Which vhf handheld

It doesn't have a bunch of fancy features, nor can it put out more than five watts, but thanks to an IPX7 rating, ultimate portability, and a power pack, this unit should be a must-see for many of us.

This radio makes our list purely because of its price point. No, it's not the very cheapest around, but it's the least expensive unit that fulfills our basic requirement of waterproofing to an IPX7 standard. And although the 1,milliampere-hour battery is the weakest of these five presented units, the MR HH FLT puts out six watts, it floats, and it has a noise-cancelling microphone.

A real standout feature is the 1,milliampere-hour battery, the most powerful of all the VHFs on this list. At Though it's pricy, this unit, which floats, has a long list of heavy-hitting features: an IPX8 rating, DSC functionality, a GPS compass, and a strobe, and it can transmit at one, two and a half, or six watts. The glow-in-the-dark power button and the temperature display are neat perks.

The 1,milliampere-hour battery is on the thin side but should prove sufficient for most users. What does the cash get you? For starters, you get waterproofing that's been tested to a set standard. JIS Japan Industrial Standard and IP International Protection, often seen as IPX, with the X indicating that the resistance rating doesn't apply to both water and solids are reliable and very similar ratings applicable to marine electronics spanning a scale of 0 to 8.

A level of 6 means the VHF has been tested and can withstand exposure to powerful water jets spraying liters per minute for three minutes. But a rating of 7 means that the unit can withstand immersion under one meter of water for 30 minutes. And a rating of 8 means the radio survived immersion deeper than one meter.

Obviously, this is quite desirable. Better yet, some new models aren't likely to ever become submerged — because they float. That's quite an advantage, especially for boaters who have butterfingers. Another new feature we're seeing on a good number of handhelds these days is digital selective calling. The handheld radio floats and is fully waterproof with an IPX8 rating. If you send a distress message, it will automatically activate alarms on all DSC-capable receivers.

The VHF features a high capacity 1, mAh battery and comes with a rapid charger 3hr to full from empty. Buy it now on eBay. It has an easy-to-navigate menu and can save 10 channels as presets, as well as having CH16 available at the press of a button. The radio has a battery-save function to give the most from its 7. Buy it now on Amazon UK.

Buy it now on Amazon US. The VHF is buoyant and has a fitted strobe that will flash to show where it is when in the water. The M93D features a waterproof rating of IPX7 1 meter for 30 mins and it offers a battery life on standby of 9 hours charging in 2 hours. Also of note is the sizeable screen, making it easier to read than some smaller offerings, even with more information displayed.

A VHF for years has been a communication device, a way to summon help, call up a marina or even grab a water taxi. DSC certainly increased functionality making a VHF more of a safety device that helped alert and locate. The test team reviewed the sets for ease of use, focusing on channel change, squelch and volume control. A compact radio supplied with a hand lanyard attached to the radio body and a swivel belt clip, the Cobra entry-level radio comes with five rechargeable Ni-MH batteries and a 12V charging cable.

These batteries can be replaced by five standard AAA alkaline batteries. Equipped with all the basic functions: power 1W or 3W , dual watch and a dedicated Ch16 button. Squelch control is automatic, but to obtain weak signals the automatic function can be turned off squelch defeat. On test: Good for compactness, and clear control functions and display.

Channel memory will store a favourite channel. It is supplied with 4 x mAh Ni-MH batteries, which should give a hour battery life in standby: it can also be used with four AA alkaline batteries. A 12V charging lead is available as an accessory. Best for: Clear reception from a budget radio. A very compact handheld radio, but with the smallest screen on test.

Channel change is by another rotating knob located between the volume and antenna. The compact size makes it delicate to operate. It was the only radio that defaulted to Ch16 when switched on. Three other function buttons located under the screen are Menu, Enter and Exit. There are two unmarked buttons under the PTT button; one covers the squelch function, the other dual watch.

Powered by a Li-ion mAh battery pack charged through a desktop mains charger. Transmits on 1W and 5W. A screw-on belt clip and hand lanyard attached to the radio body are included. Best for: Compactness and reception on a budget price. It comes with a USB charging cable and V AC adaptor, providing more flexibility when recharging the battery, and is also supplied with a belt clip and hand lanyard attached to the belt clip.

If the HX accidentally goes overboard, a flashing red LED is automatically activated to help locate and retrieve it at night or in murky conditions. A page owner manual is provided. On test: We liked the intuitive function buttons and clear display. Best for: Good display and button functions. A quick-start handbook comes with the unit: the full version is available to view or download online. On test: Good solid feel, clear display but squelch not easy to adjust, and some function buttons close to the PTT button.

Best for: Highest capacity battery, highest waterproofing level. This should automatically be selected by your radio. If you are purchasing a Handheld VHF, the radio should come as standard with charger, battery, belt clip and antenna. But if you are a serious user or semi commercial user you may want to see if the radio you are buying has the necessary accessories available to help you.