ISO VHS Radio recommendation

I am looking to purchase a vhs radio. I have never had one and would like to know what you guys use. I am looking to spend between 70 and 150 $ all recommendations welcome.

I like my Standard Horizon hx300. Here is the review.

I like my Standard Horizon hx300. Here is the review.

Can’t go wrong with standard horizon.

Cant go wrong with Standard Horizon, but their power cradle is shit, fakin shit.  But the radio is good when it gets a full charge.

Totally agree.  Charging cradle is crap.  Seems like battery contact issue. I have to make sure the charging indicator is on after inserting it. A lot of times it does not work and requires multiple tries.   I have the hx890.  Anyone found a fix?

Cobra Marine Radio - MR HH150 FLT - 3 Watt, Floating, Long Range, Handheld, VHF Radio, NOAA, International, Waterproof, Submersible, Weather Alerts, LCD Screen, Belt Clip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VMB2SGT/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_QJ0HHDXF2ASD7HKY6X0V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I have the little Cobra, nice basic radio. Takes regular AAA batteries, so carrying spares is easy. Batteries last quite a while - several trips for me. Easy to use, dual watch, firm clip stays put, comes with short lanyard, it floats, it's waterproof. 

I am looking to purchase a vhs radio. I have never had one and would like to know what you guys use. I am looking to spend between 70 and 150 $ all recommendations welcome.

You have a PM.

I'm not going to bet my life on a Cobra VHF, or one that has a battery door, or one that less than 5w.  I'll trust any Standard Horizon product, or ICOM, but prefer the SH they seem to be more powerful transmitting.

I'll trust any Standard Horizon product, or ICOM, but prefer the SH they seem to be more powerful transmitting.

Receiving, as well. I have both and when I use my ICOM I'm always missing transmissions that others around me are receiving.

Totally agree.  Charging cradle is crap.  Seems like battery contact issue. I have to make sure the charging indicator is on after inserting it. A lot of times it does not work and requires multiple tries.   I have the hx890.  Anyone found a fix?

One of the thing that seems to work is to scrape the contact points, both the radio and craddle end.  But I do have a nightmare where the radio is not charged, or worse, partially charged, when I take it to the water.  So I always bring a spare with me.  I hope to never have to use the spare, but if I have to, its probably because the shit already hit the fan and more.

I'm not going to bet my life on a Cobra VHF, or one that has a battery door, or one that less than 5w.  I'll trust any Standard Horizon product, or ICOM, but prefer the SH they seem to be more powerful transmitting.

I grew up around Cobra CB radios - never saw one fail.  I've had my radio for about a year and a half, zero issues.  Not sure if you've had an issue with a Cobra radio - but I would like to hear if you did. 

The battery cover has a nice seal and locks closed - I have no concerns of water intrusion.  I've dropped it in the water/sand/whatever dozens of times, and never had an issue.  I always test my radio before launch, and never had a missed call. 

I don't really care about total output power because that is only part of the reception equation, and much less important than line of sight with VHF.  If the two VHF radios are on the other side of the horizon from each other, comms are going to be spotty at best, and usually non-existent.  The only way to appreciably increase your range is to increase your antenna height, which can be tough to do on a kayak.  I am not going offshore on a kayak, so for my situation, it isn't a concern.  If I was going more than a couple miles offshore, I would probably install a proper antenna on my kayak to actually get some range.  It can serve dual purpose and hold an orange flag too.

Note, I didn't go into this for OP because they asked for a radio recommendation within a budget range, which I gave based on my experience. 

If I felt the need for a more robust radio, I would probably go with Harris, Motorola, or ICOM.  There is a reason why about 95% of Gov/Mil radios are one of those three brands.  I can't speak to Standard Horizon because I don't have experience with them, but they seem to be well regarded on this forum, aside from charging cradle issues reported in this thread - not an issue for a radio with standard batteries. 

Also, there is a lot of other gear and knowledge that has a role in safety.  The radio is important, but self-rescue should always be the first choice.  Go with a buddy, tell people where you are going and how long you are going to be out, carry a bilge pump, wear exposure/immersion gear, carry extra water, carry a good knife, carry some extra line, etc.  There are a lot of situations that a radio won't help in, and a lot of situations where help won't get there in time anyway.  How long does it take a CG boat or helicopter go get to Timber Cove or Carmel?  What about Disco Bay or Frank's Tract?  Stuff to think about, regardless of which radio you are carrying. 

Standard Horizon is Yaesu's vhf branch. HAM guys love Yaesu radios. I recently got a Standard Horizon hx870 and it is well-built. I've been using an ICOM M24 for years and it is just fine. I think both brands make great radios.

Strongly suggest the Standard Horizons HX300.
Definitely has the dependability S.H. is known for, but unlike the rest of their line, the HX300 is charged with a USB cable rather then the standard cradle. Also comes with a car charger included (great for topping off on the drive to the ramp). 
;0)

I've had great performance from multiple Cobra models over the years - as well as Standard Horizon and Uniden.

Redundancy is more important than the brand, IMO.

Use radio sooner rather than latter. Get a radio check at least once a day stay in contact with buddy and get comfortable using it. Coast Guard will give polite radio check on Chanel 16, as long as nothing going on.