Handheld VHF

Lineside · 07-04-2008, 02:22 PM

I'm looking for a handheld VHF to be used primarily inshore on lakes. Will be used for weather reports as much if not more than communications. I saw a Cobra mrhh325 for $99.00. Any one know if this is a good model or have something else to look at.

bamaboy473 · 07-04-2008, 02:35 PM

Have you talked to others on that lake about reception? VHF signal is line-of-sight, isn't it? Is the weather signal coming from land-based or satellite, because if land based, you might not get any signal at all on an inland lake. I'm no expert in this, but just saying...

ConchRepublic · 07-04-2008, 02:36 PM

ICOM M34 Floating Handheld VHF or M72 model... worth the extra bucks, should come in around 150 to 180.

First Light · 07-04-2008, 06:52 PM

Cobra makes good stuff - but your question is an "Electronics" question and would be better posted in the Electronics Forum, where posters more knowledgeable about electronics can be found.

itsmeagain5789 · 07-04-2008, 06:54 PM

i bought a westmarine brand and its served me well for 4 years. no problems, and good range

tprice · 07-06-2008, 04:25 AM

Quote:

ConchRepublic - 7/4/2008 4:36 PM

ICOM M34 Floating Handheld VHF or M72 model... worth the extra bucks, should come in around 150 to 180.

This is the one I bought as a back up, I would spend the extra money and make sure I had one that floated or is at least WATERPROOF and not just water resistant.

There is a BIG difference in those two words

richinct · 07-06-2008, 06:50 AM

I have a Standard Horizon HX270S that I got form BOE a couple of years ago. Submersible (3' for 30 mins) has a 3 yr warranty including water intrusion. I think I paid around 100 bucks.

CAP1 · 07-07-2008, 03:44 PM

Standard Horizon HX-850s is a little more $, but is waterproof, floats, and comes with a built-in GPS and DSC.

davepen · 07-07-2008, 03:57 PM

I have owned several handheld VHF radios. I'm not familiar with Cobra (apart from CB), but they have a good history in the radio business. West Marine's radios are usually manufactured by Uniden, another solid brand. Icom and Standard-Horizon both make good radios, I think.

I've been able to receive NOAA broadcasts from nearly anywhere they were available with a handheld. These are typically broadcast from very high towers, so their coverage area is quite large.

Your personal communication capabilities will be much more restricted; 3 miles line-of-sight is probably typical with a 5 watt handheld.

A good handheld is worth having, though.

Edited: Raymarine doesn't make handhelds anymore. I have one, and I'm happy with it.

ElectronicsGuy · 07-10-2008, 11:39 AM

There are a number of good handheld VHFs on the market in the $100 price range. Some were priced higher in the past but have been reduced as new models hit the street. I have over a dozen handheld VHF reviews posted at:

http://www.marine-electronics-review...vhf-radio.html

The reviews are free to read.