VHF handheld radios

58thecat · #1 08-10-2023, 07:59 AM

So we got a pair of radios we use on our kayaks but they are bottom of the line type.
Seen some that people use which float, water proof etc which would be perfect for us so that being said anyone got any recommendations on these types of radios?
We would also use them for other outdoor activities too.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CanuckShooter · #2 08-10-2023, 08:05 AM

We use marine vhf from Cabela's, they work fine for us. Way more range than those cheap walk/talk radios they sell. Ours are waterproof, but I don't think they float.

Most of the time we only turn them on when we hear our partners shooting, or if someone is late coming back to camp.

Drewski Canuck · #3 08-10-2023, 09:24 AM

There are "radios" built by Beufang (Guess at Spelling) that have very good range.

There are waterproof VHF radios built by outfits like Uniden.

I have both.

The VHF Handhelds only have a range of about 2 miles line of sight. My VHF Boat unit with a proper whip antenna has a reach of 25 miles on the Coast.

Handheld VHF are low wattage and a very small antenna compared to what is really needed.

As for the other type of handhelds, line of sight is the key despite the high wattage and different radio bands used.

Drewski

HuyFishin · #4 08-10-2023, 10:03 AM

i'm currently using standard horizon hx890 with DSC.
i'm not tech savy. It works though.. Or at least i've never had to use it.