Cobra BlueBound 150 Handheld VHF Radio, Black
- Brand:
- Cobra
- Part no:
- 0190009-1
Image: Cobra
Where to buy
Specifications
- Mounting
- Handheld
- Waterproof
- IPX7
- Battery life
- 11 h
- NOAA weather alerts
- Yes
- Charging
- USB-C
The Cobra BlueBound 150 is the entry model in the BlueBound handheld line. Power is switchable between 0.5, 1 and 3 watts, and the radio is IPX7 waterproof with a floating core. It has 12 weather channels and a large LCD screen. Battery life is up to 11 hours, charged over USB-C, and five rechargeable AAA batteries are in the box.
Our take
The 150 tops out at 3 watts, with 0.5 and 1 watt steps below it, so it is a short-range handheld that spends little battery. It runs on rechargeable AAA cells charged over USB-C, rated at up to 11 hours, and it floats.
From our buying guide
Standard Horizon says range depends far more on the antenna than on transmit power, and that a handheld on its stock antenna at sea level may only reach a mile or two. It has its own battery and antenna, so it keeps working if the boat's power fails.
Check before you buy:
- It has DSC and GPS if you want a distress button that sends your position, since handhelds are not required to have DSC.
- The waterproof rating comes with the maker's depth and time, since IPX8 has no fixed depth or time.
- The maker says it floats on its own, since some float only in an optional case.