Radios have been used by pilots for over 100 years, so it's no surprise they have been part of Sporty's offering since the very beginning of the company. In fact, the first product Hal Shevers sold from the trunk of his Studebaker was a Realtone Voyager radio (model TR-970). Since then technology has advanced and prices have dropped, but we still design our own radios. Our goal is to make the easiest-to-use, most reliable radios for pilots.
Here's a look at some of the radios we've sold over the years.
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1965
Product: Channel Master
Key features: Receive VHF and AM frequencies on a portable radio, complete with a leather carrying case.
Price: $54.95 ($456.32 today)
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1974
Product: Zenith Royal E94Y
Key features: 6-band receiver, including AM and FM, weighed a hefty 5 lbs.
Price: $99.95 ($530.33 today)
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1984
Products: Sony Air-8 and Sporty's Air-Scan
Key features: A powerful scanner from electronics giant Sony and a desktop receiver custom-designed by Sporty's.
Price: $269.00 ($677.24 today) and $79.95 ($201.28 today)
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1989
Product: Sporty's A300
Key features: Sporty's first transceiver moved beyond just listening to transmissions to become a valuable backup option for talking to Air Traffic Control.
Price: $365.00 ($730.51)
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2001
Product: Sporty's SP-200
Key features: Third generation Sporty's transceiver added localizer display for backup navigation—a first in a portable radio.
Price: $299.00 ($441.88 today)
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2010
Product: Sporty's SP-400
Key features: Top-of-the-line model with a huge screen and full ILS display—the ultimate backup radio.
Price: $399.00 ($478.64 today)
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2019
Product: PJ2 COM Radio
Key features: The only portable radio with built-in headset jacks, the PJ2 is ideal for emergency use and costs under $200.
Price: $199.00
