New to Ham still scratching my head?

I have made a few contacts on my new HT using a mag mount at home as well as mobile. Some guys are picking a lot of questions and are strictly textbook while others are laid back. I don't know these guys and never really had a HAM friend or at least an experienced someone that can share information with me regarding what type of all band radio to purchase, what to stay away from, what is good for modding and expansion, what kind of amp for the type of radio you have and why,



I plan to build me a j-pole and a quad beam for 2m. Talk local repeaters to get to know people and report on nets using my 4 watt HT for time being.



I am saving up for a HF transceiver and have been reading and googling ALOT! I myself can tell you what are good radios for modding and expanding that compete with the better brand radios without all the useless bells and whistles for C.B.. But I don't know this information about all band radios. I would like to obtain this so I can buy a cheaper radio just as good as the pricier ones without the bells/whistles.





Oh and what about amps? I know you cant drive a low drive amp with a 100w transceiver. What if I get an amp that requires only 80 watts of drive?. should I turn back the power on the radio or get a different amp? So what is a good radio amp combo? ( for this HF transceiver without bells/whistles that I am looking for)



I sorta wish I was around HAM operators more often growing up so I don't have to bug you with all these questions.



I hate being the new guy

New to Ham still scratching my head?