Hand Held VHF - Standard Horizon HX300E or what?

gandy

gandy

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Hi,

I'm looking for a basic hand held set, no need for DSC etc. I would like the UK specific channels M (37A) and M2, and it will have to be possible to charge it on board the boat from 12V. Ability to take standard cells as a fallback would be an advantage. The other factor is that it might lie around unused for fairly long periods, so would prefer not to have to baby the battery.

My prejudice is towards Icom, but as far as I can determine their entry level set M25 can only use it's internal lithium battery, and the next model M35 seems to only have mains charging (from consulting the PDF manual).

Reviews etc seem to all recommend the Standard Horizon HX300E, but before I push the button I'd be interested in any comments either for or against. Or suggestions of alternatives with advantages over the HX300E.

Thanks, Tony S
 
For £99, it's hard to beat the HX300E as a basic handheld. You can't go far wrong with any Standard Horizon radio.
 
I bought the Icom M25, and although it only uses it's internal battery I've found the battery life to be incredible.

As it charges from USB you can also use external USB battery packs with it.
 
dolabriform said:
I bought the Icom M25, and although it only uses it's internal battery I've found the battery life to be incredible.

As it charges from USB you can also use external USB battery packs with it.
Click to expand...

I'm sure the M25 is a good little radio, but the HX300E also uses USB charging, has a bigger battery, has better waterproofing, and is a lot cheaper.
 
I have the previous version of the icom M25.
I use it very regularly for leisure use as I don't have a fixed radio on the flybridge, which is where I am mostly.. Make and receive calls almost every trip out as we pass through locks . At the very least have it on for listening.
I charge it once or twice a year using the mains charger supplied . But the battery indicator has never indicated the battery to be running really low.
I thought I might need a 12V charger but with a little thought in advance it is not necessary.
 
After previous Icom issues, I bought a tiny cheap Cobra hand held for £55. Its rechargeable (AAA, so replacements cheap as chips) and lasts forever. Works just fine, but not floaty. Absolutely delighted! (Icom replacement battery or charger cost more than value of my old VHF....so baled out as it wasn't exceptional in any way)

Fixed Cobra in boat also works without fail despite low price tag.
 
No Regrets said:
After previous Icom issues, I bought a tiny cheap Cobra hand held for £55. Its rechargeable (AAA, so replacements cheap as chips) and lasts forever. Works just fine, but not floaty. Absolutely delighted! (Icom replacement battery or charger cost more than value of my old VHF....so baled out as it wasn't exceptional in any way)

Fixed Cobra in boat also works without fail despite low price tag.
Click to expand...

Don't think the cheap Cobra handheld meets the OP's requirement of M1 & M2 channels. Also, it's not waterproof, which I reckon is a fairly basic requirement for a handheld.
 
gandy said:
Cheers, does the HX300E have the M and M1 channels? I can only find a US manual online.
Click to expand...
pvb said:
UK-sold versions have M1 & M2.
Click to expand...
Mine didn't but I think should have so check on arrival...
These things have been software configured for a long time and I assume the HX300E is too.

gandy said:
Waterproof is a must, although I didn't mention it originally. If nothing else so that it can be used in the rain.
Click to expand...
Surely any handheld sold today is rainproof? Most can be submerged.

MartynG said:
The icom m25 is not only waterproof but floats and flashes.
Click to expand...

As is the HX300E, they're very similar in many ways, but the HX300E is usually about 20 quid cheaper.
 
MartynG said:
The icom m25 is not only waterproof but floats and flashes.
Click to expand...

So does the Standard Horizon HX300E.

The USB charging means it can be charged from 240v, 12v or a laptop USB port, same as the Icom. The SH can also be run from dry cells, although with USB charging i'm not sure how important that is.

I see no difference in quality or support between Icom and SH, both are excellent. But, in this instance, the SH is a fair bit cheaper.
 
I was having a similar internal debate over buying the DSC versions (HS870 and Icom M35), and asked a couple of dealers if the Icom was worth the extra. Both said that they'd buy the SH if it was their money. So I did too.
 
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Cheers, is that definite? My understanding is that the UK specific channels aren't internationally recognised. I've used an old Icom M3A which can be switched between USA, International or Canada, but none of these include M or M2.
(Sorry, post crossed)
 
gandy said:
Cheers, is that definite? My understanding is that the UK specific channels aren't internationally recognised. I've used an old Icom M3A which can be switched between USA, International or Canada, but none of these include M or M2.
(Sorry, post crossed)
Click to expand...

Your understanding is correct. You need to buy the UK-specific version. Perhaps Paul was having a senior moment.
 
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