Good VHF Radio?

Hi all - I'm planning on doing a good amount of fishing on the Sound, and most of it alone. Any recommendations on a good, cost effective VHF radio to carry with me for piece of mind? Just looking for something simple and effective - thanks!

Standard Horizon HX-290. Very happy with it so far. Waterproof, floats, and lasts for 2+ days one one charge. Gets great reception.

I got the Standard Horizon HX 300. Compact size, light,  Floats. I got mine at the GPS Store.

http://www.thegpsstore.com/Standard-Horizon-HX300-Floating-VHF-P3138.aspx

Good ideas - I've gotten stuff from GPS Store, but din't think to check them for radios. Thanks!

glad someone brought this up I was wondering about radios myself.  I have done some research and it seems alot of folks like the ICOM  stuff and horizon very very close behind.  Anyone have any opinions about ICOM.

glad someone brought this up I was wondering about radios myself.  I have done some research and it seems alot of folks like the ICOM  stuff and horizon very very close behind.  Anyone have any opinions about ICOM.

I loved my ICOM till it went south, approx. 2.5 years in.  It was a lot of $$ for 2.5 years of weekend service.
I'm now rocking a Standard Horizons HX-290 (like uplandspiper mentioned).  So far, so good.  I'm 2 years in.

-Spot-

I'm a little over a year into my HX-290 and I'm happy with it. I found a deal and got it for $100.

I like the Cobra HH125 two pack for $79 - redundancy is a good thing.  They're small and only 3 watts, but they've worked great for me.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Cobra-MR-HH125-Handheld-VHF-Radio-Value-Pack&i=611322&r=view&cvsfa=2586&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=363131333232

I personally went with the Standard Horizon HX 280s. It's a bit slimmer and a few bucks less than the 290. I always have my radio clipped to my pfd when I'm out on the water. I wear it on my shoulder area, similar to where a police officer wears their radio talk piece. It makes it easy to hear any communications, since it's close to my ear, and I don't have to dig it out of a pocket to make a communication. I've had mine for about 2 years now and I really like it.

So I'm comparing the Standard Horizon 280 and 290 and am not coming up with a ton of differences, other than size?

Not sure what thisa means? 'the HX290 Floating VHF houses USA, International, & Canadian Marine Channels'

Am I missing anything important?

So I'm comparing the Standard Horizon 280 and 290 and am not coming up with a ton of differences, other than size?

Not sure what thisa means? 'the HX290 Floating VHF houses USA, International, & Canadian Marine Channels'

Am I missing anything important?

The big difference is the 290 floats. They are the same in every other spec besides size.

It looks like the 290 has a $20 rebate on thru July. This would make it the same price as the 280

wllbd

If I ever have to replace my 290 I think I would down grade to the 280. The floating option is nice but I keep my radio well secured to my pfd, much like Langcod described. The thing isn't going anywhere!

Standard Horizon