Icom
Icom M85 Compact Handheld VHF
Best rugged handheld for professionals needing both marine and land communication.
Introducing the Icom M85, a compact and rugged handheld VHF radio built for demanding environments. This versatile device seamlessly transitions between marine and land mobile operations, offering up to 100 programmable land mobile channels. Its IP67 waterproof rating and MIL-STD 810 construction ensure durability, while the built-in voice scrambler provides secure communication. Enhanced safety features like MOB Alarm and Man Down functions offer peace of mind. With an intuitive display and user-friendly controls, the M85 is your reliable communication partner.
$329.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
13
/ 300
#13 in Two-Way Radios
Price vs Category Average
-34%
Below average
Output Power
53121
/ Marine: //W and Land Mobile: /W
Who it's for
- Professionals transitioning between marine and land-based operations
- Workers operating in harsh, wet, or industrial environments
- Security teams requiring private, secure communication channels
Who should skip it
- Casual users lacking technical software and programming experience
- Budget-conscious buyers needing only basic marine radio functionality
- Heavy users requiring extended battery life for long shifts
Performance breakdown
Durability
Military-grade construction and IP67 rating survive the harshest marine conditions.
Versatility
Seamlessly bridges the gap between marine and land mobile communication needs.
Safety Integration
Man Down and MOB alarms provide essential peace of mind offshore.
Portability
Compact, lightweight design ensures it never feels like a burden.
Operational Clarity
Intuitive interface and rotary selector make channel switching quick and effortless.
Battery Endurance
Fourteen hours of runtime keeps you connected throughout long work days.
Key Specs
Output Power
Marine: 5/3/1W and Land Mobile: 2/1W
Waterproof Rating
IP67
Battery Life
Up to 14 hours
Battery Type
2010mAh Li-ion
Land Mobile Frequencies
136–174MHz
Channels Supported
Up to 100 programmable land mobile channels
Construction Certification
Built to MIL-STD 810
Voice Scrambler Codes
32 codes
Features
- Smallest, lightest, and toughest waterproof handheld VHF
- Dual marine and land mobile capability
- Automated emergency alarm functions
- Built-in voice scrambler for secure calls
- AquaQuake™ prevents water-logged speaker
- Internal VOX for hands-free operation
- User-friendly display with clear icons
- Easy access via 20-position rotary selector
What customers say
Professional users highly value the Icom M85 for its ruggedness and compact design. Its small, lightweight form factor is praised, especially considering it maintains critical performance. Build quality is a consistent highlight, supported by its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, ensuring reliability in demanding marine or industrial settings. Audio clarity is exceptional; transmission and reception are loud and clear despite the radio’s diminutive size. Advanced features like the voice scrambler and numerous programmable channels justify its position as a premium, professional grade tool. Users confirm this radio is a durable, reliable workhorse built for tough conditions.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Icom M85 is designed to switch seamlessly between marine VHF channels and land mobile frequencies. It supports up to 100 programmable land mobile channels in the 136–174MHz range.
It is built to MIL-STD 810 standards and carries an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it is fully protected against dust and can withstand immersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes.
The radio includes integrated Man Down and MOB (Man Overboard) alarm functions to alert others in an emergency. It also provides access to NOAA weather alerts to keep you informed of changing conditions.
Yes, the M85 features internal VOX capability, which allows for hands-free operation when used with compatible accessories.
You can use the built-in AquaQuake™ feature, which emits a vibrating sound to clear water from the speaker grill, ensuring clear audio quality even after the device has been submerged.
The 2010mAh Li-ion battery provides up to 14 hours of operation, making it reliable for a full day of use on the water or in the field.
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