Handheld VHF radio suggestions? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

monstahfish · 09-24-2015, 09:20 AM

I had the old icom floating unit and loved it for about 7 years until it finally died. Just got the newer version and it looks to be built even better plus it now lights up if it gets dropped in the water which is nice. I tried the lowrance ones and the batteries are garbage. I would say do not buy those. The other one that seems to be good is the standard horizon but I don't know if it floats.

jorluivil · 09-24-2015, 09:38 AM

Don't bother getting one with gps, save the money for a stand alone gps/sonar unit. The floating radios tend to 'not float' so save your money on that as well and use it towards your gps/sonar, a lanyard attached to your radio will work much better than a floating radio. I highly recommend that you get a radio that allows you to use an external speaker/mic, it adds additional cost to the purchase but it's well worth it.

ful-rac · 09-24-2015, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorluivil

Don't bother getting one with gps, save the money for a stand alone gps/sonar unit. The floating radios tend to 'not float' so save your money on that as well and use it towards your gps/sonar, a lanyard attached to your radio will work much better than a floating radio. I highly recommend that you get a radio that allows you to use an external speaker/mic, it adds additional cost to the purchase but it's well worth it.

I have to disagree with the "floating radio" part...BUY ONE THAT FLOATS! GPS not needed...

I have dropped my radio in the drink a few times and everytime it floated, and was saved. But buy all means buy the best GPS/Fishfinder you CAN'T afford!

Dave Legacy · 09-24-2015, 10:11 AM

This is the one I just ordered yesterday:

https://www.cobra.com/products/handheld/mr-hh500-flt-bt

Can't speak on it much since I don't have it in my possession yet, but I like the idea of the bluetooth feature so I can still be reached on the water with my phone below deck.

2-Stix · 09-24-2015, 11:30 AM

I just picked up one at west marine. Was 160 on sale for 100. Speaker, floats, back light. Look for a sale.

No need on GPS. Your FF will have one most likely. If not I use an app on my phone until I get a FF.

SHRED · 09-25-2015, 08:31 AM

I'm seriously considering this one.

Standard Horizon HX300 Floating VHF

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/standa...rger--13130844

cabojohn · 09-25-2015, 09:17 AM

Buy from West Marine...ANYTHING ICOM!!
Get the extended warranty.
I wouldn't worry about floating...your VHF will be clipped to your pfd right.?

I have had nothing but bad experiences with Lost Horizons and Cobra...

$.02

09-24-2015, 09:38 AM	#2
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	Don't bother getting one with gps, save the money for a stand alone gps/sonar unit. The floating radios tend to 'not float' so save your money on that as well and use it towards your gps/sonar, a lanyard attached to your radio will work much better than a floating radio. I highly recommend that you get a radio that allows you to use an external speaker/mic, it adds additional cost to the purchase but it's well worth it. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

09-24-2015, 09:20 AM	#1
monstahfish Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 429	I had the old icom floating unit and loved it for about 7 years until it finally died. Just got the newer version and it looks to be built even better plus it now lights up if it gets dropped in the water which is nice. I tried the lowrance ones and the batteries are garbage. I would say do not buy those. The other one that seems to be good is the standard horizon but I don't know if it floats.

09-24-2015, 10:11 AM	#4
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	This is the one I just ordered yesterday: https://www.cobra.com/products/handheld/mr-hh500-flt-bt Can't speak on it much since I don't have it in my possession yet, but I like the idea of the bluetooth feature so I can still be reached on the water with my phone below deck.

09-24-2015, 11:30 AM	#5
2-Stix Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 376	I just picked up one at west marine. Was 160 on sale for 100. Speaker, floats, back light. Look for a sale. No need on GPS. Your FF will have one most likely. If not I use an app on my phone until I get a FF.

09-25-2015, 08:31 AM	#6
SHRED Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Encinitas (Leucadia), CA Posts: 94	I'm seriously considering this one. Standard Horizon HX300 Floating VHF http://www.westmarine.com/buy/standa...rger--13130844

09-25-2015, 09:17 AM	#7
cabojohn PROBATION Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 657	Buy from West Marine...ANYTHING ICOM!! Get the extended warranty. I wouldn't worry about floating...your VHF will be clipped to your pfd right.? I have had nothing but bad experiences with Lost Horizons and Cobra... $.02