Comments on: Review: Icom M71 Handheld VHF

By: Rob Mousley

Rob Mousley — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:54:24 +0000

I know this is an old review but I thought I’d mention that my Icom M71 is three years old now & still going strong after plenty of abuse…

It lives in the front pocket of my PFD and it comes with me any and every time I go paddling.

The only problem I’ve had with it is that the battery eventually died. Took a while to get a new one, but it’s arrived & I’m looking forward to many more years with the unit.

By: Dunks

Dunks — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:17:48 +0000

Hi Adam, Thanks for the comment. Yeah, I should have mentioned the VHF license issue – kayakers often don’t realise that in the UK you should undertake & pass a VHF course before you can use them ‘in the wild’.

To be honest, I am sure there are a vast number of VHF radio’s in use unlicensed.

Ultimately, it is important to know the correct procedures for radio calls – particularly if you need to make that dreaded ‘emergency’ call for help.

By: Adam Bolonsky

Adam Bolonsky — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:01:36 +0000

Hi Solents,
thanks for your review of the Icom. I think it’s a fine radio also, a nice complement to the ever-growing list of submersible vhfs on the market.

In the US we have the luxury of not having to take a licensing exam to use a VHF radio. Simply buy and use.

Thanks too, by the way, for your recent comments on my blog post about building a Greenland paddle

Best wishes from New England in the US,
Adam Bolonsky
paddlingtravelers.blogspot.com