Icom VHF. M36 or M88

[jim_thomsen]

I need to replace a handheld VHF. I have had excellent service from icom and plan to buy the M 36. But there is also the M 88 for more money. Reading their website I don't see much difference, but before I buy one does anyone have a reason I should go to the M 88?

Thanks.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by jim_thomsen

I need to replace a handheld VHF. I have had excellent service from icom and plan to buy the M 36. But there is also the M 88 for more money. Reading their website I don't see much difference, but before I buy one does anyone have a reason I should go to the M 88?

Thanks.

Well there certainly are some differences but whether or not they are significant to you is another matter

The M36 floats, the M88 doesn't.

The M36 has a 980mAh battery; the M88 has a 1700 mAh battery pack that is also IS (FM) approved.

The M88 can be dealer programmed with 22 private frequencies (between 146–174MHz), the M36 can't.

The M36 is to my mind, a great recreational boat radio while the M88 is a more robust commercial boat radio.