vhf choice

hey all,

i saw the icon m-88 post but i don't trust rebates, never have. my budget is $100, $150 would be pushing it.

i've been looking at the following. anyone knows anything about these? comments appreciated.

thx
james

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Atlantis-Hand-held-2-Way-Marine/dp/B000E99WOC/ref=sr_1_27/103-7183868-9893449?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1185234979&sr=8-27

http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-MR-HH425LI-VP-Professional/dp/B000OYJ62U/ref=sr_1_17/103-7183868-9893449?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1185235449&sr=8-17

http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Horizon-STD-HX370S-Handheld-Marine/dp/B000GDXNAK/ref=sr_1_20/103-7183868-9893449?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1185235449&sr=8-20

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Handheld-Marine-2-Way-Radio/dp/B0002Q7DWA/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7183868-9893449?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1185235525&sr=8-1#

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Voyager-Ultra-Compact-Marine/dp/B00009V32Z/ref=pd_bbs_11/103-7183868-9893449?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1185235525&sr=8-11

Another buying option for the SH HX370

http://www.hodgesmarine.com/STANDARD-HX370S-HANDHELD-VHF-MARINE-RADIO-p/stahx370s.htm

$25 cheaper than amazon's price, including shipping - and no risky rebate required!

I have heard good things about that store from a socal forum... I have my order in there and will post how the service is, in case you're wondering.

hey cafecrig, thanks dude.

don't know too much about vhf, only what i've been able to read from descriptions. so far most seem to have way more features than i will ever need anyways.

not trying to gripe but just found out that this one doesn't have the "triple watch plus" function only "dual watch", even this $65 uniden mh120 has it so i'm just wondering what's up with that.

what do you think?

james

No probs James!  I have zero experience with VHF's - you know more than i do about them.  I got the M88 coz it was a deal and Duane likes his a lot, and I figure I can take that to the bank well enough.

I think others here like Standard Horizon...  I have searched the forums here before for stuff about them and found some useful comments.

Maybe some experienced SH and Uniden owners can post their feedback on those or similar models?

I have the small Uniden Voyager, I accidently dropped it down a flight of stairs a few weeks ago and dunked it three times last Saturday, it still works great! YMMV. Dan

Well, that's a ringing endorsement if I ever heard one..  hehe..  Glad the radio apparently came out of the dunking as well as you did   

Dan why did you choose the Voyager?  Were you looking at any other radios in comparison?  Does that Voyager have DSC?  And c'mon fess up, why the hell did you throw it down the stairs?  uh huh..

I have the small Uniden Voyager, I accidently dropped it down a flight of stairs a few weeks ago and dunked it three times last Saturday, it still works great! YMMV. Dan

I'm glad your sense of humor is still intact, too!

Janice aka "Big J"

The Uniden Atlantis is only JIS-4. That's only splash resistant. Even if you keep your radio in a dry bag, it is an essential safety item and not the place to cut corners. I don't see a rating for the Uniden Voyager. The Uniden 350 Marine, Cobra MR, and Standard HX370 are submersible, JIS-7.

I'm a great believer in Standard Horizon.

I am notorious for dropping and bashing my gear. When I went to get a VHF that was pretty much the biggest concern after size. The Uniden Voyager has taken some serious abuse from my yakfishing days and still walks/swims on. Nice and waterproof and sits in my PFD front pocket!
Z

I've also got the Uniden Voyager.  I've been using it for the past few months without any problems.  I used to have it in my front pocket and then I'd rinse it with the hose when I got home.  Now I put it in an aqua pac, keeps it dry and out of the elements but it's a bit hard to operate.  Overall, a great radio though.

thanks all for your input. i went with std-hx370s from hodges marine. should be getting it in 2 days. $129 including 2 day shipping.

james

Another Uniden Voyager user here   After 4 years of use.... did I mention I fish more than the average person   I finally had to get a new one...and yes, I went with the Uniden again   It's one of the cheaper compact models out in the market. Got mine a West Marine for $149.00 (sale).

One of the smallest VHF handhelds, yet the Voyager is rugged enough to withstand tough marine conditions and it's rated submersible by Uniden. The Voyager's waterproof rating and small size make it a great choice for small boats and day sailors because it can handle being dunked and easily slips into a pocket. Capable of tuning in all marine channels, NOAA weather channels with S.A.M.E. Weather Alert and "Triple Watch Plus," that allows you to monitor emergency channels 16 and 9, and one other channel of your choice. Includes a Li-Ion battery, drop-in charger with AC and DC adapters and a flexible rubber antenna.
Material: Die cast aluminum chassis and case
Controls: Volume knob and backlit pushbuttons
Scanning Modes: Programmable, Tri-Watch, memory, weather
Weather Alert: Yes
Antenna: SMA, flexible rubber
Transmit Power: 5/1 watt
Receiver Performance: Sensitivity: 0.35µV; Rejection: 65dB
Battery Life Li-ion: 12 hrs
Waterproof: Mfr rated submersible JIS 7
Dimensions: 2 1/2"W x 4"L x 3/4"D
Display Type: Backlit LCD
Screen Size: 1.2" x 0.6"
Weight: 14oz.
Included Equipment: Drop-in charger with AC and DC adapter, external mic jack
Warranty: Three year waterproof, $49.95 flat rate

Yet another Voyager here too! Love it!

James, yeah that HX370 looks like a really good buy there, and I have read good things about SH warranty service so you should be covered that way.

My ICOM got shipped from Hodge's the morning after I ordered it so I am thinkin it might even get here this week.

ups just delivered it, charging right now. can't wait to try it out.

appears to be pretty rugged and well made as it should be although the rubber seal around the ear piece and antenna moves around as i tighten the cover and antenna. hope it doesn't move too much to create a tiny hole.

james