Handheld VHF

genoa · 03 September 2007, 17:32

I am sure its in here, but the search seems to be turning up everything but ...

THe kids managed to loose my handheld last weekend so I am in the market for a new one so;
Whats everyone got and how good is it?
I had a Silva and I could never get the volume above whisper.

I want :
Waterproof, Loud, knobs for vol and sqlch, favorite 3 channels then simple as possible.

It's a back up for the fixed set, but also my way of keeping a tether on the teenagers when they have the SIB out as well (until they throw the thing in the water to see if it really is water proof. At 25 knots. And then cant find it!!!

Andy Moore · 03 September 2007, 18:22

Look at a cheap Icom set.

993dat · 03 September 2007, 18:33

Also looking for main set... any comments appreciated. Read some of the posts.. decision between Standard Horizon HX270e (£86) and Icom M71 (£145)

Cheers

martini · 03 September 2007, 18:48

i've always gone for Icom personally, big buttons and big screen but may have a lot do with me being familiar with them. It's a bit like buying Nokia mobiles for years then going to a Sony!

laser · 03 September 2007, 19:02

standard horizon all the way, they are sooo good, and soo robust. Will never buy an icom again.

ed2 · 03 September 2007, 19:09

I had a Silva handset. I couldn't get it to transmit as well as dad's handheld. Not sure what type it is though.

My handset I believe was the Silva S12? Something like that. I didn't get on with it. The charger hole protective rubber piece would never stay in and as I say, it wouldn't transmit/receive properly. I wasn't able to use it to communicate with boats I could see??

Anyway, problem solved there because the clip broke on me, fell off my lifejacket and sank to the bottom of the briney! lol

Any suggestions for another good, cheap, waterproof handheld?

blimp · 03 September 2007, 20:19

Recently moved from a fixed set on a 6.5m rib to needing a good handheld for a Thundercat (Big thanks to Nautibuoy!). Had a look at quite a few and having only recently completed my VHF DSC course I had a better idea than before of what I was looking at and for.

The Icom sounded best at the start since it would float, but then I looked a little closer and the floating was inverted with just it's arse barely above the water. I'm guessing that if you drop one of these o/board it's going to be in difficult conditions so looking for a handheld with just a bit of it's arse looking up is gonna be hard.

Eventually settled for the standard horizon xh270e - it's submersible, great clear sound even through a w/proof pouch and a grab-bag, and it's a LOT cheaper than the Icom.

...my 2 cents worth

Apherel · 03 September 2007, 20:34

I have the icom m71, great unit, feels very robust, very good standby battery life and works well with the waterproof extension handset.

I've justified the extra cost on the basis it is just me using it and it's going to last a long long time.

mdt · 03 September 2007, 20:36

I had a M31 till the kid lost it in 3m of water got it back when the tide went out. (it is dead now) Was not too happy with it bit big and seldom loud enough when on the move to hear any one calling.

Have borrowed a M71 and much nicer bit of kit to use. Planning to get one my self down at the boat show. The M33 looks to be a fair bit bigger than the M71 but will see how big it is at the show.

The standard horizon xh270e is tempting at the price but it is just as has been said before Nokia to Sony

wavelength · 03 September 2007, 21:25

I have an Icom M1EuroV, coastguard issue with plug in mike/speaker so ya can clip it on your shoulder and still hear what its on about at speed or when ya need both hands for a job. Been rained on, sprayed on,snowed on etc etc and had numerous dunkings throughout the time I have had it. Rinse under the tap and its fine. Li-ion battery with good life-bit big/heavy compared to new models -but then again I know if its fallen outa m'pocket

codprawn · 03 September 2007, 22:15

I bought an Icom Euro as well - never got much use out of it though - it got "lost" in Guernsey!!!

Jon Brooks · 04 September 2007, 07:51

With out a doubt the best radio on the market at the mo is the Icom M-71.
There is nothing to compare to it.

But if you don't want to spend that much then by far the best value is the HX-270 from Standard Horizon.
Fully waterproof, 3 year warranty, rechargable battery, aa cell tray, mains and 12v charger inc.
All this for under £100, can't go wrong really.
At that pice point there is nothing to beat it!!!

As for fixed set there is some very good pricing on the GX-1500 and GX-3000 for SH at the mo.

I don't just sell these I use them!
I have both the GX-1500 and GX-3000 on my boat and they have performed fantasticly over the last few months.
We use the HX-500 hand held and this is great to.
Most of my crew were Icom through and through..........not any more!!!

All SH kit, inc plotters, can be brought through the Ribnet freindlt dealers like Malthouse, Jimbo and DaveH.

Cheers

BogMonster · 04 September 2007, 10:42

HX270 for me and very pleased with it, good price too

Rogue Wave · 04 September 2007, 11:41

i use Standard Horizon portables and have been vey impressed by em.

hurricane · 04 September 2007, 14:34

the HPX500E is in my honest opinion as good as the icom euro1

for value for money and simplicity to use the standard horizon kit cant be beaten!

JABS · 04 September 2007, 14:38

Icom, Icom, Icom.

I would not buy anything else. Fixed or handheld.

They are rugged, extremely well supported and intuitive to use.

Tony.

BassBoy · 24 September 2007, 16:54

I have to agree with Jabs and others.

You gets what you pay for. Do it, coz your life may depnd on it!

It's a bit of safety kit that is worth digging a bit deeper for. I've jumped out of boats at 20+knts with my M1EuroV clipped to my PFD, with no ill effects.

Icom make VHF radios. I think thats all they have ever done and they are bloody good at it. If M1EuoroV ever gives up, i'll probably replace it with M71.

Nick Thomas · 24 September 2007, 18:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by 993dat

Also looking for main set... any comments appreciated. Read some of the posts.. decision between Standard Horizon HX270e (£86) and Icom M71 (£145)

Cheers

Got the Standard set myself, use it on the RIB and also professionally moving oil rigs around. Never had a moments problem (so far, touch wood etc), love the large numbers on the screen, also extremely robust. Unfortunately it doesn't float so remember where you drop it.

BassBoy · 24 September 2007, 18:22

The answer is in the question!
£86 v £140ish!
How much£ unleaded do you burn every year?
Maybe get some retreads for your Ferrari!

Nuff said.

Chris · 24 September 2007, 20:28

Is there any reason why I can't buy one of these in the US and use it over here?

Why don't they meet European stds? the idea is superb are there any drawbacks?

http://www.standardhorizon.com/index...3&isArchived=0

Chris