PERFECT CHOICE
This handheld VHF radio is ideal for kayaker anglers, and would be great for use as a spare aboard a small boat
ICOM IC-M25 EURO HANDHELD VHF RADIO RRP: APPROX. £150
When I used to own my own angling boats, a good VHF radio was one item of equipment I insisted on carrying each and every time I put to sea. Products from Icom were always my personal choice, despite the fact that they were invariably more expensive than several other brands available at the time.
I used to regard Icom as being ‘reassuringly expensive’, and utterly reliable, a fact endorsed when you see just how many professional boats, including the search and rescue service, are equipped with Icom.
Recently, I found myself in need of a good, portable, and 100 per cent waterproof handheld VHF radio, when I received an invitation to join a small group of American anglers on a kayak trip fishing off a remote section of Pacific Central America. I typed Icom into Google, and in 0.231 seconds I had found exactly what I needed; the Icom IC-M25 Euro handheld VHF radio.
The IC-M25 is a buoyant VHF radio that floats and flashes when dropped into the water. Extremely slim in design, this model has the lightest body on the market for a floating VHF radio, weighing in at just 220g. Clearly weight is an issue when travelling these days, as is the fact that this radio has a USB connector for convenient charging from a variety of electronic devices. EASY OPERATION Featuring a large LCD display and laser-cut, curved buttons that are well laid out to provide easy and straightforward operation, the IC-M25 LCD screen allows you to clearly see the channel number and status icons; a distinct advantage for a 56-year-old kayaker.
Not only does the IC-M25 float when dropped in water, but the LCD and key backlight on the front panel flash, and red LED light blinks through the rear panel so that it can be easily retrieved.
A 1500mAh lithium-ion battery provides five Watts of transmit power and allows 11 hours (approximate) of long operation, and can be fully recharged in around three hours. Third party USB charger products, such as cigarette lighters or mobile batteries for charging smart phones, tablets or digital cameras, may be used with the IC-M25.
Key features include four-step battery life indicator, Dual/Tri-watch functions, instant access to Channel 16 or programmable call channel, quick channel selection with the Favourite channel function, monitor function for noise squelch control with VOL/SQL button, auto scan function, and LCD auto backlighting.
The Icom IC-M25 Euro, which is manufactured in Japan, features a threeyear warranty and retails for less than £150, making it ‘reassuringly affordable’.
This is the perfect VHF radio for any kayaker, and a great choice for use as a spare aboard a boat. Widely available from most marine electronic dealerships, you can find more information on the Icom IC-M25 Euro and other Icom products at icomuk.co.uk.