Yaesu seems to have the market covered when it comes to rugged products. The VX-6R is a case in point. One of the problems though with the VX-6R is this silly belt clip included with the radio.

The Problem

The stock belt clip sticks out way too far, it is almost impossible to remove from your belt and it looks and feels cheaply produced.

Thankfully there is a relatively cheap alternative, enter the Clip-14 from Yaesu.

What is it?

The Clip-14 is a complete replacement belt clip and rotating arm that affixes to the back of the radio. It replaces the originally included clip (thankfully) with one that articulates while the user is wearing it.

1. The Clip-14 serves as a desktop stand in a pinch

It also serves double duty as an inclined stand for your desktop (in a pinch).

2. It articulates but not all the way

An interesting design choice made by the designers is that the clip does not rotate 360° but it rotates around 290°. I’m not exactly sure why they designed it this way but I’m kind of glad that they did. You end up with a clip that gives you full functionality in the vertical and horizontal positions but it also keeps the radio from spinning while on your chest when walking/jumping.

3. Confidence-inspiring belt clip release

Another interesting feature is the way that the clip detaches from the radio. It requires a very sturdy press to release. Until you figure out the actual way to do it it seems a bit hard to do but in my experience it quickly becomes natural and confidence-inspiring because you know you will not lose the radio with this clip.

4. Fidget-friendly

Simply put, it is fidget-friendly. Those who have searched for “fidget cubes” or “fidget devices” on Amazon will understand what I mean. I think I could quite easily spend an hour spinning the click back and forth as I’m playing with its retainer. There’s just something about it but it’s satisfying.

5. Silky-smooth rotation

Also the rotation access it’s very smooth and if you were hiking with that would be very quiet.

What’s the downside to the Clip-14?

So what is bad about the Clip-14? Well, frankly I wish they would have included it in the box when I purchased my VX-6R. The waste of plastic that was included will never leave the box as far as I’m concerned. I would have paid a little bit extra for a fantastic belt clip!

Conclusion

I think I put enough words into an $8.99 belt clip, but it really enhances the user experience of operating the radio outdoors, and at home and gives the Ham radio operator something to play with during those long nets!

You can pick one up from many outlets, but the Ham Radio Outlet seems to be the cheapest as of this writing.

Get one at Ham Radio Outlet – Yaesu Clip-14