Cobra HH350 Opinions???

Adey · 03 October 2016, 21:59

Evening all.....
Any opinions on the Cobra HH350?
From reading through the forum, I get the impression that Cobra kit is a bit like Marmite! However, I've used Cobra PMR"s etc for many years and have found it to be quite robust.
They cost around £99 quid delivered which doesn't seem bad for a waterproof VHF. Unless you guys can recommend an alternative. I don't really want to spend around £200 for the DSC option on a radio.

Cheers

Ade

John Kennett · 03 October 2016, 22:20

It might be OK, but I can't see any good reason to buy one when a Standard Horizon HX300 is the same money.

Poly · 03 October 2016, 23:37

Did you take any of your pmr's for a swim in the sea repeatedly? That is where cobra have gained a poor reputation. Although my personal disappointment came from a PTT that stuck on transmit!

As John says if a reputable name is available for the same price why go with the uncertain option?

ShinyShoe · 04 October 2016, 08:55

You will find plenty of happy Cobra Marine Radio owners. But less so in the wet environment of a RIB. The lower end of the yachty fraternity seem to like them, but the tend not to get as wet as you will. They always seem to think they have got a bargain £100 unit, but as said you can get SH an ICOM for same sort of money...

Before you come back and say.... Ah but I read a guy saying his ICOM leaked or his SH stopped charging etc, check the manufacturer response... Plenty been replaced after warranty etc. Certainly I'm on my third ICOM after first two leaked (screen stopped working, still receive / transmit) - third was a different model. All sorted without question.. about 12 years ago and still going strong...

chipko · 04 October 2016, 10:34

Hi Ady,
Cobra seem to have a bad reputation here and I would be reluctant to recommend.
However, I've a 4 year old Cobra HH475 and must admit been faultless so far. Gets wet most trips, been submerged a couple of times and gets rinsed under tap after each use. Battery life still good and the Bluetooth facility really useful.
Bought in ignorance while on a budget before joining forum, Hey Ho!

Adey · 04 October 2016, 14:26

Well I spontaneously spotted a bargain. Brand new, boxed HH350 for £85 inc delivery. I don't mind taking a gamble for that amount and it's got warranty

Cheers for your feedback guys

Ade

Iron Dials · 04 October 2016, 14:33

As chipko says.
I bought one as my first vhf.
Good value and the only one available to me when I needed one in a hurry.
They're not top of the food chain, particularly on here, but 2 seasons later it's still working perfectly despite the way it's treated.

If it breaks would I buy another? Well I would like gps, and DSC, and.......

HDAV · 18 October 2016, 22:27

I think it's the budget £60 ones that led to the poor reliability reputation. Probably from people buying them and then abusing them on ribs, jetskis and kayaks where they get very wet and frequently.....

The HH500 with Bluetooth is supposed to be great means you can keep mobile stored safe and dry and still answer calls while out on the water.