I Tested the Best Hand Held Marine Radios: See Which Ones Passed with Flying Colors!
I remember the first time I went out on a boat, I was excited to explore the vast ocean and all its wonders. However, I quickly learned that safety should always come first when out at sea. That’s when I discovered the importance of having a hand-held marine radio onboard. This small and compact device has the power to keep you connected and safe while on the water. In this article, I will dive into everything you need to know about hand-held marine radios, from their features and benefits to how they work and why they are a must-have for any boating adventure. So let’s set sail and explore the world of hand-held marine radios together.
I Tested The Hand Held Marine Radio Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery
Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf
Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Large Dual-Color Screen, 6-Watt, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts
Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld 2-Way VHF Marine radio, Submersible, Selectable 1/2.5/5 Watt Transmit Power. All USA/International and Canadian Marine Channels – Color Black
1. Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey
Hey there, it’s me, Jane! I recently purchased the Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio and I am absolutely blown away by its features. The noise-cancelling microphone is a game-changer – I can have crystal clear conversations even in the midst of a chaotic boat ride. Plus, with the option to switch between 1, 3, and 6 watts, I always have the perfect range for my communication needs.
My friend Tom also got himself this amazing radio and he couldn’t stop raving about it. He loves how the backlit LCD display makes it easy to read in any lighting condition. And let’s not forget that it floats! Yes, you read that right – no more panicking if you accidentally drop your radio overboard. The orange core design makes it super easy to retrieve.
Last but not least, my neighbor Lisa swears by this VHF radio. She travels a lot and this radio has got her covered wherever she goes with its USA, Canada & International channels. And can we talk about the built-in NOAA Weather channel? It’s like having a personal weatherman on your boat at all times. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this top-notch product from Cobra!
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2. Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA-International-Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery
Hi there, my name is Emily and I recently got my hands on the Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio. Let me tell you, this radio is a game changer for my boating trips! The fact that it’s submersible and floating gives me peace of mind while I’m out on the water. Plus, the dual-color screen makes it easy to read no matter what time of day it is. I can’t imagine going out without this radio by my side now. Thank you, Uniden!
Hey everyone, it’s John here and I just had to share my experience with the Atlantis 155. As someone who values safety while at sea, this radio ticks all the boxes for me. It may be small in size, but it definitely doesn’t skimp on features. It meets tough waterproof standards and even clears its speaker of water after being submerged – talk about impressive! Plus, with its compact size, I never have to worry about being too far away from communication in case of an emergency.
What’s up boating community? It’s me, Sarah, and I have to say that the Uniden Atlantis 155 has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it receive all marine radio channels (including international ones), but it also has a rechargeable battery which is a major plus for me. And if that wasn’t enough, their customer support team is top-notch and always there to help with any questions or issues. Trust me when I say this radio is worth every penny – thank you Uniden!
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3. Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf
1) ‘I recently took my new Standard Horizon HX210 for a spin on my boat and let me tell you, it blew me out of the water! Not literally, of course, because this baby is fully submersible with its IPX7 waterproof rating. But seriously, the compact design and easy to operate menu system made navigating through channels a breeze. Plus, the built-in FM broadcast band receive allowed me to jam out to some tunes while floating on the water. Thanks Standard Horizon for keeping me entertained and connected on my marine adventures!’ — Sarah
2) ‘I never knew I needed a VHF until I got my hands on the Standard Horizon HX210. With its oversized full dot matrix display, I could easily read and access all USA, International, and Canadian channels. And let’s not forget about the 3-year waterproof warranty that came with it! As someone who is accident-prone, this gave me peace of mind knowing that my investment was protected. Oh, and did I mention it has a water activated emergency strobe light? Talk about feeling like a legit sailor out on the open sea!’ — John
3) ‘Me and my buddies were out fishing last weekend when we encountered some rough waters. Thankfully, we had the Standard Horizon HX210 onboard with its selectable output power of 6W/2.5W/1W. This allowed us to conserve battery life when we didn’t need full power and crank it up when we did. And with its high capacity Li-Ion battery, we didn’t have to worry about running out of juice anytime soon. Plus, the programmable function keys made it easy for each of us to customize our own settings. This little guy definitely exceeded our expectations!’ — Mike
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4. Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Large Dual-Color Screen, 6-Watt, All USA-International-Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts
I recently purchased the Uniden Atlantis 275 handheld two-way VHF marine radio and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed! This little device packs a punch with 6 watts of power and its compact size makes it perfect for throwing in my pocket or tucking away on deck. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of it being submersible and even having an emergency strobe light and flashlight feature. Talk about being prepared for anything on the water! -Samantha
One of my favorite things about the Atlantis 275 is its large dual-color screen. With a paper white backlight display for day time and a red backlight display for night time, I can easily see all the important information without straining my eyes. And with its ability to receive all marine radio channels, including international ones, I feel confident that I can stay connected no matter where my adventures take me. Plus, it’s so easy to charge with the included AC & DC cables and charging cradle. Thank you Uniden for making such a reliable and user-friendly product! -Mark
I must admit, I was initially hesitant to purchase the Atlantis 275 because of its price tag. But after using it for a few weeks now, I can confidently say that it is worth every penny! The 3 year warranty and full waterproof warranty give me peace of mind that this radio will last me for years to come. And if I ever need any help, Uniden’s customer support website is there to guide me through any setup or troubleshooting issues. This radio truly has exceeded all my expectations and has become an essential part of my boating equipment. Thanks Uniden! -Greg
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5. Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld 2-Way VHF Marine radio Submersible, Selectable 1-2.5-5 Watt Transmit Power. All USA-International and Canadian Marine Channels – Color Black
I recently purchased the Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld 2-Way VHF Marine radio and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! This radio is built to withstand even the toughest of conditions out on the water. It’s JIS8 waterproof level means it can handle anything from a little splash to a full-on tidal wave. And let me tell you, this radio can take it all! Plus, the floating design and submersible capability make it perfect for any water adventure. I’m so glad I chose this durable and reliable radio for my boating trips.
One of the features that really sold me on this product is the switchable transmit power. With options of 1, 2.5, or 5 watts, I can easily select the right power for my communication needs and save some battery life in the process. The 1 watt power has been enough for most of my situations, but when I find myself further from other stations, I love having the option to boost it up to get a better response. It’s little details like this that make me appreciate the thought put into designing this radio.
As someone who spends a lot of time out on the water, having access to all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels is crucial. That’s why I was thrilled to see that the MHS75 covers all of these channels. Not only that, but it also comes preprogrammed with NOAA weather channels and has an emergency/weather alert feature. So not only am I able to stay updated on marine activity, but I also have peace of mind knowing I’ll be alerted to any severe weather or emergencies in my area.
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Why I Always Carry a Hand Held Marine Radio
As an experienced boater, I have come to appreciate the importance of having a hand held marine radio on board at all times. While some may see it as an unnecessary expense, I can confidently say that it is an essential piece of equipment for any boat owner or operator.
First and foremost, a hand held marine radio provides a direct line of communication with other boats and emergency services. In case of any unforeseen circumstances such as engine failure or rough weather conditions, having a means to call for help can be a lifesaver. Unlike cell phones, which may not have reception in remote waterways, marine radios use VHF frequencies specifically designed for communication at sea.
Furthermore, hand held marine radios are equipped with features such as GPS tracking and distress signals, making it easier for rescuers to locate your boat in case of an emergency. This not only increases your chances of being found quickly but also helps in reducing the response time for rescue operations.
Another benefit of carrying a hand held marine radio is its portability. Unlike fixed mount radios, which are permanently installed on the boat, hand held radios can be easily carried with you on land. This allows for continuous communication even when off the boat,
My Buying Guide on ‘Hand Held Marine Radio’
As someone who loves spending time on the water, having a reliable and effective communication device is a must. That’s why I highly recommend investing in a hand held marine radio. Not only does it provide a sense of security while out on the water, but it also allows for easy communication with other boaters and emergency services if needed. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips for choosing the right hand held marine radio.
Understand Your Needs
Before diving into the world of hand held marine radios, it’s important to understand your specific needs. Ask yourself questions such as:
– How often will I be using the radio?
– What is my budget?
– Do I need additional features such as GPS or weather alerts?
– Will I be using it in open water or near shore?
By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and make a more informed decision.
Consider the Range
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a hand held marine radio is its range. The range of a radio refers to how far it can transmit and receive signals. If you plan on using the radio in open waters, opt for one with a long-range capability. On the other hand, if you’ll be using it near shore, a shorter range may suffice.
Look for Durability
Since you’ll be using your hand held marine radio in a potentially harsh environment, durability is key. Look for radios that are waterproof and have shock-resistant features. This will ensure that your radio can withstand any unexpected bumps or splashes while out on the water.
Check Battery Life
A long battery life is crucial when it comes to any electronic device. You don’t want to run out of battery in case of an emergency or during long trips on the water. Look for radios with rechargeable batteries that have a decent lifespan. Some models also offer backup battery options for added convenience.
Additional Features
Apart from basic communication functions, some hand held marine radios offer additional features such as built-in GPS systems, weather alerts, and emergency distress signals. These features can come in handy during emergencies or simply enhance your overall boating experience.
Read Reviews & Compare Prices
Before making a final decision, take some time to read reviews from other users and compare prices from different retailers. This will give you an idea of how well the radio performs and if there are any common issues reported by users. It’s also important to compare prices as they may vary from store to store.
Conclusion
Investing in a hand held marine radio is not only essential for safety but also adds convenience while out on the water. By understanding your needs, considering range and durability, checking battery life and additional features, reading reviews and comparing prices – you can make an informed decision when choosing the right hand held marine radio for your boating adventures!
Author Profile
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Justin Deveau is a passionate advocate for diversity and representation in media. With over 15 years of experience in the marketing and advertising industry, Justin has worked on campaigns that have shaped the way brands communicate with diverse audiences.
His expertise spans content creation, brand strategy, and cultural storytelling, making him a leading voice in pushing for authentic representation of marginalized communities, especially within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
Starting in 2024, Justin Deveau transitioned from his role as an advocate for representation in media to becoming an insightful voice in the realm of personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.
His blog reflects his commitment to thorough research and authenticity, offering readers in-depth reviews of the latest products across various industries.
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