Fixed VHF reviews

[richardsnowstar]

Hello,
In the past the sailing magazines have periodically reviewed Fixed VHF sets. I am trying to find a recent review. Can anyone tell me when and where I might find fixed VHF reviews in any of the magazines?
Thanks.

 

[pvb]

Magazine tests aren't great; they're often cobbled together quickly to fill a few pages, and don't always include some obvious competitors. You won't go far wrong if you choose an Icom or Standard Horizon set.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Ive been considering one of these http://www.force4.co.uk/media/catal...f78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/0/200245.jpg
Or the Cobra with GPS and other features.

 

[PhillM]

I had a cobra and it lasted 2 years. Then one of these http://www.marinesuperstore.com/mar...4AM-T-Zh0yBf1jDbXo1kuu-2DVF92TsLYehoCYR3w_wcB.

Not actually tired the ais receive in anger but it works around the docks.

 

[PaulRainbow]

You won't go far wrong if you choose an Icom or Standard Horizon set.

I agree. Garmin are also good, but tend to be a bit pricey on their VHF sets.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Ive been considering one of these http://www.force4.co.uk/media/catal...f78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/0/200245.jpg
Or the Cobra with GPS and other features.

Stick with the Standard Horizon mate.

 

[ex-Gladys]

Sort of +1... My experience is with Standard Horizon, but I'd have no issue going with ICOM

 

[pvb]

I agree. Garmin are also good, but tend to be a bit pricey on their VHF sets.

Yes, I have a Garmin VHF300i with integral AIS receiver. It's good because it integrates seamlessly with my Garmin plotter, and I have a wireless remote handset for it too. But if I didn't need the integration, I don't think I'd have paid the Garmin price.

 

[adwuk]

I have the ICOM 506, which is connected to the NMEA2K network, picks up its position from the GPS and sends AIS data to the chart plotter. I also use a remote MIC. Very easy to use, and great support from ICOM.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Yes, I have a Garmin VHF300i with integral AIS receiver. It's good because it integrates seamlessly with my Garmin plotter, and I have a wireless remote handset for it too. But if I didn't need the integration, I don't think I'd have paid the Garmin price.

I also have the 300i. Very nice and integrates well via NMEA 2000, but pricey.

 

[syneraida]

If you want a truly excellent VHF radio I would recommend either SAILOR 6215 or the ICOM M604, they should last as long as you!!

 

[pvb]

If you want a truly excellent VHF radio I would recommend either SAILOR 6215 or the ICOM M604, they should last as long as you!!

The Icom M604 was discontinued some time ago, I believe.

 

[syneraida]

The Icom M604 was discontinued some time ago, I believe.

You may well be right, but you can still pick them up online.

 

[pvb]

You may well be right, but you can still pick them up online.

But perhaps not in the UK.

 

[lpdsn]

You won't go far wrong if you choose an Icom or Standard Horizon set.

+1

I'm more than happy with my 2100 (which is also an AIS receiver). I've picked up Holyhead coastguard and Stornaway coastguard within minutes of each other a number of times.

The basic Standard Horizon (is it still the 1600) can be got for about £100 or so - I believe it's the same as mine minus AIS.

 

[Alpha22]

Icom or SH..... look at features that are important to you....

I wanted a rotational knob for volume, squelch and channel change..... I'm just a bit analogue with these things.... I also wanted AIS integration so I plumped for a Standard Horizon GX2000. Little else came close...

 

[ghostlymoron]

I believe the Cobra has a unique playback feature which sounds useful. Otherwise would go for a SH with GPS.
I too prefer a rotary selector for channel.

 

[Tammany]

I had a cobra and it lasted 2 years. Then one of these http://www.marinesuperstore.com/mar...4AM-T-Zh0yBf1jDbXo1kuu-2DVF92TsLYehoCYR3w_wcB.

Not actually tired the ais receive in anger but it works around the docks.

I was going to go with one of those new horizon GX2200 with ais & gps but apparently they are exceptionally power hungry? How have you found yours??

 

[pvb]

I was going to go with one of those new horizon GX2200 with ais & gps but apparently they are exceptionally power hungry?

According to the specs, they use about the same current as most other radios.