VHF/DSC:ICOM M421 or Simrad RD68

[guspw]

I am planing on buying a VHF/DSC set and have seen Both the ICOM 421 and Simrad RD68 advertised for £230.

They seem like very similar sets aside from the ICOM being newer and waterproof (not essential for me but you never know when a following sea might try to get in through the hatch)

Does anyone have an opinion on which one is the best buy?

bearing in mind that the Simrad comes with a free deck speaker.
Have also seen Navman 7200 for £220.

And please, lets not get bogged down with the general pros & cons of DSC.

 

[pvb]

I\'ve seen the Navman 7200 for £199...

...inc postage, here.

 

[Skysail]

Re: I\'ve seen the Navman 7200 for £199...

Bought the Icom 421 from Robbins Marine at £209 : Tel: 0151 709 5431. I did not like the size of the Simrad screen.

Icom looked a better construction than Navman, but there are earlier threads on this just after the Boat Show, just search on Icom etc.

 

[steverow]

Why pay more than you need to.
Look at the NASA SX35, Cobra, Navman or Midland ranges.
They all do the same thing.

Steve.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I really like my Navman 7200.

Search on here, I have written quite often why I made the choice.

I would definately recommend a second look.

 

[JonBrooks]

One other thing to keep in mind...
with the Icom you get 3 years warranty.
Not sure wot the others offer.


Regards

 

[Sailfree]

I can't comment on the differences but have had the batteries replaced on a handheld ICOM free of charge when it was over 2 years old was a refreshing change from how I have found the rest of the marine industry behave when you have a problem. I would now always buy Icom providing their prices matched reasonably.

 

[guspw]

Have trawled forums and magazine back issues and settled with the ICOM on reliability grounds.(hense no consideration of Cobra or Midland)
Got it for £230 inc next day delivery
Thanks for the comments!