Best Handheld VHF??
 

I have done a search and most threads were pretty old. Whats the latest, stongest and greatest Handheld VHF radio?

Are there any options or functions that are more desirable or now required?

Thank you,

Kirk

Anyone?

I gotta look at the one i have, rarely use, but haven't charged it for like 2 years and monitor it regularly

I have a Standard Horizon which works fine. Model is HX500 or something like that (stored away for the winter).

The most rugid and best hand held I own is a Standard HX230S I have and have used many hand helds so far the HX230S has been the best. This radio has not had an easy life. I bought it back around 1992 sent it back to Standard once ( I broke it split case) $65 flat rate fix. Broke it again about 5 years or more ago (dropped it this while working cracked display& split case). sent radio back for repair again they say the $65 rate fix was good for life and replaced radio free. Other than having to buy a battery. This radios the tits, still carrying it around in may back pocket. Its like aTIMEX it take a lickin and keeps tickin. Nice clear audio. Not sure but the radio may only be available from commercial marine radio dealer now, not the discount marine stores

I looked, mines a Uniden Atlantis 260, it's either 6 or 7 years old and has only needed a charge like 3 or 4 times, it's inexpensive and was originally used as back up, but now pulls full time duty. It owes me nothing.

I like Standard Horizon. The new models that float are look really nice, if you don't mind having the larger or more conventional size. The smaller ones are nice too, but my choice would be a HX750S. Have a HX350S that's a couple years old, love it.

I bought the Icom M72,its submersible, It fits good in your hand, small and slinder,fits in the small cup holders,it loud enough,

I was in a West Marine store the other day they have the new ICOM hand held sitting in a bucket of water at the cash register, the girl said its been in the bucket for a month. I took it out and turned it on it sound good. I was impressed

I like ICOM

I use ICOM for both fixed and hand held and have had excellent service.

I have been a Ham Radio operator for 20 years and all my HF radios are ICOM. Use ICOM for all the fixed Marine radios. But for other VHF radios I prefer Yaesu. Standard is owned by Yaesu. Standard is Yaesu's marine line of radios. Vertex is Yaesu land Mobile line (police radio etc) Ham radio line is called Yaesu. I take care of the radio system at my job and have about 50 Vertex radios they have been in service over ten years with no major problems. Far has marine radios fix type I have had the best luck ICOM. Good audio and are holding up very well in patrol boats. Radios are not covered and sit in the weather 7 months a year.

Though I hope to never need it, I like the GPS function in the Standard Horizon HX850S with the DSC. Its a little pricey compared to others, but is small, floats and is actually 6 Watt.

It will report your GPS position with the distress signal.

This was everywhere from $ 400 to and average price of
$ 225.00. I eventually got one for $ 204.00 delivered. Will let you guys know when I get it!!

Kirk

How are ya supose to store the hand held vhf style batteries charged or discharged???

How much was it? Ar you going to stock them? If not, where did you get yours?

Thanks