A handheld marine VHF radio can save your life, it’s as simple as that. Any saltwater angler or even paddlers on big lakes with a lot of boat traffic, should have a handheld marine VHF. Instead of going out and getting a cheap radio, I highly recommend picking one out that can actually withstand the abuse of fishing from a kayak. The new HX380 Marine VHF radio from the experts at Standard Horizons is a 5 watt handheld with 40 LMR channels and is full submersible. With a three-year warranty, you don’t have to worry about babying your radio on the water, you can just use it when you need it.
Not only is this device great for saving your hide, it’s also good for knowing what the weather is going to be like and staying on top of the changing conditions. The radio comes with up to 10 NOAA and Canadian Weather channels pre-programmed. The channels are easily selectable using the radio’s dedicated WX key. The HX380 can also monitor WX channels for your while you fish and alert you of oncoming storm advisories. Talk about having your back.
Designed with a focus for heavy duty commercial use, the internal 700mW speaker lest you hear crystal clear radio transmissions, even in on noisy, windy days or with boats zinging by you. it also means the radio will be more durable and withstand tougher abuse.
Another feature that anglers don’t think of when they blow off a marine VHF is the ability to talk between your buddies. When every angler has a radio, your group can split up and fish different holes or tactics and then relay what’s working or not working without paddling back and forth between each other. It also lets you keep trolling or fishing while your buddy hooks up with a dink and he can just tell you to keep fishing. Or, best case, they can tell you to paddle your butt off and help land the fish of a lifetime.
HX380 Marine VHF Radio Key Features:
- 40 Programmable Land Mobile Channels 134 MHz to 174 MHz with CTCSS and DCS signaling
- Supplied with a 1600mAh Lithium-ion battery, 110 VAC and 12 VDC chargers and a charging cradle
- Submersible IPX7 (3.3 feet for 30 minutes)
- Selectable 5 and 1 Watt transmit power output
- 700 mW Loud speaker audio
- Battery life indicator
- All USA, International and Canadian Marine Channels
- Programmable Scan, Priority Scan and Dual and TRI Watch
- NOAA Weather channels and Weather Alert
- Programmable channel names
- Preset key used to recall up to 10 favorite channels
- Optional speaker microphones and headsets available
- Optional FBA-40 Alkaline Battery tray available
- 3 Year Waterproof Warranty
For more information about Standard Horizon, or their new HX380 Marine VHF radio, check out their website, StandardHorizon.com.
