recommendation on handheld VHF?

[SlimPickens]

Didn't find any info on a search. I'm needing a handheld VHF as a backup for under $120 or so.

What are you guys finding/experiencing as the "best buy"?

thanks!
SLIM

[Hammer Down]

Slim,

Don't go cheap, you will regret it. Go with the ICOM M-88. Many dogs have them (myself included) and they are (probably) the best handheld out there.

Cost: $289.00 or so.

You won't regret it.
-John

[flapbreaker]

I bought a Uniden Mystic unit online for around $290. It's waterproof, has a built in gps and is dcs capable. I have no idea how this unit rate's against other vhf units but so far I'm happy with it.

[Jet Drifter]

I agree with HammerDown!
Love my ICOM M-88 because it is submersible compliant and very compact. It comes with rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery which holds the charge for months without any loss of power.
I want to upgrade the standard antenna as recommended by StickFish.

[Livin the Dream]

I bought the I-com 100.00 model and got what I paid for. Couldn't get the tower one day only 1 mile out with it
Spend the extra bucks if you can.

AL

[skein]

I agree with these guys - cheap ain't the way to go.

Also, get one that has a tray for AA's so that when the rechargeable dies you won't have to cough up a $100 for a new one.

Skein

[Boatdog]

It's not an ICOM, but the Uniden Atlantis 250 slides in under your price.

Atlantis 250 Link

Handheld portable VHF marine radio
lets you enjoy freedom and mobility
All USA, International and Canadian
marine channels

Backlit LCD and keys for easy
use, day or night

Triple Watch/Programmable Scan
means you never miss a call

NiMH rechargeable battery with
alkaline battery capability

Full 5 watts setting for maximum range
when you need it and 1 watt lower power,
maximizing battery life, when you don't

Optional speaker/microphone

NOAA emergency weather alert

Includes Uniden's 3 year water
protection warranty

JIS4 waterproof rated and designed
to protect against spray and splash

AC charger

DC charger

Spare alkaline battery case

[SlimPickens]

Appreciate the advice. Probably won't get a GPS on the handheld since already have one. I like the AA backup. I'll check out Icom.
thanks much.

[Hunt'nFish]

Flapbreaker,
WOW, GPS AND DSC?!?! Nice unit.

Question....would the DSC be of any good 40mile out w/ such a low gain antenna?
Hunt'nFish

[KrystalFlash]

Hunt n fish,

It is unlikely that any handheld VHF/DSC would transmit anwhere near 40 miles. The range is limited by the height of the antenna and the power output. The range is also limited by high seas and swells, if present. The range on most of these is limited to around 10 miles....most under 5 miles, under the best of conditions.

Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another. - E.H.

[flapbreaker]

Flapbreaker,
WOW, GPS AND DSC?!?! Nice unit.

Question....would the DSC be of any good 40mile out w/ such a low gain antenna?
Hunt'nFish

No it wouldn't reach shore but it would reach other vessels in the area. More and more DSC is becoming standard with marine radio's. When I bought the comined unit I had in mind the situation where the boat is sunk and I'm in the drink. I figured it would be easier to hold onto one peice of electronic equipement. I guess it seemed like a good idea.

[Chesapeake]

If you search around in the reviews on the net the Icom M88 didnt do so well. It failed the 30 minute dunk test. Current "waterproof" standards call for something like "spray for 30 minutes with water from a 1" nozzle at 50 psi from a distance of 5 feet" or something along those lines.

A friend got the Atlantis on sale at FMS for $100 and it worked very good this weekend out of Garibaldi. I wouldnt hesitate to buy one for myself.

I would search the reviews on the net before purchasing. Many of the high dollar units dont live up to thier names.