The Entel HT 640 submersible handheld VHF has been voted best buy in its category by several sailing magazines. It also came strongly recommended by the electronics engineer who sold it to us.
He recommended it because, meeting the standard IP68, it is more truly waterproof than many of its competitors, and because it has a battery which does not have to be discharged completely before it can be recharged.
This seemed to us a vital safety function. There seems little point in having a handheld if, at moment you need to use it in anger, you are waiting to be able to recharge it.
And, after owning it and using it for more than a year, we are very pleased with this neat and functional handheld.
We know from using it, mostly to call up marinas and ask for visitors' berths, that it transmits and receives clearly on both high and low power (1W and 5W). We haven't ever put its submersibility to the test, but it's certainly got wet in the cockpit without coming to any harm.
It feels nice and solid, fits comfortably in your hand, and the controls are easy to use.
The screen is big, well lit and easy to read, and there's a green/red LED to show when you are transmitting and receiving - a useful guide as one slight quibble is that the PTT (press to transmit) button doesn't offer the distinctive click of some of its competitors.
The buttons are labelled for the American market, but that doesn't really matter, as they are well spaced, and easy to understand and use.
The radio comes with both 12v and mains adapters for the charging cradle, and has a sturdy belt clip, as well as a carry strap. There's a wide range of optional extras for hands free use.
We have absolutely no complaints about this excellent radio, which holds its charge amazingly well during long periods of idleness. And it's excellent value for money at £149.
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The Entel HT 640 lives up to the high expectations generated by the number of “best buy” accolades it has received.
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For more information visit www.entel.co.uk
