Standard Horizon GX1400 vs Icom IC-M25
Fixed-mount DSC versus a floating handheld. Different jobs; useful if you are choosing which radio to buy first. This page is not presented as a Cast & Cruise first-party lab head-to-head.
Standard Horizon
Standard Horizon GX1400G
8.8 Cast & Cruise score
The Standard Horizon GX1400G is the cheapest fixed-mount VHF radio with built-in GPS and DSC we'd actually put on a boat. It's the safety upgrade with the highest impact-per-dollar on any recreational vessel. Score 8.8.
Best for: Any boat that doesn't yet have a DSC-capable fixed-mount VHF radio
research synthesis
$199
Icom
Icom IC-M25
8.5 Cast & Cruise score
The Icom IC-M25 is a small, floating handheld VHF that keeps the controls and charging setup simple. Its strongest role is as a grab-bag backup or short-range boat-to-boat tool, not as a replacement for a properly installed fixed-mount radio.
Best for: Boaters who want a compact handheld VHF as a backup or short-range communication tool
research synthesis
$189.99 when checked
Scorecard overlap
| Criterion | Standard Horizon GX1400G | Icom IC-M25 |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 9.0 | — |
| Ease of use | 8.5 | — |
| Safety features | 9.5 | — |
| Value | 9.5 | 8.4 |
| Build quality | 8.0 | — |
| Portability | — | 9.2 |
| Backup usefulness | — | 8.8 |
| Charging convenience | — | 8.6 |
| Primary-radio capability | — | 7.0 |