Best Non-Handheld VHF ?

[farotherside]

hey folks,

I've been searching through the forum for recommendations, but haven't found any yet.

What's the best VHF out there? I've had a basic WestMarine model for the past year, and eventually I would like to upgrade, but I'd rather spend a little more and get one that'll last me for a long while. The only thing I'm pretty certain of is that I'd like one with a numeric keypad - the whole "go six nine, over" followed by hitting the "up channel" button twenty-odd times is a real buzz kill.

Recommendations?

[GordMay]

I like the ICOM M504 (±$280).
The Standard Horizon GX2100W is a nice radio, if a tad pricey (±$400). Their GX2000W is also nice (±$200).

[SVCoolChange]

Take alook at the Standard Horizon Matrix AIS GX2100. Has built in AIS, don't need another antenna. I put one on my boat before going to the Bahamas and really like it. It does not have a numeric keypad but that does not bother me. I have it coupled to a Standard Horizon chart plotter and it shows AIS targets on the plotter with information.

[Mambo]

Originally Posted by GordMay

I like the ICOM M504 (±$280).
The Standard Horizon GX2100W is a nice radio, if a tad pricey (±$400). Their GX2000W is also nice (±$200).

Personally, I can't stand the ICOM cords -- they're too stiff. The RAM mic connections leave much to be desired too. I have the ICOM 422(?) but I'd much prefer the Standard Horizon. My next will be the SH Matrix w/ AIS receiver and cockpit RAM (I think the Matrix 2100 w/ AIS can now be had for @$300 USD).

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by SVCoolChange

Take alook at the Standard Horizon Matrix AIS GX2100...
... It does not have a numeric keypad but that does not bother me...

✓ The "Oversized rotary channel knob with push to enter" may actually be as quick (to select higher chanels) as an alpha numeric keypad.

[farotherside]

Nice one, I think you're probably right - the WestMarine one doesn't offer a knob to select the channel, I'm sure that would be a lot faster than the Channel Up/Channel Down buttons...

[goboatingnow]

Go with standard horizon and you can't go far wrong way better then ICOM

Come on standard bring out the integrated class b transponder version I'm dying waiting

Dave

[Sheriff]

standard horizon F.T.W!