VHF Radio - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Dannowar · 06-20-2014, 09:14 AM

So you're saying I should just use my cell phone?

EDC · 06-20-2014, 09:39 AM

All I'm saying is that I am now comfortable with just my cell phone for as far as I go out, and because my phone gives me what I would want from a VHF. I am also stating that if you have the extra money and will feel more comfortable on the water with a VHF, then you should get one. Good comm is always overlooked until you need it the most. Finally I am saying that based off of my experience along with some negative reviews I have read in the past, if I were to buy a VHF, or anything that I was putting my life on, I wouldn't buy West Marine. But again, this is just my opinion and can easily be wrong. Go with what makes you feel comfortable, and go with something you can rely on. That for me just happens to be my phone. But whatever you do, don't buy a lifeline just because is costs less. If the radio is actually as good as others say, then it could be a great deal. Good radio for cheap. But if it is cheap and won't pull you out of a jam when you need it, your last thoughts may just be about why you had to save a couple pennies instead of buying the better option. Kind of contradicting myself a little huh? No easy answer for most. But for me, I will try to buy quality products that will last forever instead of the bargain any day. I've learned that lesson the hard way.

Socalkayak · 06-24-2014, 06:12 PM

I as well use my phone. Lifeproof makes a nice case and a bouy case that alows it to float. There cases are awsome because they allow you to take underwater super clear videos. I also run my navionics off my phone. The draw backs. Constant navionics blows through battery. Solution spare phone battery. The navionics app is awsome. Its way easier to use on phone because I already know how to use my phone. Now if they can make an app that would allow you to talk to other yakers that would be cool but like they say there is probably an app for that. Vhf phone app anyone.

jorluivil · 06-24-2014, 06:42 PM

Don't be cheap, get the radio and while you're at it get a radio that has a speaker/mic connection.

Cbad Mike · 06-24-2014, 10:17 PM

I have a Standard Horizon. It's works well and floats with a blinking light.
In the last year that I've had it, it hasn't had to float and I haven't had to use it to call for help But I get a little piece of mind knowing that it will do both especially when I'm bobbing around LJ alone in the middle of the night.
My advice.....
Get one.
Get one from West Marine and buy their great warranty.
Get one and feel more comfortable on the water.
Get one to talk sh#t to your friends.
Get one that is small and compact.

06-20-2014, 09:14 AM	#1
Dannowar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,823	So you're saying I should just use my cell phone? __________________ "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; lick it once and you’ll suck forever." — Brian Wilson

06-24-2014, 06:42 PM	#4
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	Don't be cheap, get the radio and while you're at it get a radio that has a speaker/mic connection. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

06-24-2014, 10:17 PM	#5
Cbad Mike Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Carlsbad Ca. Posts: 1,206	I have a Standard Horizon. It's works well and floats with a blinking light. In the last year that I've had it, it hasn't had to float and I haven't had to use it to call for help But I get a little piece of mind knowing that it will do both especially when I'm bobbing around LJ alone in the middle of the night. My advice..... Get one. Get one from West Marine and buy their great warranty. Get one and feel more comfortable on the water. Get one to talk sh#t to your friends. Get one that is small and compact. __________________ [SIGPIC]

06-20-2014, 09:39 AM	#2
EDC Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Oceanside Posts: 44	All I'm saying is that I am now comfortable with just my cell phone for as far as I go out, and because my phone gives me what I would want from a VHF. I am also stating that if you have the extra money and will feel more comfortable on the water with a VHF, then you should get one. Good comm is always overlooked until you need it the most. Finally I am saying that based off of my experience along with some negative reviews I have read in the past, if I were to buy a VHF, or anything that I was putting my life on, I wouldn't buy West Marine. But again, this is just my opinion and can easily be wrong. Go with what makes you feel comfortable, and go with something you can rely on. That for me just happens to be my phone. But whatever you do, don't buy a lifeline just because is costs less. If the radio is actually as good as others say, then it could be a great deal. Good radio for cheap. But if it is cheap and won't pull you out of a jam when you need it, your last thoughts may just be about why you had to save a couple pennies instead of buying the better option. Kind of contradicting myself a little huh? No easy answer for most. But for me, I will try to buy quality products that will last forever instead of the bargain any day. I've learned that lesson the hard way.

06-24-2014, 06:12 PM	#3
Socalkayak Junior Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 29	I as well use my phone. Lifeproof makes a nice case and a bouy case that alows it to float. There cases are awsome because they allow you to take underwater super clear videos. I also run my navionics off my phone. The draw backs. Constant navionics blows through battery. Solution spare phone battery. The navionics app is awsome. Its way easier to use on phone because I already know how to use my phone. Now if they can make an app that would allow you to talk to other yakers that would be cool but like they say there is probably an app for that. Vhf phone app anyone.