Marine Radio suggestions

OK folks, I've got most everything for my yak and I'm confused about what marine radio to get. I went on Amazon and about all reviews (in the $100 price range) seem to have an avg of about 10% of waterproof/resistant failures, primarily on the Uniden and Cobra models. anybody have any suggestions on this important decision? I'm ready to go out on my first trek this Sunday (weather and water permitting) and I've no idea on which one to get. Thanks

I've used a number of different radios over the years, and I'm not partial to any of them.  I want one that works, when I want it to work.

If my budget was $100 for radios, Id get 2 of these Cobras:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/11018926?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9032371&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=11018926&wl13=&veh=sem

Get two because redundancy is good, and you can have a loaner for a buddy if need be.  I often carry 2 radios.  If one fails the other is available.  two is one, one is none.  Redundancy is good. 

I own  Standard Horizon HX300 Floating VHF and recommend it.  Floats (must IMO for kayak fishing) and takes USB charging.  Rebate available.

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

Thanks guys! Didn't even cross my mind to have two. But it makes all the sense.
I didn't see what the difference is between the $200 and up ones. Then again I want my radio for its primary and vital function. Do the expensive ones talk dirty to you!?

Thanks guys! Didn't even cross my mind to have two. But it makes all the sense.
I didn't see what the difference is between the $200 and up ones. Then again I want my radio for its primary and vital function. Do the expensive ones talk dirty to you!?

The more expensive ones last. I have an Icom since 2009 and still works like the first day I bought it. Standard Horizon and Icom are the two common brands of vhf radio people buy.

Thanks guys! Didn't even cross my mind to have two. But it makes all the sense.
I didn't see what the difference is between the $200 and up ones. Then again I want my radio for its primary and vital function. Do the expensive ones talk dirty to you!?

The more expensive ones last. I have an Icom since 2009 and still works like the first day I bought it. Standard Horizon and Icom are the two common brands of vhf radio people buy.

+1.  Had my Standard Horizon for about 5 years now and still works great.   

Hmmm. I wonder why the Cobra and Uniden dominate the first page of Amazon. Haha

standard horizon!  going on 4+ years, no problems.   I have two (150 and 300)... one needs a base to charge, the other uses usb.

I have two Standard Horizons HX300s and I would recommend them to anyone in the market. I've already even used the waterproof and floating features! One nice thing is that you can set them up to monitor multiple channels while still transmitting on one of your choice so that for example you can monitor you and your friends (69 probably) Coast Guard (16) and Intership Navigation Safety(13) so you'll known when you're about to get run over by a oil tanker.

The radio is important enough that it's worth spending a bit extra money to get a good one with nice features that isn't going to crap out when you need it. Having a spare both for redundancy and loaning to friends is also quite handy. If money is tight I would buy a nicer radio for myself and maybe a less expensive one to share/be a backup.

If you get a non-floating radio, you MUST tether it.

Standard it is..thanks again.

-Add GPS....?
HX 300 Standard.. I got that...
What if you want to add GPS locating so they can come find you?......

thanks for the suggestion Biomann.
I already ordered my Standard Hx300 with a 3 year protection plan.That was the LAST piece of safety equipment on my checklist.
I'm pretty much ready for my first paddle out. I'll be in HMB this Sunday. If anybody sees a guy on sand colored Malibu Stealth 12 looking like he's just practicing, it's probably me!! come say hello!

-Add GPS....?
HX 300 Standard.. I got that...
What if you want to add GPS locating so they can come find you?......

I don't know if anyone has ever used that feature. Might come handy if you always venture out alone and shit hits the fan. I guess it won't hurt to have. Might also kill your battery

I was asking the GPS and DSC question mostly for my (radioless) self.

I got socked in fog off santa Cruz and Monterey one time... and had I got in trouble the DSC would tell folks ezackly where to look for me.  I figure this crowd could make a good recommendation....

SH HX851 I think is what some members use. You should also equip yourself with fish finder with GPS feature to find your way back instead of relying on Coast guard for rescue.