VHF Radios

Looking for good used radio or suggestions on new one


John

Love Standard Horizon ..

M72 ICOM

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_52522_-1?cid=sc_google&creative=8356018924&gclid=CP_DsOaizqwCFQJ8hwodj22Hrw

read Pisceans link to handheld radios posted back in Feb 2009..
wondering if anyone has made any recent VHF purchase / research..
I initially went with the Cobra radio listed in the article and have been disappointed  (although recently I like the GMRS feature so I can talk to kids with their Motorola handheld walkie talkies).

but for marine use the cobra was crap.

I am leaning towards the Std Horizon Hx750s cuz I like that strobe and float features..
but West Marine has a Black Friday special for one of their own brands..
I am thinking that with so many West Marines around servicing/ warranty issues would be easier.

Anyone have any experience re: West MArines radio/ service plans?

thanks,

dave

Dueling threads!  Here you go.

merged and moved to gearing up

I have one of each brand.   Had a problem with the I-Com M72 receiving, but not sending.  Factory fixed it for free and it works fine now.  (Dilbeck that's why James couldn't talk to us on Father's day!)
One thing to consider is if the unit can be upgraded with a speaker microphone.  I love not having to pull the unit out of my vest to respond/send.  The speaker mike is worth the extra bucks when you can afford to add it.

Thanks Guys this helps alot

John

I am leaning towards the Std Horizon Hx750s cuz I like that strobe and float features..
but West Marine has a Black Friday special for one of their own brands..
I am thinking that with so many West Marines around servicing/ warranty issues would be easier.
Anyone have any experience re: West MArines radio/ service plans?

The West brands are generally just rebadged radio's from one of the major mfg's.  Last I checked their handhelds were Uniden's but I think they've had some Standard Horizon models as well.  Should be pretty easy to tell when comparing them on the shelf at the store.  I've had several warranty plans from them, including my chartplotter and radio's on my boat but haven't had the need to use them.  From what they say though its a no questions asked, bring in your broken stuff and we'll give you a new one warranty plan.  The guy that sold me my vhf antennas actually told me to accidentally snap em in 10 months and come back for new ones.  If it wasn't such a pain in the neck to re-route the cablse through my radar arch I would have 

I am leaning towards the Std Horizon Hx750s cuz I like that strobe and float features..
but West Marine has a Black Friday special for one of their own brands..
I am thinking that with so many West Marines around servicing/ warranty issues would be easier.
Anyone have any experience re: West MArines radio/ service plans?

The West brands are generally just rebadged radio's from one of the major mfg's.  Last I checked their handhelds were Uniden's but I think they've had some Standard Horizon models as well.  Should be pretty easy to tell when comparing them on the shelf at the store.  I've had several warranty plans from them, including my chartplotter and radio's on my boat but haven't had the need to use them.  From what they say though its a no questions asked, bring in your broken stuff and we'll give you a new one warranty plan.  The guy that sold me my vhf antennas actually told me to accidentally snap em in 10 months and come back for new ones.  If it wasn't such a pain in the neck to re-route the cablse through my radar arch I would have 

my vote is West Marine= if using in salt, it will malfunction. I rinse every trip, but have gone through 2 of them in four years. No questions asked and they do hand you a brand new one when returning. The benefit is there are alot of West Marine stores around the bay area and they all carry VHF radios.

BE SURE TO GET A WATERPROOF ONE with a clip to attach to your PFD.

I won't buy another west marine VHF. My first one died a few weeks after the warranty expired. I always washed it and it still got corrosion inside. My Standard Horizon HX750S is holding up great. Goodluck!

I love my Standard Horizon HX850S. It is submersible, floats, has built in GPS, MMSI, S.O.S. strobe, and a red distress button for DSC distress call. It has a clip on the back side which I use to attach to my PFD. The only thing I dislike about this radio is it is a bit bulky. I used this radio for 2 seasons with no problems, even after wiping out in the surf a few times. I tend to baby my gear and rinse it with fresh water after every outing. So far the electrical contacts have held up with no corrosion.

If West Marine cloned this radio, I would buy another in a heartbeat. They have great customer service, and their no questions asked warranty plan is really just that.

Get a Standard Horizon they rock  here is a page that reviews a lot of radios

http://www.marine-electronics-reviews.com/handheld-vhf-radio.html

thanks guys for all the good info and opinions... the review section was especially helpful mickfish...

I went with the Standard Horizon HX290...it floats and water proof but lacking some other bells and whistles like strobe etc...which I already have..

I did purchase thru West Marine and bought their 2 yr extended warranty($24) so hopefully I can have the best of both worlds..

The original Cobra 425Li i have is still under the 3 yr warranty so I sent it back once again...so I will have 2 units but I think our surf launch salt water environment is too much for it to handle, in spite of its J7 rating..

thanks again
dave

wise choice = best of both worlds