Icom
IC-M85 Compact VHF Radio
Best hybrid radio for professionals needing marine and land communication.
The Icom IC-M85 is a versatile, compact handheld VHF radio designed for both marine and land mobile operations. It boasts IP67 waterproof and MIL-STD rugged construction, ensuring durability in harsh environments. This hybrid radio offers access to VHF marine channels and 100 programmable land mobile channels. For secure communication, it includes a built-in 32-code voice scrambler. Essential emergency features like Man Down and MOB alarms are integrated, along with an AquaQuake function to clear water from the speaker. Its loud 700mW audio output ensures clarity in noisy surroundings.
$244.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
13
/ 300
#13 in Two-Way Radios
Price vs Category Average
-51%
Below average
Power Output (Marine)
5
/ W
Who it's for
- Marine professionals working in demanding, wet environments
- Workers needing seamless communication between water and land
- Users requiring long-range power in a portable device
Who should skip it
- Recreational boaters on a strict budget
- Users wanting simple, out-of-the-box device customization
- Operators needing extended battery life for long shifts
Performance breakdown
Hybrid Versatility
Seamlessly bridges the gap between marine and land mobile communication needs.
Rugged Durability
Military-grade construction handles harsh environments and accidental drops with ease.
Audio Clarity
Powerful 700mW output cuts through wind and engine noise effectively.
Safety Integration
Essential emergency alarms provide critical peace of mind for solo operators.
Portability
Compact, lightweight frame ensures comfortable carry during long shifts.
Water Resistance
IP67 rating protects against submersion, though the unit does not float.
Key Specs
Power Output (Marine)
5W
Power Output (Land)
2W
Waterproof Rating
IP67
Military Standard
Meets MIL-STD-810 C, D, E, F, G
Land Mobile Frequencies
136-174 MHz
Land Mobile Channels
Up to 100 programmable
Audio Output
700mW
Dimensions
56 x 92 x 29 mm (2.2 x 3.6 x 1.1 in)
Features
- Hybrid marine and land mobile functionality
- IP67 waterproof and MIL-STD rugged
- Built-in 32-code voice scrambler
- MOB, Man Down, and Lone Worker alarms
- AquaQuake speaker water clearing
- Loud 700mW audio output
- Dual/Tri-watch channel monitoring
- Compact and lightweight design
What customers say
The Icom IC-M85 garners strong praise for its uncompromising reliability and compact design, making it a top choice for demanding marine and professional users. Customers consistently highlight its rugged, military-grade construction and superior waterproofing, assuring durability in harsh conditions. A key strength is the exceptional audio clarity, enhanced by Active Noise Cancelling, which ensures clear communication even in loud environments. Its dual functionality across marine and land mobile frequencies adds significant versatility. While the menu system presents a slight learning curve due to the small size, users overwhelmingly agree the investment is justified by the radio's robust feature set and unparalleled dependability, positioning it as a long-term value workhorse.
Know before you buy
Yes, this is a hybrid radio. It supports all standard VHF marine channels and can be programmed with up to 100 land mobile channels in the 136-174 MHz range.
The IC-M85 is built to last with an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. It also meets MIL-STD-810 specifications, ensuring it holds up against shocks, vibrations, and temperature extremes.
The radio features an AquaQuake function. This emits a low-frequency buzzing sound that vibrates the speaker cone to clear out any water, ensuring your audio remains clear.
Yes, it is equipped with several emergency functions, including Man Down, MOB (Man Overboard), and Lone Worker alarms, which help alert others if you are in distress.
The built-in 32-code voice scrambler provides a layer of security for your conversations. It prevents casual listeners from understanding your transmissions, though it is not intended for high-level military-grade encryption.
No, the IC-M85 does not float. While it is waterproof and rugged, you should use the included wrist strap or a secure clip to prevent losing it in deep water.
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