Lima Bravo

Sure plenty written in the archives... Ford vs. Chevy. But times change right so here goes.

I want a VHF WITH GPS built in, I don't want it on my network as I like the idea of standalone.. Just my preference.

My Standard Horizon just bit the dust after 6 years.. Speaker quality was terrible from day one, and surely need a remote speaker this time around.

What makes Icom more expensive?? I'll pay whatever...

Icom or Standard Horizon???

Is Icom worth the extra few dollars?? What makes them any better??

ranger42c

I've had ICOMs most recently, both models good, haven't had others to compare.

The 604 we got had larger speakers than the 5xx models, and the 605 we eventually got (ditto speakers) came with it's own GPS puck. Network or not, you choose.

-Chris

Lima Bravo

Is Icom made in Japan? Or China??

Literally what I base my purchases on today....

I suspect Icom is Japan.. But wonder where it's actually made?

autobaun70

I would rethink not networking. That eliminates the ability of having dsc info displayed directly on your plotter. That’s not to say there isn’t a benefit in built in gps, there definitely is, but I would network it too.

71Outrage

I’ve had both, each is reliable. SH has more features for the money, but I find ICOM to be easier and more intuitive to use. I prefer ICOM.

coores14

I don't think you can go wrong with either. Best friend just had his Icom crap out after about 6 years.
I'm redoing the electronics on my Blackfin currently and I'm getting SH. Would be fine with Icom, too, but can't really justify the extra money for less features.

fungusanu

I replaced my old VHF with the Standard Horizon GX2200 AIS/GPS. It came with a 3 year warranty from teh manufacturer. I can say as far as the speaker goes, it's crystal clear and have no problems hearing the conversation. I was thinking about getting an external speaker but don't need it.

I have no experience with iCom.

LISteiger

I had an entry model SH, sounded like crap. I have used the 424G which sounds much better, I have a 506 which is by far the best radio I have used (sound quality and playback) but it doesn't come with a built in gps.

MiamiJay

I just bought a 506 from the GPS Store and plan to enter the MMSI that is currently in my 504. I will then find out what needs to be done to remove the MMSI from my 504.

By the way, if anyone is interested in my 504, PM me. It is about 5-6 years old and in good condition, believe I still have the manuals, etc. Replacing it as part of my routine electronics replacement process ... it works fine but some of the buttons are slightly sun faded and the center channel dial knob doesn’t spring back as it should but it turns just fine.

Ducowti

Can't speak to ICOM, but I prefer the interface and aesthetics of the SH. I run the GX2200 (AIS receive only) with a poly-planar 4" remote VHF speaker, which I believe is critical to ANY VHF's optimized usefulness. None of them I've ridden with have mic speakers worth a damn at anything other than idle. Having the remote speaker is akin to listening to music on your iphone vs a 5.1 system. I can run WOT and hear clearly with my setup:

Parthery

S/H 1850G with built in GPS and N2K and 0183 capability. A couple bucks either side of $200 all day long. Unless you need or want AIS it’s the best deal out there.