Handheld VHF Recommendation?

[J. Howard]

Hi all,

I'm looking to purchase a small and convenient handheld VHF radio, mostly for ease of communication with my harbor and tender service. At the end of the evening, after covering the boat, climbing back through to the console to make a call for pickup and then digging around to turn off the batteries is just slightly inconvenient. So for that purpose alone, I only need a very limited-range handheld. The thing is, I feel like if I'm purchasing one, I may as well look around for something that is going to be a good value and something that I can use as a reliable backup in an emergency if I need it.
All that said, does anyone have any good recommendations for handhelds? I'm open to any and all suggestions. One that seems to be a good value but won't have much in the way of range is this:
http://www.amazon.com/Midland-NTVP1-Handheld-Rechargeable-Watertight/dp/B0007TJ9SI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1213884672&sr=8-4
I like the price on that one, but if there are better options that are still in the $100 range, I'd definitely investigate those.

Thanks much.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Handheld VHF Recommendation?

I have the same radio. Its ok for limited range use and for monitoring the USCG on channel 16. The battery holds a pretty good charge and recharges on the "wall wart" in a reasonable period of time. The head set is pretty much useless, though.

I use mine for monitoring channel 16 in my home and car, communicating with draw bridges and Mississippi River locks, etc. I've managed to get away with not having a console type VHF in the boat, but I think I am going to go ahead and install one soon. The handheld unit is fine for lots of things but the range issue can be a problem at times.

 

[PhatboyC]

Re: Handheld VHF Recommendation?

I bought the Cobra MR HH425LI VP Marine. I liked the fact it can use VHF, GMRS and FRS. So I can use it with my other radios on land. It comes with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery or can use AA's. Has 3 power wattage settings. As a bonus it records the last 20 seconds of the received message so if you missed something you can just play it back.

http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-MR-HH425LI-VP-Professional/dp/B000OYJ62U/ref=sr_1_1/102-3721137-2480140?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1213887279&sr=8-1

I haven't used it other than listening to the NOAA Weather channel so I can't comment on performance yet.

 

[J. Howard]

Re: Handheld VHF Recommendation?

Thanks for the replies and advice, guys. Knowing that someone else has that same radio and finds it functional is nice. Another model that I found at West Marine and am strongly considering is this one:
VHF 55 Handheld Radio

 

[tommays]

Re: Handheld VHF Recommendation?

STANDARD HORIZON
HX270S Handheld VHF

I have been using this one for two months and like it becasue it comes with and extra AA battery pack in case you run down the standard 1400mAh NiMH battery

 

[Intuition Gloucester]

Re: Handheld VHF Recommendation?

I have the West Marine 150 and it is a nice radio. I have an onboard VHF but clip this to the windshield of my CC and the speaker is at ear level. Compact...holds a charge well....nice looking. About $140 and worth it.

 

[boatradioman]

Re: Handheld VHF Recommendation?

Icom M34,not too expensive portable and easy to use.Or midland marine radios there a good too

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Handheld VHF Recommendation?

basically they all have to meet the same criteria, to be coast guard approved. i have a stationary in the boat, and keep the hand held in my pfd. 5 watt for handheld, 25 watt for stationary.

 

[shindig888]

Re: Handheld VHF Recommendation?

I own a uniden antlantis 250. Bought it last year for about 115 CAN. A little heavier than some but tough none the less comes w/ nimh pack as well as an 6AA adapter pack. worked great last september out fishing in Bamfeild. Not bad IMHO.

 

[wayne h]

Re: Handheld VHF Recommendation?

I am also in the market for a descent radio in the 60$ range i was looking at the Midland NT1AVP5

 

[azlakes]

Re: Handheld VHF Recommendation?

STANDARD HORIZON
HX270S Handheld VHF

I have been using this one for two months and like it becasue it comes with and extra AA battery pack in case you run down the standard 1400mAh NiMH battery[/QUOTE]

... another vote for this model. i have had mine a year and its a tuff little unit. good packaged value at a hundred bucks

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: Handheld VHF Recommendation?

I have the Midland, and it works fine. Very simple to use.
I had a more expensive one, with more features, but it was much more
complicated to use. All depends on what you want to do with it.
They both do the job.