choosing a radio

hi guys im planning on buying a radio but need you guys opinions between these 2 http://www.amazon.com/HX850s-Handheld-VHF-w-GPS/dp/B001OZC99U/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1284510108&sr=8-2-fkmr0 or http://www.amazon.com/Standard-HX750s-Floating-Handheld-VHF/dp/B001918966/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1284510108&sr=8-3-fkmr0 let me know of what you think guys thanks.


keith

haven't used this model but I love my standard horiz. If/when this one dies I'd get another. Simple rinse after each use and it good to go. Charge lasts for a few trips.

how much was yours? and where did you get it from? because if i can get a cheaper one that would be awesome! thanks EWB

keith

check west marine, they usually have a standard horizon(non-floating) for around $80, floating is great but since it should be securely fastened to your pfd, which should always be fastened to you, you can get away with not having a floating one, my .02, cameron

Are the savings numbers from Amazon real?  80% savings does not sound right for that radio.  The specs looks good for the radio with gps and now I wish I have one.  I have an old west marine vhf 150 submersible.  It works but I like the specs on the horizon with the dsc and gps better.

Rey

thanks cameron i'll check out west marine and see if i can get a cheaper one, Rey i don't think those saving are correct, i checked online for the same radio's and they all seem to have almost the same price, only amazon got them a little bit cheaper.\





keith

this is the one i have.

http://standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=85&encProdID=7B49960197CDA29708C9145F1A71D9E1&DivisionID=3&isArchived=1

I like it cuz it fits in my pdf pocket it's about 4" x 2.5" (i keep it leashed, so floating isn't a concern). It also has an AM/FM radio, air band (you can listen to pilots), and an emergency strobe. Overall I have been really pleased.

It looks like you can get them for under $100

http://www.google.com/products?rls=com.microsoft:en-us&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&q=standard+horizon+HX600s&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=6wiRTK2eDY_2tgPBhqCyDg&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CDsQrQQwAA

I don't have a recommendation on an specific model, but you're on the right track looking at Standard Horizon. I'll skimp on a lot of things but not when it comes to a potentially life-saving device like a VHF radio. Go with Std Horizon or Icom. Plus, I agree with bwodun about fastening it to your PFD.

Kinda new to the game here, just wondering what kinda specific features do i need to look for in a vhf.  I realize size is important, but what else should i look for, are the cheapies ok or should i spend more for something better?

Here is the one I use, Standard Horizon HX750S

http://www.hodgesmarine.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=STAHX750S&click=19

Didnt buy it from the linked site but you can google them and find quite a few places selling.  My first was a non floating standard horizon that managed to find its way to the bottom of lake sonoma in a moment of carelessness.    I also keep mine attached to my pdf.   

wow yours is actually cheaper! thanks bills

Keith this thread helped me in my decision on a radio. http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,23278.0.html
Rob

I've got an older HX460 which I like because you can vary the wattage 5, 2.5 and 1 to save on battery if I'm just talking to buddies near by.

That 600 for 99 looks like a great deal.

I lash mine to my pfd pocket so smaller, non floating is the way I go.