The full review
Why not military-grade
Harris radios are military grade and way overkill for ham use, plus they're expensive and a pain to program. I'd get the Icom IC-V86 instead; it's what I have. They're built tough, waterproof, and actually designed for the ham bands.
It's A strong value and will survive just about anything, it puts out a strong 7 watts and the audio is loud enough to hear in noisy environments. And good call getting your license first before buying.
What I liked
- Waterproof and rugged (IP67)
- Strong 7W RF output
- Loud, clear audio
- Built for ham, easier to program than surplus gear
What to know
- 2-meter (VHF) only, no UHF
- At its current price
- Handheld range is limited without a repeater
- Requires a ham license to transmit
Common questions
Icom IC-V86 or a surplus Harris radio?
The Icom, surplus military radios are overkill, pricey, and hard to program. The V86 is built for ham.
Do I need a license?
Yes, to transmit on ham bands. Get licensed first, then buy.
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Hands-on review by Johnny Alto · Published July 20, 2026