Handheld VHF radios

welch · #1 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003

I am looking at purchasing a marine handheld VHF radio. My eye is on the Standard Horizon HX350S. What does everyone use and how do you like it?
Dave
kcolfw

Stede · #2 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003

Welch,

I use a Raytheon hand held VHF. I don''t recall the model, but it''s one of the smaller units. I like Raytheon products, but I haven''t been very impressed with the performance of the unit. One important thing I would look closely at if I were planning on buying a new one, would be how long the battery lasts to power the unit. Mine doesn''t seem to last but maybe an hour before needing to be recharged. I bought a spare battery when I bought the unit,but it doesn''t matter which battery I''m using.It would really be beneficial if you could get a "Practical Sailor" review on hand-helds before purchasing one. I wish I had ;^)

mcain · #3 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003

I have a Standard Horizon fixed VHF that I have been very happy with.
However, I also have a Standard Horizon handheld that has been nothing but trouble. Battery doesn''t last and it periodically locks up and requires a trip back to the factory.
Practical Sailor seems to recommend ICOM for handhelds. I know ICOM''s reputation in the hand-held ham ranks is wonderful. I am seriously considering replacing mine with an ICOM in the next 30 days or so.

jbarros · #4 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003

In the ham world (KD6QEU) I love Icoms. That being said, I''ve got the standard horizons handlheld and, perhaps I''m lucky, but I''ve had no problems with it. Batteries last a trip to the islands and back. It''s been dunked more times than I''d like to admit, and kicked, dropped, and thrown around the cabin for hours, and still works fine.

-- James

FlyBri737 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003

I try and avoid Raytheon products at all cost. I had to send my hand held back twice for repairs and it just died again. A good friend had the same radio and reported same types of issues.

Had a Raytheon panel mounted VHF and sent it back 3 times for repairs before getting a Standard Horizon which is working great so far.

Looking at Icom for my hand held replacement.

good luck

welch · #6 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003

I too like Icom in the world of ham radio. Mobile is a 2100H 2meter, base is a IC-718 and love both. My thinking was Standard Horizon has been making marine radios longer than Icom? Iwonder what merchant marine or commercial fisherman use?
I like the fact with the Standard Horizon model mentioned one can use 110Vac, 12VDC chargers and regular batterries. Plus I like the seperate squelch knob.

hamiam · #7 (**permalink**) 09-16-2003

I have an ICOM M1V with lithium ion battery.
Small, powerful, good range, and excellent battery life.

PepBoy · #8 (**permalink**) 09-23-2003

I just bought a Standard HX460S. I was in the "same boat" as I did not know what was out there. . It is a great hand held radio.. but may not be the one for you. Call EB4L.Com ( 866-999-2628). The guy spent about 25 minutes on the phone with me and really helped the process a lot. It still took me another week to make the purchase.. But I am glad I did.

welch · #9 (**permalink**) 09-24-2003

Thanks everyone for the help.
Dave
kc0lfw

BenDaniels · #10 (**permalink**) 09-24-2003

I''ve owned a Standard HX350 for over three years now, and have not had any problems. I purchased the unit partially because it was rated #1 by PS at the time and also because it included various charging means, an AA battery tray, and other items as standard. This unit has bounced on decks, and been immersed on the cockpit sole with no ill effects. Performance has been better than units I have used on other boats regarding volume, clarity, etc.