likely software related. Now, like everything else from overseas, there are grades of product quality I'm sure that you would need to consider. From what I've experienced with electronics (just putting this point out on the table) that I've purchased while overseas, sometimes the quality of the work, materials used are of a different grade then the units assembled specifically for export. I've experienced this with audio and camera equipment before. I can't say for sure this is accurate and/or true for Futaba radios or not. But that's also something to consider. I've heard local guys talk about getting r/c radios overseas and then having issues with them. But I've had zero issues with the Futaba 18mz that I purchased in the US from my LHS.