Yes & no for this because everything is depends on the goal …
When I want to make huge activation with many S2S on both CW and SSB of course I will take KX2
If I intend to trek high mountains with linear walking or need trx for trip where may be many activations during one day I will take the lightest one
Anyway, all experiences and information published here may be useful
I have switched to using my KX1 almost exclusively for SOTA. I just weighed it in at 378 grams. That includes internal batteries in place. This is for a 3 band model with the ATU.
KX2 … 422 grams … 9 band model with the ATU
Weight difference = 44g ~= 2 mouthfuls of water ~= 40cc of belly fat.
When rigs weigh this little, their weight becomes irrelevant (or worse, just a pissing contest) compared to the total weight carried. At these low weights, the functionality becomes the dominant factor.
That is the right approach. There is much more weight saving potential
Same goes for the ultralight backpack discussion. That is relevant if you thru hike a country for multiple weeks or month but not for dayhikes. Better reduce the personal survival rings
(yes I am talking about myself)
It wasn’t the water that was my problem. Beer maybe (weighs about the same as water out of the body but significantly more once the belly has worked its magic)
The MTR 2B or 3B with RCA connector is hard to beat. I even replaced the case on my 2B with a lightweight 3d printed version, shaving about half the weight. End fed half-wave antennas with no feed line make for a small, light antenna.
I bow down before your superior weight weenieness!
RCA’s are not only light, they are survivable. BNC’s have the vice that when you stand on them wrong, the locking ring can’t be straightened out enough to get it on.
Pro-tip: remove the locking ring from your male BNC’s. It’s 5g. Then when you catch the wire with your foot, it just pulls out. (saw it off before making your cables)
Have you looked at Spam tins? They are all aluminium.