Summer 2016: Which VHF?

Okay fellow inmates, it's time for me to get a VHF radio, but which one?  I'm kinda leaning towards the $$$$ Standard Horizons HX870 (has GPS).  Generally, I like to buy my gear 1 time only, so I'm willing to pony up, but then the decent value factor creeps in.  What's the forum think?

TIA, Bradley

Brand-wise, get either Icom or Standard horizon. I favor Icom though since I don't like how bulky SH radios are. Make sure you tether it to your vest even if they float. I have an Icom m-72 for 5+ years now. Battery lasts a long time.

Brand-wise, get either Icom or Standard horizon. I favor Icom though since I don't like how bulky SH radios are. Make sure you tether it to your vest even if they float. I have an Icom m-72 for 5+ years now. Battery lasts a long time.

All really good points, thanks.  BTW, I haven't read anything about the radios having a means of tethering them.  Do these 2 brands typically provide a connection point?

Yes. I use a retractable lanyard made by T-reign. I have them on both my Icom and SH (backup) radio

Good info from Herb.

I have the HX870. It does have a place to attach a lanyard.

I don't have anything to compare it to, but I can give you my thoughts. I got it simply because I had a gift card that covered the cost, thought I'd get it (basically) for free and then pick up a cheap radio as a backup. Like you I liked the GPS and all the options.

That being said there is ALOT to that radio. The manual looks like a dictionary. I was able to learn basic functions quickly, but there are so many advanced features I honestly don't know that I'll ever use them all. On top of that it is a bigger radio, and that can be a pain in itself.

The other issue was, I had it on my PFD practicing re-entry in the pool and the screen quit working. I could still transmit and receive, but without a screen the radio was useless. When I pulled it apart it uses very very thin/flimsy gaskets to keep water out, and after seeing the inside I have little faith in it's water proofing ability. That said, SH fixed it for free and had it back to me with a new board and screen working like a charm, but it's in the back of my mind if it's going to quit on me again.

So, in addition to the cost of the radio, I bought a backup (should have anyway) and a compass (should have one anyway) and now I'm looking into a new fish finder with GPS, so that has a backup as well.

I guess what I'm trying to say here is, for the cost of one radio, you could damn near have 2 of everything you need safety and navigation wise. Just something to think about.

check out West Marine........they have an excellent return policy and they're are alot of them near by...easy to return and get a new one.

Radios + salt = troubles ....i've been through 2 of them in 10 years of heavy use.

Bought my SH Hx850 from WM 2 years ago with a 2 year plus plan. It broke recently so I brought it back today and they gave me a new 870. It was an even swap but I paid extra for another 2 year plus plan. West Marine is a great place to buy your VHF. You can't go wrong with Standard Horizon or Icom

I have the HX870. It does have a place to attach a lanyard.

I don't have anything to compare it to, but I can give you my thoughts. I got it simply because I had a gift card that covered the cost, thought I'd get it (basically) for free and then pick up a cheap radio as a backup. Like you I liked the GPS and all the options.

That being said there is ALOT to that radio. The manual looks like a dictionary. I was able to learn basic functions quickly, but there are so many advanced features I honestly don't know that I'll ever use them all. On top of that it is a bigger radio, and that can be a pain in itself.

The other issue was, I had it on my PFD practicing re-entry in the pool and the screen quit working. I could still transmit and receive, but without a screen the radio was useless. When I pulled it apart it uses very very thin/flimsy gaskets to keep water out, and after seeing the inside I have little faith in it's water proofing ability. That said, SH fixed it for free and had it back to me with a new board and screen working like a charm, but it's in the back of my mind if it's going to quit on me again.

So, in addition to the cost of the radio, I bought a backup (should have anyway) and a compass (should have one anyway) and now I'm looking into a new fish finder with GPS, so that has a backup as well.

I guess what I'm trying to say here is, for the cost of one radio, you could damn near have 2 of everything you need safety and navigation wise. Just something to think about.

Oh grrr, it never is easy, is it?  Thanks for the good thoughts. My understanding is that the radio's GPS is really best suited to providing one's coords to the Guard when one hits the DSM(?) panic button.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bought my SH Hx850 from WM 2 years ago with a 2 year plus plan. It broke recently so I brought it back today and they gave me a new 870. It was an even swap but I paid extra for another 2 year plus plan. West Marine is a great place to buy your VHF. You can't go wrong with Standard Horizon or Icom

They do back their products and local is good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Luckily, I've never had to use the radio for that, but the coordinates would certainly come in handy should the situation arise. You can also mark spots on the radio and create a sort of waypoint map. But again I don't fish in an area where I need to do that (yet).

I carry a handheld GPS in my vest along with a tethered VHF.  A GPS on your ff does you no good if you get separated from your yak.  I have to agree about the hx 850/870 being very complicated with so many features.  Mine has worked fine but it is huge.  My iCom m73  is comfy sized and has lasted for+ yrs.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

I realize this is an older post but I came across a good deal today.  The GPS store has mail in rebates for SH radios.  Here is the most budget friendly floating waterproof option that I am picking up ($85 -$20 MRB = $65 before shipping & taxes).  Hope this helps some other anglers looking for a quality budget safety device... good 'till the end of the year.

http://www.thegpsstore.com/Standard-Horizon-HX150-Handheld-Marine-VHF-Radio-P3493.aspx

I realize this is an older post but I came across a good deal today.  The GPS store has mail in rebates for SH radios.  Here is the most budget friendly floating waterproof option that I am picking up ($85 -$20 MRB = $65 before shipping & taxes).  Hope this helps some other anglers looking for a quality budget safety device... good 'till the end of the year.

http://www.thegpsstore.com/Standard-Horizon-HX150-Handheld-Marine-VHF-Radio-P3493.aspx

Holy cow, that is cheap.

Check out the HX300. Its has a longer battery life.

http://www.thegpsstore.com/Standard-Horizon-HX300-Floating-VHF-P3138.aspx