Icom IC-M71 - Best price & Entel comparison

Stormchild · 28 September 2006, 21:02

I've deduced relying on a single VHF dont give me much credibility in the smart cookie stakes, so I figured I need to invest in a second handheld unit for a back up.

Has anyone seen a better price than this for the Icom M71? (£169.95 Inc VAT)

http://www.g-comm.co.uk/icom.htm

In MBM & some of the other magazines the Entel HT640 hand held comes up with rave reviews. I've always exercised brand loyalty for Icom in marine radios cos theyre reputed to be the best. But I'm interested in the Entel as well, Anyone got one - advice / info appreciated.

Ta

Steve

Jimbo · 28 September 2006, 21:31

Stormchild -

Whilst I am a big fan of Icom, I have to say I cannot reccomend my Standard Horizon HX270e handheld enough. An amazing bit of kit that has survived a lot of abuse, and keeps coming back for more! Seems to me to be a bit more solid than the Icom too.

Give daveh on here a pm - he runs Boat Care Uk, and got me the Standard Horizon with delivery for about £115. Came with a useful pack for running it off AA batteries too!

Channelwatch · 28 September 2006, 21:53

Recently purchased an M72 which I think is the US version of the M71 and really like it. It's easy to use and works great even when wet. Check out our post http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16193

Biggles · 28 September 2006, 21:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Stormchild -

Whilst I am a big fan of Icom, I have to say I cannot reccomend my Standard Horizon HX270e handheld enough. An amazing bit of kit that has survived a lot of abuse, and keeps coming back for more! Seems to me to be a bit more solid than the Icom too.

Give daveh on here a pm - he runs Boat Care Uk, and got me the Standard Horizon with delivery for about £115. Came with a useful pack for running it off AA batteries too!

I've seen Jimbo's set covered in sand and saltwater and totally abused and when i'm in the market for a new handset that standard horizon will be very high on the list. Its a very small set with a nice bendy aerial.

Jimbo · 28 September 2006, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

I've seen Jimbo's set covered in sand and saltwater and totally abused and when i'm in the market for a new handset that standard horizon will be very high on the list. Its a very small set with a nice bendy aerial.

I also saw one down at the boat show the other day that had a fist mike on it, like you have on your Icom. Give it a couple of months, and if I still have anything left to call a boat, I think I may upgrade!

Biggles · 28 September 2006, 21:59

Jimbo,

Fist mikes are old hat. I'm after one of those Gecko boom mikes now. Now thats cool.

Jimbo · 28 September 2006, 22:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Jimbo,

Fist mikes are old hat. I'm after one of those Gecko boom mikes now. Now thats cool.

Alright alright! What is this, prove that Jimbo is behind the times day? http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16303

I'm obviously so out of touch, next thing you'll be telling me I should have in date flares and everything!

Alex Brown · 29 September 2006, 08:36

I've always been an Icom fan, and still am (my fixed sets are icom), but in the handheld vhf case, I went for the HT640 after reading quite a few good reviews online.

Got it from mesltd - http://www.mesltd.co.uk/product_info...roducts_id=958 and it arrived next day. The speaker is very clear and loud, and the battery seems to last an age - my criteria for the thing whatever brand was to have a lithium ion battery pack, since after years of faultless operation, my old Standard HX350S finally would take no more charge into the nicad battery.

If you wait a while, I'm sure the price of the new Icom M71 will come down, and that looks like a well tidy radio.

-Alex

Stormchild · 30 September 2006, 08:04

Cheers folks, I think I'll stick with the Icom. Having read some of the threads on here about the high quality of Icom customer support, the £20 or so quid difference for the Entel isnt that much.

Thanks again

Steve

whiteminiman · 30 September 2006, 14:39

You've got a good price. I got mine for £185 from JGTech inc VAT & delivery.

http://www.jgtech.com/shop3.htm

WMM.

Boatcareuk · 01 October 2006, 16:59

Thanks Jimbo, the HX270E from Standard Horizon is our best selling radio offering excellant value. I must say I am about to have several for our own use. They are extremely well built and come with a 3 year manufacturers warrenty against water ingress.

Jon Brooks · 05 October 2006, 19:15

The M71 is by far the best unit on the market today, it stands head and shoulders above anything else from anyone else.

6w power and IPX8 (1.5m for 30mins) means it is worth the extra money.

The Standard is a great bit of kit too, for the money it is very good value.

The Entel is good but will suffer, like the M1V did, if not looked after.
Having the on/off and volume/squelch on the same knob can cause problems if not cleaned with fresh water.

If I was spending my own money and was not tied to any company I would buy the M71 everytime.

Just my thoughts