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My wife is desperately seeking ideas for her aviation-minded hubby. I've lit upon the idea that I need a handheld in my flight bag. Sporty's model seems big, bulky and a million accessories really add to the cost.

What are you folks using that you would recommend?

I have an ICOM A-4 Sport that I bought new in 2001 for $199. It has gone down to $179. I load it with AA rechargeable battery. It works well for me; transmitting range is around 15nm, receiving range is around 30nm. I used it this morning when my main radio was acting up due to cold weather.

Whatever you buy, make sure it has a jack and adapter for the headset plugs. The ICOM uses a mini-jack; I had to make an adapter to use my headset with it.

Take a look at www.marvgolden.com [marvgolden.com] . They have good prices and great service.

Greg, I got the Icom-A23 Nav/Com, which comes with the headset plug adaptor, and then I bought a push-bottom transmitting button for the yoke. I have used Icom radios for years and have had very good service. I got it online JA Air Center http://avionicsgps.com/avionics_gps.php?step=productinfo&productNum=IC-A23%20NAV/COM for 369.00. Also try this site http://www.airplanegear.com/ he has great prices on all aviation supplies. It also comes with a rechargeable battery and charger.
Very easy to use and program and is very small it is nearly half the size of the IC-A22 and the Sporty model.
Don

My wife is doing the same. I've been eyeing the Vertex 210. Has lots of features and comes in a few different option models.

Pilotmall.com is selling the ICOM A23 for $339! I just bought one there for $349 and was sure I got the best deal ever!

Check it out.

Just bought a VXA-210. It works great and comes with headset adapter.
299.00 Canadian. Good Deal. They had it at my door in 3 days.
www.radioworld.ca [radioworld.ca]