Popularity of HW-9 over HW-8?

[Jim Lowman]

A friend, at the local club, and I have been having a discussion
about the relative merits of the HW-8 and HW-9 QRP transceivers.
He recently bought an HW-8, and loves it.

For some time now, I have wanted an HW-9, or at least thought so.
I have answered for-sale ads on these lists as quickly as possible,
but someone has always beaten me to the punch.

However, we were comparing some notes, particularly those from
Chuck Penson's definitive book on Heath and Heathkits.  According
to the author, the HW-8 seems to have the better review.  From
where I sit, it almost looks like Chuck panned the HW-9.

Now the paradox:  the HW-9 is definitely more in demand, even though
Chuck says that that model is not rare.  Why is this?  Does anyone have
the production stats, as far as number of each that was manufactured?
Or is it the fact that more bands are available on the HW-9?

I suppose that it was the greater number of bands available,
particularly
on the model with the WARC band kit installed, that attracted me to the
-9.
But I have other QRP rigs that will do 160-10+WARC bands:  An Argo
556 with all modules, Index Labs QRP+ and a Wilderness Sierra, yet to
be built.

I have a mint-condition HW-8 on its way, from a fellow who lives not far

from Benton Harbor.  Guess I'll give it a fair chance.

If anyone can expound on the above question, I'd certainly appreciate
it.

Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW

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