I need a recommendation on a handheld, floating VHF radio. Anybody have one they like? Asking for a friend. 
Need radio advice
- Thread starter Phil Herring
- Start date
Standard Horizon and ICOM are well respected brands. Which model really depends on its intended use. There are simple radios that are basically just radios and some more advanced ones with DSC, AIS, GPS and very long manuals and higher price tags.
What does your friend want to do with the radio?
What does your friend want to do with the radio?
He's getting into kayaking so I suspect he wants it to use for emergency communications. I doubt he'll be crossing any shipping lanes, although it can be hard to avoid them around here. Thanks!
Both Icom and Standard Horizon have models in the $110 range that would work.
ICOM IC-M25
SH HX-300
ICOM IC-M25
SH HX-300
Thanks guys, it looks like the SH 210 might be the best one for this use. I appreciate the input!
]
The HX 210 does not have USB charging. A kayaker might carry a small battery pack to recharge a cell phone or the VHF but not a 12 v battery.
@Phil Herring
Best price found here
Standard Horizon HX210 6W Floating Handheld Marine VHF Transceiver | Anchor Express
$83
Jim...
Best price found here
Standard Horizon HX210 6W Floating Handheld Marine VHF Transceiver | Anchor Express
$83
Jim...
Hi,
I prefer the HX40
It's the small, light, and cheap. The audio is pretty clear. It's easy to use. It can receive FM radio if you want something to listen too.
Barry
I prefer the HX40
Welcome to StandardHorizon.com
www.standardhorizon.com
It's the small, light, and cheap. The audio is pretty clear. It's easy to use. It can receive FM radio if you want something to listen too.
Barry
As soon as I read “emergency communication” rather than just communication, my mind says buy something more than just “will work” and this may include GPS, DSC and a unit with a IPX8 rating. For $70 more this would be a choice.
Standard Horizon HX890
Yacht World - Best kayak vhf radio
But in all honesty Phil, I would run this same question by a Kayak forum rather than a sailboat forum. Totally different needs.
West Coast Paddlers
My West Marine and Liniden have a battery block that I can put regular AAA batteries in for backup, just swap out the rechargeable block.The HX 210 does not have USB charging. A kayaker might carry a small battery pack to recharge a cell phone or the VHF but not a 12 v battery.