Help!

[Euphonyx]

Whats the best handheld VHF? Sure this must have been discussed but my searching the forum shows up nothing. I have a small cobra one but its no good. thankls

 

[richardabeattie]

Not a helpful thread title.

 

[KAL]

How long is your piece of string and how deep is your wallet?

A 2017 review here. https://uk.boats.com/reviews/the-10-best-handheld-vhf-radios/

FWIW, we have an Entel HT644 and it’s been amazing. You won’t go far wrong with an ICOM either. Generally you gets what you pays for, but there’s a wonderful choice out there. I’d stick to a premium make if you can and probably consider a DSC version as they’re available, if you can stretch to it.

 

[Stemar]

I have an ICOM one. Does what it says on the tin.

Mine isn't, as they were quite a bit more expensive when I was shopping, but a floating one might be a good idea. OTOH, I'm not sure how much help that would be in any more than a flat calm, when you're unlikely to be giving it swimming lessons anyway. The likelihood of keeping it in sight when dropping sails and turning back in any sort of seaway must be pretty small.

 

[Kwik Decision]

Standard Horizon and Icom both seem to be recommended a lot on this forum, when people are asking about VHFs. I have one of each, and am very happy with them.

 

[pvb]

Standard Horizon HX870E is the one to buy.

 

[Euphonyx]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to have to spend more than I thought to get a decent one it seems. Much appreciated

 

[pvb]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to have to spend more than I thought to get a decent one it seems. Much appreciated

The HX870E is £200 well spent!

 

[PaulRainbow]

The HX870E is £200 well spent!

+1 :encouragement:

 

[C08]

I have an Icom handheld and it has kept full charge for 2 years!

 

[MonniotC]

Definitely waterproof. Preferably floating. I've dropped mine off the pontoon before now. Luckily I grabbed it before it sank out of sight, but I was lucky. My first one was not waterproof. It died in the bottom of the rubber dinghy. My vote is for Standard Horizon.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Just to add, the Standard Horizon already mentioned is waterproof, floats, has DSC and 6w output. Can also be run from normal batteries in an emergency. Standard Horizon service is second to none.

 

[pvb]

Just to add, the Standard Horizon already mentioned is waterproof, floats, has DSC and 6w output.

...and built-in GPS.

 

[colind3782]

Another vote for Standard Horizon

 

[PaulRainbow]

...and built-in GPS.

Yup. I keep mine clipped to my harness when i'm single handed (at least) if i end up in the drink the DSC alert will be handy.

 

[Euphonyx]

decision made then! Thanks all. fantastic