Radio suggestions.

I'm looking to buy a VHF radio but as per usual I don't know where to start. Any suggestions on a decent radio? I'm willing to spend $100-$150ish. Any brands recommended? Warnings on what to stay away from? Thanks for the help.

For around $120 you can get a basic reliable Standard Horizons floating VHF.  For around $250 you can get Standard Horizons floating with GPS and "oh sh#t" button that sends your GPS coordinates to the coast guard.

Panic button sounds awesome. I will look into that.

You can get a Standard Horizon HX290 Floating 5 Watt Handheld VHF for $107 frorm the GPS store online. Their is a $20 mail in rebate good thru July 1st.

Standard Horizon HX851 Handheld VHF Radio with GPS and DSC for $208 and their is a $25 mail in rebate.

West Marine will match the GPS store pricing.

There are a couple of new VHF with DSC and GPS on the market.

http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?609


willbd

From reading a few other radio posts, I would recommend budgeting for a dry bag for your radio.  This will keep water out of the speaker and make sure it works after total immersion.  Just a bit of mental fodder...

I got a uniden submersible floating VHF radio, think it was about 125.00.  My"oh crap" button is an ACR ResQLink+ personal locator beacon.  Reason for getting the ACR is that I can use it whether my VHF battery is dead or not, and it's on my person 100% of the time. You've got to register it tho with the national registry when you get it and keep the info updated. Because it's only used for emergencies, the battery has an expiration date.  Up to that date it's gauranteed to run for X amount of time (I think 30 hrs) at about zero degrees.

I like that it's useful backpacking, backcountry skiing, etc.

For around $120 you can get a basic reliable Standard Horizons floating VHF.  For around $250 you can get Standard Horizons floating with GPS and "oh sh#t" button that sends your GPS coordinates to the coast guard.

The Standard Horizons are pretty solid and can really take a beating. If you go out solo the additional features of the GPS is also nice to have. I'm seen a couple of unidens fail the first time out. I personally would stick with Standard Horizon. The HX290 (floating) and the HX280 (not floating) are both nice radios. I have the 290 and although the floating feature is a cool idea, I always have it leashed to my PFD, so I don't feel I personally need it. The 280 is a bit less bulky.

I kept my eye out and got an Icom M88(?) off of ebay for ~$75 shipped. (like new & Buy it now)
It's pretty compact and has more features than I'll ever use. Does not float, but is waterproof. I'm sure they make a floating battery for it if I was so inclined, but I'm not.

It also came with an external mic so I can keep the radio in my pfd and just have the mic on my shoulder like a cop. I'm undecided if I like that or if it's just another cable in the way.

I've dunked two different Standard Horizon models (HX290 and HX851) in the surf with no adverse effects. The 290's battery did just fail, though. You can get waterproof alkaline battery trays to use in addition to the LiIon batteries for the Standard Horizons if you want.

I purchased a used Standard Horizon HX290 that is suppose to be in good/working condition ($50)...I'm still waiting for it to arrive.  I want to be sure it works good when it arrives so I can promptly send it back if I need to.

I've never owned or used one...would anyone in the Portland/Tigard area be willing help me check it when it arrives?  I'll buy ya a pint for the trouble...

Thanks,
Dave

For around $120 you can get a basic reliable Standard Horizons floating VHF.  For around $250 you can get Standard Horizons floating with GPS and "oh sh#t" button that sends your GPS coordinates to the coast guard.

I got mine for $170.  It was "used" but never actually used.  I like it, and recommend it.  willbd's price quote sounds about right for the HX-851 at retail.

Topic revival: I'm ordering the Standard Horizon HX290 as we speak! Thanks for the suggestions. I'm pretty much geared up for the things I actually need. I have many many 'wants' but they can wait.