Best VHF Radio Brand

[Alex D]

My Ray215 croaked.
Based on recommendations from FW here I am looking into iCOM and Standard Horizon.

Any opinions what model to chose, which brand is better and why??

thanks folks :thumbsup:

 

[sbw1]

Alex D, I can't go into the technical aspects of the two brands because I'm not an expert. I did read various reviews of VHF brands and was impressed by ICOM. I have two, a handheld and an installed radio on my helm. Both have worked flawlessly. ICOM has enjoyed a very solid reputation for years. SBW

 

[Nehalennia II]

Just going from experience and influence... My Standard Horizons have been great. I have had 3 since 1991 on my 3 boats since then. My Grandfather had one 30+ years ago for several years before that(on his one boat), my Dad had one 20 years ago for several years before that(on his one boat). My uncle has had 10+ over the last 30+ years on his 15+ boats.

I guess because they work that's all I will buy. :huh:

 

[CSR_Admin]

The hardware on ICOM is a little more solid than Standard Horizon. Within each prce level both have similar features but SH costs a little less. SH's user interface is a lot easier so you wil likely use more of the features with a a SH radio

 

[fwebster]

Things change not only with technology but in the service area as well, so this may not hold true any longer, but there was a significant difference in the support between the 2 brands a few years ago. I had an ICOM that needed service. The electronics shop I use sells mostly to commercial users and will only sell brands where he can get schematics or that provides decent factory service. He has about stopped selling Icoms because they refuse to repair a radio without upgrading it with the latest design or components, even though that portion of the radio works perfectly. That means a $100 repair can end up being $3-400. The other problem is the time a radio is out of service. Icom used to take 6-8 weeks to repair and return a radio. I really hope this has changed, because they make excellent gear.

Because of the above, I chose a Standard Horizon when I added a second VHF. About 6 months out of warranty, we had a problem with the display on the Standard. I just figured I'd replace the radio rather than be without for several weeks, but I though I'd send it back to Standard and give it a week or so before buying a new radio. I wrote a letter explaining the problem and sent the VHF to Standard's repair center. I shipped it on a Monday.....to my suprise FEDEX returned the Standard that Friday and they did not charge for the repair.

Both ICOM and Standard Horizon make excellent radios that hold up, so you won't make a mistake with either.

 

[Alex D]

Thank you very much everyone! This is very helpful. Since I do not navigate coastal water, the ease of interface of the SH is intriguing to me, as well as FW comments and the potential slight price advantage.
So I am rpolly going to look at those ...