Icom IC-M25 EVO Floating Handheld VHF Radio, Blue
- Brand:
- Icom
- Part no:
- M25 EVO BLUE 71 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 IC-M25 EVO is a handheld VHF marine radio from Icom in blue. It floats, flashes and sounds an alarm if dropped in water, and it is IPX7 waterproof for 1 m of depth over 30 minutes. Eco Mode lowers transmit power from 5 W to 2.5 W for up to 14 hours of operation. It charges over USB Type-C in about three hours, has a 700 mW audio output and a weather channel with alert, and weighs 228 g.
Our take
Eco Mode cuts transmit power from the standard 5 W to 2.5 W to reach about 14 hours, so you give up output for run time on a long day. If it goes over the side it floats, flashes and sounds an alarm, and IPX7 covers 1 m for 30 minutes.
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.