Need help finding a new handheld radio.

[caguy]

After reading all of the ads and reviews for all of the handhelds I am now brain dead. They all seem to have the same features but prices vary greatly. I'd like to keep it under $200. I will use it as a back up to my old console and would probably wear in bad weather or leaving the cockpit. After dropping my cell phone overboard, I've considered the Icom M34 because it floats, but don't want to miss something better. As always thanks for your help,Frank

 

[Stu Jackson]

Can't go better than Icom

nor cheaper than West Marine or Uniden. What else is there that you don't already know?

 

[Nice N Easy]

Handheld

I have a Uniden, which can be had for around 100 bucks. It is three years old, and have no problems or complaints. Couple of friends have Horizon's and have heard no complaints from them either. The Horizon does seem to have a little better battery life than the Uniden. Have no knowledge of the ICOM, but they do have a very good reputation.

 

[John]

Follow Stu's advice

Stu is right on. I have a $149 West marine and like it very much. Unidine is good and ICOM is top. All have warranties and most are submersible. Good luckKB3KEMJohn

 

[Alan]

"Battery Life"

I'm at a total loss to explain. Bought a Standard HX 460 on Ebay for $50 two years ago. Use it every week. I have charged it twice in that time. That's what I call Battery Life.

 

[Graysailor]

radio

I agree that selecting a hand held can be confusing. I do like the Icom's. I think it would be nice to have the rechargable kind but also be able to use regular batteries for back up purposes.

 

[MKirk51]

Uniden Mystic

You might want to consider the Uniden Mystic. It has an integrated GPS, which is pretty poor as a chart for marine use, but I like the fact that it will send the position if you hit the DSC distress button. Good for a ditch bag too, except it uses a proprietary battery pack (Lith-ion) instead of plain ole alkalines.Retail is around 300 I think, but with patience I found a new one on ebay for just under 200. At least it looked and was packaged like new. I've always wondered about the stuff on there.

 

[Paul Akers]

Follow Stu's Advice

My first criteria: A backup battery tray to re-power the unit should the batterirs die in use. ICOM offers them.BTW, cells phones belong IN the pocket. I have lost 4 that way.

 

[Warren Milberg]

I bought a simple Uniden

for around $120 about 6 yrs ago. It now sells for around $99. West Marine sells the exact same model only with their name on it. Same price. This unit uses both alkaline or ni-cad batteries. I also bought a waterproof bag for it. I've used this unit a lot and it never failed to work as expected. Perhaps one of the best "boat units" I ever spent.

 

[caguy]

Thanks all for help.

Looks like the Icom M34 floater for old butterfingers. The cell phone by the way goes right into the cabin. If I put it in my pocket I just know I'll forget it when I go in the water.Thanks again,Frank