Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS Review: The Ultimate Handheld VHF Radio?

By: Jeremy Neisser

Looking for a reliable handheld VHF radio that can keep you connected on the water? I recently tried out the Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS, and I have to say, I was impressed.

This radio packs a punch with its 6-watt power output, ensuring clear communication even in rough conditions. Plus, the built-in GPS and Bluetooth capabilities make it a versatile choice for any boater.

The noise-cancelling microphone and backlit LCD display are also great features, making it easy to communicate and navigate in low-light situations.

One thing to note is that the radio is submersible, but it's important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure it stays waterproof.

Bottom Line

Overall, I highly recommend the Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS for anyone in need of a reliable handheld VHF radio. Its powerful output, GPS capabilities, and user-friendly design make it a top choice for any boater. 

Cobra Handheld Floating VHF Radio Overview

As someone who has spent countless hours on the water, I can confidently say that the Cobra Handheld Floating VHF Radio is a must-have for any boater. This radio is packed with features such as Bluetooth and GPS capabilities, allowing you to make calls directly from your radio and see your GPS coordinates on screen.

The rewind-say-again feature automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, ensuring that you never miss important information. With the ability to operate on channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1, 3, or 6 watts, you have maximum coverage for short and long range communication.

The Burp Feature vibrates the water out of the speaker grill and improves speaker performance, while weather alerts with an audible tone and visual alarm warn you real-time if threatening weather is nearby. This Cobra Handheld Marine Radio comes ready to use with everything you need, including the drop-in battery charger, AC charger, 12V DC charger, LiON battery pack, antenna, owner’s manual, spring loaded belt clip, and wrist strap.

Key Features

When it comes to marine radios, the Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS Handheld Floating VHF Radio is a top-of-the-line option. Here are some of its key features:

Bluetooth and GPS

One of the standout features of the Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS is its Bluetooth and GPS capabilities. With Bluetooth, you can make calls directly from the radio, keeping your phone safe and dry. The built-in GPS receiver allows you to see your GPS coordinates on the screen and automatically send your exact location with DSC calls.

Replay Missed Calls

The rewind-say-again feature of the Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, which is optimal in noisy conditions. This ensures that you never miss important information from your boat.

Maximum Coverage

The Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1, 3, or 6 watts for short and long-range communication. It also provides access to NOAA weather channels and instant Channel 16 access for emergencies.

Clear Communication

The Burp Feature of the Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS vibrates the water out of the speaker grill and improves speaker performance. Additionally, weather alerts with an audible tone and visual alarm warn you real-time if threatening weather is nearby.

Package Inclusions

The Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS comes with everything you need to get started. The package includes a drop-in battery charger, AC charger, 12V DC charger, LiON battery pack, antenna, owner’s manual, spring-loaded belt clip, and wrist strap.

Overall, the Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS Handheld Floating VHF Radio is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality marine radio with advanced features.

Pros and Cons

After using the Cobra Handheld Floating VHF Radio for a while, I have identified some of its pros and cons. Here are my thoughts:

Pros

• Bluetooth and GPS: The radio's Bluetooth capabilities allow me to make calls directly from the radio, keeping my phone safe and dry. Plus, the built-in GPS receiver shows my GPS coordinates on the screen and sends my exact location with DSC calls.

• Replay Missed Calls: The rewind-say-again feature automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, ensuring that I never miss important information from my boat, even in noisy conditions.

• Maximum Coverage: The radio allows me to operate channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1, 3, or 6 watts, making it suitable for short and long-range communication. It also grants access to NOAA weather channels and instant Channel 16 access for emergencies.

• Clear Communication: The Burp Feature vibrates the water out of the speaker grill and improves speaker performance, while weather alerts with an audible tone and visual alarm warn me in real-time if threatening weather is nearby.

• Complete Package: The radio comes with everything I need, including a drop-in battery charger, AC charger, 12V DC charger, LiON battery pack, antenna, owner's manual, spring-loaded belt clip, and wrist strap.

Cons

• Small Display: Although the radio has a backlit LCD display, the details other than the channel number are tiny letters and numbers, making it difficult to read.

• Battery Indicator: The battery indicator is close to all or nothing, showing only two bars when the battery is near dead. It's essential to carry extra batteries or a backup battery pack.

• Screen Clarity: The contrast on the screen is not very good, making it difficult to read in certain lighting conditions.

• Price: The Cobra Handheld Floating VHF Radio is on the pricier side compared to other handheld radios on the market.

Overall, the Cobra Handheld Floating VHF Radio is an excellent investment for boaters who prioritize safety and clear communication. Its Bluetooth and GPS capabilities, replay missed calls, and maximum coverage make it a reliable and efficient communication device. However, the small display, battery indicator, and screen clarity could be improved, and the price may be a barrier for some buyers.

Conclusion

Overall, my experience with the Cobra floating VHF radio has been positive. The Bluetooth functionality is a standout feature, allowing me to connect my phone and play music while out on the water. The emergency transponder and GPS coordinates are also valuable safety features. However, the display details are quite small and the battery indicator is not very accurate, so carrying extra batteries is a must. Additionally, the radio did not float when I accidentally dropped it in the water, despite its name. Nonetheless, the radio has proven to be completely waterproof and the noise-cancelling mic has worked well in windy conditions. Overall, if you're looking for a feature-rich VHF radio with Bluetooth capabilities and safety features, the Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS is a solid choice.

Overall, the Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS handheld floating VHF radio is a reliable and feature-rich device for marine communication. With its Bluetooth and GPS capabilities, submersible design, and noise-cancelling mic, it's a great choice for boaters and sailors. However, it's important to note that the device does not float, despite its name, so users should take precautions to keep it secure while on the water.