Best Handheld VHF Radio?

Hey guys,

I'm looking to get a new handheld VHF to use primarily in emergency on my PA 12 when off the coast solo.  Any opinions on the best bet for the money?  I've looked on Amazon and seen quite a few good ones (good reviews) for between 90-130 dollars.

Favorites?

Thanks!

I sure like my ICOM M36.  I'm a radio tech and put it to the test on the bench. 

I like a radio where the control buttons are below the speaker and microphone.
I wear my radio on the shoulder strap of my vest.
With the speaker and mic above the controls it is closer to my ear and my mouth. My hand doesn't get in the way when I'm trying to talk. No need to lift the speaker to my mouth when I talk; just press a button and turn my head.
I'm not saying this is the way it should be, it is just my personal preference.

Good info thanks guys

I like a radio where the control buttons are below the speaker and microphone.
I wear my radio on the shoulder strap of my vest.
With the speaker and mic above the controls it is closer to my ear and my mouth. My hand doesn't get in the way when I'm trying to talk. No need to lift the speaker to my mouth when I talk; just press a button and turn my head.
I'm not saying this is the way it should be, it is just my personal preference.

+1, Mike knows his stuff!

Tote is right, but....

I mount my radio to my vest upside down, with the antenna facing down.  Two reasons;
1. The antenna doesn't poke me mounted that high up on my vest.
2. The antenna transmits RF energy.  5 and sometimes 6 full watts of it.  Right next to your eyeballs.  That isn't good.  Holding the radio upside down gets that away from your soft tissues and your head. 

I just reach over, key and talk.  The antenna being a bit lower and blocked by my body hasn't been an issue and the profile of the radio is much cleaner this way. 

I ran with a Uniden for years - it was heavy and tough and worked fantastically.  It died due to my negligence, so I picked up two different models of Cobra - they're not as good, but they're cheap.  That smallest Cobra that sometimes goes for around $25-$45 works surprisingly well and makes at least a good backup.  They're so affordable now I'd get one as your primary and have the cheapo Cobra as a backup - or just get a pair of those little ones.  It's that important to have, and also something that's very nice to have on hand for a partner who flails and is without.  Glad to hear you're getting properly outfitted for offshore solo time.   

+ 1 on the Icom 36. Been using one for 2 years and no problems. I use the West Marine dry bag and it is a tight fit but works great. Better than the more expensive Aquapak. I also had a Standard Horizon which was reliable. I attach it lower on my PFD so the antenna is below my chin. I do have to lift it to transmit but it is not a big deal since I don't talk too much OTW.  Doesn't interfere with self rescue either. If you don't use a dry bag, buy the best VHF you can afford. The more expensive ones work better if you are in the water as far as voice clarity. If you are on a budget, get the extended warranty and use a dry bag. Without a dry bag, a VHF will last only 1-2 years. With a dry bag, they will last over 5 years. If you don't carry an EPIRB or Spot, your VHF can save your life if things go bad.

Tote is right, but....

I mount my radio to my vest upside down, with the antenna facing down.  Two reasons;
1. The antenna doesn't poke me mounted that high up on my vest.

I like that idea but it seems my radio always wants to right itself. Also it falls out of the clip thingy when it's upside down. I use a small velcro strap, fold the antenna in half and wrap the velcro around it to keep it off my face.

2. The antenna transmits RF energy.  5 and sometimes 6 full watts of it.  Right next to your eyeballs.  That isn't good.  Holding the radio upside down gets that away from your soft tissues and your head.

I'm pretty sure I'll be OK. After all, everything, according to which report you choose to read, will kill ya. 
Jerry definitely knows what he is talking about. He is WAY more techno saavy than I.
I only know what works best for me so that's how I roll.

Jerry definitely knows what he is talking about. He is WAY more techno saavy anal geeky than I.

Fixed that for ya...

Ha!!

Also it falls out of the clip thingy when it's upside down

Mike if it's a Standard they make a clip that dosen't do that just shoot them an E-Mail bitchin about it and they might send you one. I lost my clip that way and they sent me both clips. The one that came with the radio is for when it's clipped on your belt and it comes off easy so you can talk.

That icom is sweet $200 though. My thoughts on the $90-130 unidens?