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Radio ยท Ham

Icom IC-V86 Ham Radio

8.6/10 Our verdictHands-on tested, not gifted

The tough 2-meter handheld that's actually built for ham. Skip the military-surplus Harris radios, overkill, expensive, and a pain to program. The IC-V86 is waterproof, rugged, and made for the ham bands.

Best for
Licensed 2m ham use
Tested
Personal daily
Price
Mid-range
Waterproof & rugged7W outputMade for ham bands2m only
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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 around $200 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
  • Around $200
  • 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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A valid amateur radio license is required to transmit on ham bands. Prices and availability are accurate as of publication and subject to change. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; your results may vary. UsedItFirst is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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