Capt_Marlinspike
Well-Known Member
I need a new fixed VHF radio. I have seen one branded Cobra on ebay for £99, anyone any experience of this radio. Anyone any thoughts on cheap v. expensive vhf sets.
Cheers
Cheers
VHF DSC Radio
- Thread starter Capt_Marlinspike
- Start date
ShipsWoofy
Well-Known Member
I have heard good reports on here regarding cobra.
But,
I believe you do get what you pay for and that is not to suggest spending mega bucks guarantees you a good radio, but buying a premium brand does.
When I needed to change I looked at ICOM, Raymarine and navman. I bought the navman as including comfortable quality I preferred the layout and functionality. My h/h is an old ICOM 12 channel, expensive in it's day. The fact it is near 20 years old (I think) and I don't have any intention of changing it says something of getting what you pay for.
I had to open it up as the aerial bnc had come loose, the build quality of the ICOM is fantastic. Had I done this prior to buying a new ship set, I think I would have bought ICOM.
I do not want to be one of those broken records saying how much is your life worth, but...
But,
I believe you do get what you pay for and that is not to suggest spending mega bucks guarantees you a good radio, but buying a premium brand does.
When I needed to change I looked at ICOM, Raymarine and navman. I bought the navman as including comfortable quality I preferred the layout and functionality. My h/h is an old ICOM 12 channel, expensive in it's day. The fact it is near 20 years old (I think) and I don't have any intention of changing it says something of getting what you pay for.
I had to open it up as the aerial bnc had come loose, the build quality of the ICOM is fantastic. Had I done this prior to buying a new ship set, I think I would have bought ICOM.
I do not want to be one of those broken records saying how much is your life worth, but...
alistairh
Well-Known Member
the XM dsc vhf is really really good
Shuggy
Well-Known Member
I'm on my second Cobra DSC - because I have bought a second boat with a non-DSC VHF. I have put Cobras into both of mine because I've not had any problems and get absolutely superb reception and transmission. I can hear Malin Head from Ardfern & not everyone else I know (with taller masts) can. So they can't be that bad, can they?
Shuggy
Well-Known Member
Should have added - I didn't pay as much as £99 for mine.
Capt_Marlinspike
Well-Known Member
WHere did you get one for less than £99?
JIM_TEAL
Well-Known Member
I can second Shuggy. Solid set and excellent reception on 23 ft mast. L'pool CG loud and clear in Strangford. Much better than my previous set
Shuggy
Well-Known Member
Can't remember where the first one came from but the second was from Irvine boat jumble (a biggish company) for £90 odd. Try google...
gardenshed
Well-Known Member
try the silva DSC15 with Navtex. great kit and not too difficult to operate
alistairh
Well-Known Member
the xm dsc is 89.99 from gaelforce.net
najsmith
Well-Known Member
Given this system is a potential life-line, it was not somethign I was prepared to compromise on.
ICOM M421 was my choice @ about £150
ICOM M421 was my choice @ about £150