Icom IC-M25 EVO Floating Handheld VHF Radio, Black
- Brand:
- Icom
- Part no:
- M25 EVO BLACK 61 USA
Image: Fisheries Supply
Where to buy
Specifications
- Mounting
- Handheld
- Transmit power
- 5 W
- Waterproof
- IPX7
- Floats
- Yes
- Battery life
- 14 h
- NOAA weather alerts
- Yes
- Charging
- USB-C
The Icom IC-M25 EVO is a floating handheld VHF radio with IPX7 waterproofing, rated for 1 m of water for 30 minutes. If it goes in the water it floats, flashes and sounds an alarm. It weighs 228 g. Transmit power is 5 W as standard, and an Eco mode drops it to 2.5 W for about 30 percent more run time. It charges through a USB Type-C port in about three hours. Audio output is 700 mW, and a weather channel with alert is included.
Our take
The IC-M25 EVO floats and flashes if dropped, and at 228 g it is easy to carry all day. Its Eco mode trades down to 2.5 W for longer run time, so you choose between range and hours. USB PD charging is not supported.
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.