Cobra BlueBound 650 Handheld Marine VHF Radio, White
- Brand:
- Cobra
- Part no:
- 0190011-3
Image: Cobra
Where to buy
Specifications
- Mounting
- Handheld
- Transmit power
- 6 W
- Waterproof
- IPX7
- DSC
- Class D
- Battery life
- 12 h
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- NOAA weather alerts
- Yes
- Charging
- USB-C dock
The Cobra BlueBound 650 is a handheld VHF marine radio with selectable 1, 3 or 6 watt output. It carries Class-D DSC with GPS, Bluetooth for a headset or phone, and 12 weather channels. The case is rated IPX7 and has an orange floating core for visibility if it goes overboard. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery is rated at 12 hours, and a USB-C dock charger with a second battery slot comes in the box.
Our take
The 1/3/6 watt selectable output lets you trade range against power use, and Class-D DSC with GPS gives the radio a distress function. An IPX7 rating plus an orange floating core speak directly to the risk of a handheld going over the side.
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.