Handheld VHF (5w vs 6W) - Icom M93D euro VS Standard Horizon HX890e

[pvb]

I was just wondering if the extra 1W of power would be beneficial. Plus if the weather watch feature & FM radio was just a gimmick or worth considering?

I'd be more interested in the HX890E's bigger battery, bigger display and better waterproofing - plus the fact it's £45 cheaper. The "weather watch feature" is NOAA based and so only works in the USA.

 

[ducie]

I'd be more interested in the HX890E's bigger battery, bigger display and better waterproofing - plus the fact it's £45 cheaper. The "weather watch feature" is NOAA based and so only works in the USA.

Thanks for the heads up regarding the weather watch feature. Good to know.
The HX890E does look a very tempting VHF. My only slight reservation, being my back up VHF I tend to wear it on my life jacket and it looks quite a big unit. I should probably go see one in the flesh.
The SBS is coming up soon, so probably a good opportunity for me to test side my side there.
Thanks for all your input and advice.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Thanks for the heads up regarding the weather watch feature. Good to know.
The HX890E does look a very tempting VHF. My only slight reservation, being my back up VHF I tend to wear it on my life jacket and it looks quite a big unit. I should probably go see one in the flesh.
The SBS is coming up soon, so probably a good opportunity for me to test side my side there.
Thanks for all your input and advice.

I generally wear mine on my lifejacket, clipped to the straps where they go across my chest. Fits and works well.

 

[gregcope]

I generally wear mine on my lifejacket, clipped to the straps where they go across my chest. Fits and works well.

I ware my HX870e like that too. Avoid tucking it in as it can pop out when bending over...

How do i know this?

Well when picking up a mooring single handed after a channel crossing it popped out. At 0200hrs.

Quick dilemma of do i grab the mooring and let it go, was soon solved as its started to flash in the water, so i did a quick VHF Overboard manoeuvre and went back for mooring.

The fact it floats and flashes was invaluable. I like the big display. I like the AA battery holder as something included. I love the long battery life. It has only run down to 3/4 charge once due to being left on for more than a few hours. Gets a gps fix fast (seconds) if used frequently (daily for a bit) otherwise is not slow (minute or two).

It replaced an Icom M71 (6w). Which was great. Slimmer. No gps/dsc. However did not float...

Although i am an icom fan, would happily buy another.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I ware my HX870e like that too. Avoid tucking it in as it can pop out when bending over...

I slip the HH clip between the lifejacket straps, (where the strap is doubled over around the fastener) the clip on the HH is hook shaped at the end, so it hooks under the lifejacket strap and can't come out. It has to go between the straps where they double over, or the straps are too thick for the clip to hook onto and it will slip out, as you describe. Might not work so well with all lifejackets or course.

 

[gregcope]

I slip the HH clip between the lifejacket straps, (where the strap is doubled over around the fastener) the clip on the HH is hook shaped at the end, so it hooks under the lifejacket strap and can't come out. It has to go between the straps where they double over, or the straps are too thick for the clip to hook onto and it will slip out, as you describe. Might not work so well with all lifejackets or course.

Thanks. I need to try something like that as i now rarely ware it the previous way for obvious reasons.