My KT-8900 is not making me happy so I'm looking for a good radio for my rig. Right now the Kenwood TM-281A is the front-runner because it's simple, ruggedized, cheap, and it gets good reviews.
So I was wondering what other recommendations you might have for radios under $300, and whether I gain much utility in going with a dual-bander and if digital modes like system fusion or d-star are useful at all.
I recently installed the Midland DBR2500 and so far have been happy with it. Not a lot of bells or whistles, 25/15/5 watt output, dual band. It does require a laptop to program so you have to get the programming cable too. Relatively small so it can fit in difficult places. The screen doesn't handle glare well, I have to relocate mine so I can read the screen during the day.
https://midlandusa.com/product/dbr2500-amateur-dual-band-two-way-radio/