Best Handheld Marine Radio

Im do alot of fishing here in Florida, and I have found the best marine radios are the Icom. I am also involved in ham radio, and Icom is one of the top manfactuers in ham radio. I have also used Standard, and that is a well constructed radio, but the recieve on my Icom has generally been better. The handheld I use for offshore fishing/emergency if my permanent mounted radio dies is a Icom M34, and it is a great radio. Solid construction, good tx/rx, and totally waterproof. What are you planning on using it for? If its hunting, you want to be careful because the FCC will track you down. I use marine VHF's for my hunting, but im am in a costal area and using a little used frequency.
 
ICOM's are a high quality unit and I know many people that will buy nothing else...my own experience is with Standard. I worked in coastal boatyards for probably 5 years or so,in any weather you can imagine, and I wore a Standard HX350S on my hip daily. It's submersible and has taken more drops from 3ft+,whacks,smacks,and punts than I could count using all my fingers and toes and your's too. I also used mine while sailing a boat from Va. to Mass. I never had any problems with reception, but never had my own ICOM to compare it too either. They both make low end and high end models...buy the best one you can afford. Either brand will serve you well. + 1 on the FCC...
 
If your not on the VHF everyday, and are just using it for short, "Im here, where are you" type conversations then you'll be fine. A local hunting club actually got a hefty fine from the FCC for using VHF's for hunting, except they were on them every day telling guides and hunters what to do. You'll be fine just, go to a little used channel like 65 or 78. Seeing as how your in Illinois, you'll be fine on just about every channel except for 16. I dont know what your coast guard stations are there, but if you stay upwards of 60 you dont have to worry about interference with emergency services.
 
I have an Icom as a backup for my Raytheon. None of the handhelds will give the same 25 watt performance as a 12 volt hooked up to your boat but the handheld is waterproof and can be taken over the side to compliment my EPIRB in case of an emergency. It's a big cold ocean off the Oregon coast.

When I lived in Southeast Alaska I carried another Icom with me in my skiff and used the radio to make telephone calls through the marine operator. Some of the channels on the radio are used by local sheriff and police departments and are repeatered. Although the radio itself has a limited range you can usually get emergency help through a repeater.
 
I have a SMR sea lab 9000 that I used to use for hunting. I never had a problem with and is still in great condition after 10 years. The factory charger got ruined by my brother by trying to recharge something it wasn't intended to be used on. I bought an after market one that can be used charge many different devices. It also has the factory car lighter charger, box and all the paper work. I don't use it any more ( use Midland now ), paid $129.00 for it new. I'd take $60.00 for it shipped.
 
I used to have a set of Sitex handheld marine radios that were excellent. Don't even know if they're still made; sold my boat 10 yrs. ago!!
 
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