what vhf radio to buy

[ukprometheus]

Ok so im all booked to do my VHF radio course followed by power boat 2 now so i may as well look at what radio to buy.
whats the handheld of choice on the market at the moment, Im going to be sibbing so handheld will be the way to go i think.

[timhawkfs40]

Hey ive got a brand new cobra hh-125 for sale at £50 if your interested

[ukprometheus]

Originally Posted by timhawkfs40

Hey ive got a brand new cobra hh-125 for sale at £50 if your interested

cheers for the offer but i would like to see what other people have to say first

[SPR]

I would either buy icom or standard horizon...

icom have new DSC radio due on market in few months, the RRP looks higher than standard Horizon but nothing is sold at RRP !

I will prob be buying a m71 or m24 , I used icom for past 10 years and no issues.

If you want fixed radio the m411 is good radio and we just bought one for club rib.

regards

S.

[PeterM]

What SPR said ....icom or standard horizon.

While Cobra has its place I dont think many or here rate them or would get one. (as Nathan on here recently found out cobra waterproof is not the same as Std horizon or icom waterproof).

DSC on a handheld if you can afford it is a big + for safety in my view. ( All will become clear on your course ....). Who ever does your course will I am sure give similar advice.

[ukprometheus]

Originally Posted by PeterM

What SPR said ....icom or standard horizon.

While Cobra has its place I dont think many or here rate them or would get one. (as Nathan on here recently found out cobra waterproof is not the same as Std horizon or icom waterproof).

DSC on a handheld if you can afford it is a big + for safety in my view. ( All will become clear on your course ....). Who ever does your course will I am sure give similar advice.

I did see the thread you are on about in regards cobra waterproof

[SteveHall]

I agree with the ICOM, I have the M87 and its top - Small and compact, Plenty of extra's to fit everything I need it for, and it also works on PMR.

[Razorbill RIBs]

We have both Icom (M71's) and Standard Horizon (HX 280E) handhelds , nothing between them performance /quality wise IMO, but the Icoms frustrate me a little as they discharge their batteries even when not switched on.....unless you open the battery case when not in use..... The standards by comparison do not..... which is why we bought them.

On that basis alone, and if this discharging is still a 'feature; of newer Icoms, I would lean towards the Standard kit

Oh, and we use lanyards to connect the handset to lifejacket, so couldn't see the point in having a floating set....but that's also because i'm a thrifty git

[SIBer]

I've been eyeing up a VHF too
Second hand icoms sell for more than new cobras on ebay.

Having said that, my father in law has a midland handheld for his river barge and for the money its OK.

I'd seen standard horizon but didn't know anything about them. From reading all above looks like a Standard Horizon is a good compromise.

[ukprometheus]

Hmmm so should i get one with DSC or not is the only question left

[SPR]

if can afford it DSC...

[Max...]

Standard Horizon HX751E - floating, 6w, great build, brill sound and about £120 new - super pleased with mine.

[SIBer]

Originally Posted by Max...

Standard Horizon HX751E - floating, 6w, great build, brill sound and about £120 new - super pleased with mine.

A quick google shows £107.99 delivered.

Thanks for the recommendation.

[Nathan k]

Originally Posted by ukprometheus

I did see the thread you are on about in regards cobra waterproof

I think it must have dried out now, you turn it on and off but no buttons work. ...yeah keep away from cobra.

Other than staying dry it was a good radio, I think I got 10 meters of range once!