Uniden MHS550 Marine VHF Handheld Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was looking for a portable VHF marine radio to use on kayaking trips in and around the San Francisco Bay.After researching everything available, I chose the Uniden MHS550 -- and am glad I did.Here's why:

1.SIZE: this unit is quite small and compact; it easily fits into the pocket of my PFD.

2.TOUGHNESS: The radio is waterproof to the JIS8 standard.This means it can be submerged to a depth of 5 feet for 30 minutes, without any water intrusion.It looks to be all cast-aluminum and rubber, and should take quite a hit without damage.It is nicely designed and very well-built.

3.FRS COMPATIBLE: I bought my wife and daughter Midland waterproof FRS radios because they're tough AND cheap.Since the Uniden has FRS channels, this allows me to easily keep in touch with them -- without the expense of buying 3 VHF radios.

4.MULTI-BAND: in addition to VHF and FRS, this unit has AM, FM, AIR, and NOAA bands.This is a feature I like a lot, as we can listen to our local AM news station if we need to keep tabs on traffic as we're headed back to our put-in.

5.LAYOUT: the radio has the on/off, volume, and squelch dial all on top of the radio.This makes it very easy to adjust without removing it from my pocket.The display is clear and bright, even in sunlight.

6.IDIOT-PROOF: I am not familiar with the VHF spectrum, but I do realize the channels are allocated for specific uses.The Uniden makes playing by the rules quite simple, as each channel appears on the display along with a description.

7.BATTERY LIFE: the radio uses lithium-ion batteries that are supposed to last 14 hours.This would clearly depend on how much transmitting you did, but I'm getting at least 20 hours of usage between charges.I use the radio for roughly two hours at a stretch, and hardly transmit at all.In addition, the radio comes with a "backup" battery pack that holds 4 AAA batteries.This is a very nice touch as it's nice to have a backup available just in case.

8.EASE OF USE: The features on the radio are very easy and intuitive to use.I've only had to consult the manual to clarify a couple of details, like how to mount the charger (which can be screwed to a counter-top or wall-mounted).

9.SOUND QUALITY: the MHS550 has a good speaker that is well amplified; it is loud yet clear, without any noticeable distortion.

The only "CONS" I've found so far:

1.The radio lacks buoyancy, so if it fell into the water it would sink.I plan to install a wrist strap with floatation, just in case.

2.I would like to have a neoprene case to store the radio in, but Uniden does not yet offer this as an accessory.

In short, this is a great little VHF that I highly recommend.It's so much better to be safe out on the water, and I know this radio is going to be there when I need it!If the MHS550 is too expensive for your needs, Uniden also offers two more affordable models -- the Uniden MHS450 and Uniden MHS350 -- that seem to share the same superb build quality.

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Product Description:
Waterproof Uniden MHS550 AM / FM / FRS Hand Held Radio. S.A.M.E. message coding means you never have to wonder about weather alerts. Now you don't have to run for the chart every time a weather alert comes up. The Uniden MHS550 2-way Marine Radio features the S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message Encoding) Weather Alert feature: During a NOAA Weather or Emergency Alert, a code for your specific location will alert you to severe conditions in your immediate area. And the MHS450 also pulls in AM / FM and AIR bands so you don't have to carry 2 receivers. Built for extreme use meeting the rigorous JIS8 submersible standards (5' 30 min.). Details: Covers all USA, International and Canadian marine channels keeping you up-to-date with all the latest marine activity; All N.O.A.A. weather channels with S.A.M.E. weather alert function; AM / FM / AIR band receiver; Superior receiver performance means you hear what you're suppose to hear and nothing else; Selectable 1/2.5/5 watt switchable transmit power settings lets you change form maximum transmitting power to extended battery life; One touch 16/9 dual watch and 16/9/triple watch allows you to monitor emergency channel 16 and 9, another user selectable channel plus weather alert; 2" full Dot-Matrix display and brilliant backlighting for low light conditions; Alkaline battery tray for using common "AA" batteries (not included); Includes a 12 hour LiON battery plus 3 hour rapid charging cradle, 110/220 v AC charger and 12v DC chargers; Rubber wrapped die-cast aluminum construction; SMA flexible rubber antenna; Speaker / mic jack (mic not included). It's the marine radio that always comes back for more. Order Today! Uniden MHS550 Hand Held Radio