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United States of America, Washington
1 Level
722 Review
40 Karma

Review on πŸ“» High-performance Standard Horizon HX380 Handheld VHF Radio with 1.5-inch Display by James Mayberry

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Portable radio used by a professional

I have been a harbor pilot for 26 years. I have always used this brand. I always have a spare (just in case) in my backpack. I've only had to pull my spare wheel out 2 times in the middle of a very long intense job when the battery was running low and the auxiliary haulers I was working with only heard every other word of my many commands. The battery life is about 6-8 hours for me with heavy use. This includes speaking and listening frequently and repeatedly for 3-4 ship movements of 1 to 2 hours each. It is NOT waterproof to the point that it floats. But in all the years I've worn this thing on a belt holster, it's never fallen into the sea. Including climbing the pilot ladders in bad weather. I now carry both radios in my backpack along with other gear. But I often and regularly get up in the rain with the bridge radio. He has never let me down under such conditions. If you need a "floating" radio (which I have, it's my spare), note that these are much larger (fat) radios. This radio presented here is comfortable to hold thanks to its slim design. There's nothing wrong or wrong with levitating handhelds, but they're more of a radio and you should know that before you buy. THERE ARE ALL THESE RADIOS, not just Horizon radios. You must be buoyant to swim. I do not care. I cannot give this radio a higher recommendation. I'm buying another one (my third in over 20 years) just because the "PPT" button is worn out! The PPT button is on the side you press to speak. I swapped it before. The cost isn't high, but it still makes sense to just buy a brand new radio. It's functional, reliable, simple, fast charging, durable (I've dropped it on a steel deck many times, still works) and I'll buy another. What else would you like? I steer cruise ships, tankers, container ships, etc. With this radio I am putting my life and my career on the line. Here's my recommendation.

Pros
  • Dope πŸ”₯
Cons
  • Expensive