what to look for in a VHF radio?

Any suggestions on what one should look for in a VHF radio? Are they all basically the same?

What brand/model do you have? Why do you like it? Why do you not?

460 Standard Horizon like everything but the clip takes some getting use to. http://planetgps.net/vhf-handheld-radio-standard-horizon.html

I have the standard horizon hx370s and I like it a lot, but I like the radio that Mooch has much more.

I forget what he has, but it is the smallest lightest jis7 handheld I have ever seen.

The site that michfish points to has the standard horizon hx270s for under 100 bucks, and that is a very good deal.  It is the same radio as mine but without the accessory port.

MolBasser

I have the Uniden Voyager - I got it cause it's very light and compact  West Marine sell's 'em and they will match a lower price as well 

I have the Uniden Voyager (same as Mooch) and like it alot.  Very rugged aluminum body and nice and small. Good reception and speaker, etc.  Outstanding battery life.  Plug the mic port with silicone to prevent water intrusion there.   Before I did this, I had to warranty my radio because water got into the mic port from getting dunked at Linda Mar.  Found out that Uniden has great customer / warranty service by the way.  That's the only hiccup I've had in three years with this radio.

The only thing I don't like are the twirl type knobs.  They tend to stick a bit from saltwater residue over time.  No big deal, but a radio with pushbuttons rather than twirl knobs would be worth considering in my opinion.  I think the small West Marine radios have push buttons rather than twirl knobs (VHF 50 and VHF 55).  

I bought the ICOM M72 from West Marine

Important features to me were the increased water resistance, and the fact that the batteries are Lithium, and so recharging is easy.

It was on some kind of sale at the time, but still wasn't a cheap radio. It stays on a lanyard.

Scott

Hello all,

I am shopping for a handheld VHF radio and see some bargains on Cabellas site right now.

I read the thread from last year and those suggestions, but since they are a year old would love to hear any suggestions on current VHF handhelds on the market right now before the sale ends! 

Thanks!

Kim

I have the Uniden Voyager also not much bigger than a deck a cards and works great as long as you remember to turn it on.

I got the ICOM-M34.  I figured that for my first VHF I wanted to be sure it was reliable, waterproof, etc.  M34 is a bit bigger than the Voyager, but it does float.  My reasoning was that I would rather be able to retrieve it if I dumped in the Yak than watch it sink (even though I clip it to my pfd with a carabiner).  I do think I would go smaller next time too, but also hope I don't have to buy one ever again

http://www.icom-us.com/site/1617880/product/IC-M34%2001