Handheld VHF options

[Cont31fa]

Looking for options/ opinions on a new handheld.

Thanks

 

[Jklotz]

Maybe this will help?

 

[twistedtree]

I have had West Marine, Standard Horizon, and iCom handheld VHFs. By far I like the iComs the best. Solid, well made, feel great in your hand, and clear communications. The SH were so-so, and the West Marine was junk.

 

[Nordlund Xpress]

ICOM 1st choice, SH 2nd. One that floats is worth considering. We’ve rescued ours twice.

 

[tiltrider1]

I have had West Marine, Standard Horizon, and iCom handheld VHFs. By far I like the iComs the best. Solid, well made, feel great in your hand, and clear communications. The SH were so-so, and the West Marine was junk.

I mostly agree with TT. Having dropped several hand held radios into the drink, I find West Marine radios get the job done and are cheap. Since I lose them at a faster rate than they go bad they are my best radio. On our ranch I am still using our 25 year old iComs (GMRS @ 5 watts). If I didn’t lose hand held radios so often I would only own iCom’s.

 

[ranger58sb]

We got a Standard Horizon HX890 last year, to replace our 20-25?-year-old Standard Horizon something-or-other (Ni-Cad batteries for that older one no longer easily available).

Haven't used the new one much... but then we don't usually. It has all the features I was after, though: DSC, floats, relatively lightweight, etc.

-Chris

 

[RedRascal]

I picked up a SH HX40(~$113) for it's compact size. I wanted something compact for packing around on shore. Downside it does not float and no USB charging port.

Super cheap alternative is a Baofeng(~$20) but you need to do some DIY programing. They can serve as a walkie talkie, VHF, HAM and NOAA weather radio because you program the channels you want however these are FAR from marine grade. I would only consider these as a secondary option but they do work. Amazon.com

 

[Keysdisease]

ICOM

 

[Cont31fa]

Thanks for the replies. I think I have a winner.

 

[Ken E.]

Concur with the ICOM vote. A better product.