The Icom M93 is a powerful 48-channel handheld VHF radio and a valuable marine accessory for every vessel. Its key features include its floating and waterproof capability which doesn’t just protect the device from water damage but also increases its lifespan. With the safety advantages of DSC (Digital Selective Calling), rest assured that you’re in good hands and have reliable access to distress channels should an emergency on the water arrive.
With an IPX-7 rating, Icom M93 can withstand immersion in 1-meter deep water for up to 30 minutes. A useful feature for those unfortunate accidents when you accidentally drop your device off the boat. You don’t have to worry about the speaker getting wet and damaged either, the Icom M93 has a high-tech feature known as “Aqua Quake” which puts the speaker on vibrating mode and shakes off water from the device. This allows your speaker to work with no disturbance from water stranded on its surface.
The Icom M93 is equipped with a long-lasting rechargeable battery which can remain powered up for the whole day. With its intuitive battery indicator display found on the screen, you know when you need to recharge your radio before it dies. It also has an active noise canceling feature that’s very useful for stormy or windy situations.
Main Features
Additional Features:
- High Contrast Dot Matrix
- Dual/Tri- Watch
- Save up to 50 waypoints with alphanumeric names
- Favorite channel function
- Weather channel alarm
- Battery indicator
- auto Battery Saver
- Built-In GPS Receiver
- MOB Position Marking
Accessories:
- Antenna, FA-SC59V
- Hand strap
- Owner’s Manual
- Cigarette lighter cable, CP-25H
- Belt clip, MB-133
- Battery charger, BC-220
- Battery pack, BP-285
- AC adapter, BC-123SA
Specifications:
- Weight: 9.3 Ounces
- Dimensions: 2 3/8" Width x 5 5/8" Height x 1 3/4" Depth
- Available Color:: Black
- Display Color: Grayscale
- Display: 2.3" Diagonal High-Visibility Polarized Dot Matrix LCD with Softglow
- Battery Life: 9 Hours
- Battery Type : Lithium-Ion 1570mAh
- Material: Polycarbonate (Housing)
- Die-Cast: Aluminum (Chassis)
- Transmit Power: 1/5 Watt
- Warranty Details: Three Years
ICOM M93 vs Standard Horizon HX870:
When it comes to transmitting power the Icom M93 has only two options 1 or 5 watts while the Standard Horizon HX870 has three (1, 2, or 6 watts) which means using the HX870 can give you more options to change the output power and save battery. In terms of waterproof rating, Icom M93’s IPX7 rating also falls slightly behind HX870 which has a IPX8 rating. An IPX8 rating provides more protection if you accidentally drop your device overboard (it can still work even when submerged of up-to 3 feet). Both radios have good battery life, however, the HX870 proves more powerful with its 1800 mAH lithium-ion battery compared to the M93’s 1570 mAH lithium ion type. Our verdict? The Standard Horizon HX870 packs a little more features than Icom M93. And with just a little price difference between the two, the wiser option is to purchase the device that will give you more for your money which is the HX870.
Closing thoughts and suggestions:
The Icom M93 is a good choice if you’re looking for a durable, easy-to-use, and compact VHF radio that has all the life-saving features like Float n Flash, Aqua Quake and Active Noise canceling. However, compared to the best VHF radios like the Standard HX870, the Icom M93 significantly falls behind. Despite this, the Icom M93 is worth every penny, and if you’re a long time Icom buyer, this device won’t fail you. In fact, it can help keep you safe whilst out on the water. It is made especially for passionate and adventurous boaters.
