Icom 440n or GME TX-3540

[rwo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close rwo]

I went to the Sydney 4wd show yesterday intent on picking up a GME TX-3540, but after speaking to the guys at one of the radio stands, I was informed that the Icom 440n is a far superior unit and I would be better off getting one of those instead. They gave a few reasons to back their case but the whole argument didn't really seem much more than a sales pitch by a guy wearing an Icom shirt. The most obvious differences I noticed in favour of the Icom were the sturdier case, much thicker power cable to the unit, made in Japan and the speaker in the hand piece.

Since all my research was focused around the GME unit (which pretty much lead me to the conclusion it was a good unit) and the prices were slightly worse than I could get from prestige comms (including shipping) for either unit, my darling wife advised me to do a bit more research before purchasing and I walked out confused and empty handed.

So what are peoples thoughts, should I go with the Icom 440n or the GME TX-3540?

I will be using an RFI CDQ5000 which was also decided prior to the show. On a side note, RFI are releasing a 30cm rubber whip that fits to the base of the CDQ series antenna, much like the ZCG setup that has the swappable aerial for around town. This will be out in Jan 2013.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Icom, quality unit and speaker in the handset.

[LostDingo2 Find all posts View Profile Close LostDingo2]

I have the 440n and it is a quality made unit for sure. The speaker in the handset will shock you with the power and clarity....definitely had alot of thought and engineering into it.

I have been so impressed with the Icom I picked up the IC-41w yesterday. Price was almost the same as Prestige....a few dollars cheaper.

[halfpastfour Member Find all posts View Profile Close halfpastfour]

Another vote for the Icom, same reasons, sturdy, great sound from the speaker and great coverage.

[rwo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close rwo]

Thanks guys, I'm pretty sure I will go with the Icom unit now.

[Dupes68 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dupes68]

Icom, quality unit and speaker in the handset.

Icom gets my vote - great unit and good features.

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

I have the icom, the decision was being told by a salesman selling both units that they frequently get the handset fixed under warranty for the GME but none for the Icom. Not sure if true but happy with my purchase.

mlc

[rwo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close rwo]

I have the icom, the decision was being told by a salesman selling both units that they frequently get the handset fixed under warranty for the GME but none for the Icom. Not sure if true but happy with my purchase.

mlc

The salesman I was speaking to at the show actually said the exact same thing...

[Eecee Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Eecee]

Icom quality can't be beat.
Made in Japan. Like my diesel Prado.
Not made in China like a Great Wall X200.
Both are Diesel 4WDs.

[fido666 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close fido666]

The 150 Kaka I'm buying has an Icom IC440 fitted already so I'm a happy camper. I've not owned an Icom before but knew they were a quality unit.

[Ages Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ages]

i'm no UHF expert but for what its worth i'm happy with my GME, it changes channels and it lets me talk when i push the button, and when people reply i can hear what they are saying. And when i'm not using it which is 90% of the time, i can unclip it and put it away completely and store it in the glovebox.

[fido666 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close fido666]

And when i'm not using it which is 90% of the time, i can unclip it and put it away completely and store it in the glovebox.

That's the same with the IC440, the mic/head unit clips into a telephone type plug and the base unit is hidden away elsewhere.

[Pearl150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pearl150]

Uniden also do a speaker, mic one piece unit that is cheaper and has more warranty. Hey for nearly $150 you get much the same, check the specifications. I have had GME in the past found them ok and would have bought another except for the speaker in the main unit. With the small amount of room available in the Prado the smaller the unit the better and the remote speaker locations are limited due to air bag locations around the knees etc..... I can tell you that the insurance company will not give a bugger if it is made of Gold its just a radio and if you have a claim they will not care who or what it is made of. Cheers Tony

[squonk Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close squonk]

There are four brands making the same all in mic models:
1. GME TX3540 ($425)
2. Unidien UH7760NB ($254)
3. Oricom UHF280 ($185)
4. Icom 440n ($395)

Prices are from eBay, but they give taste of the difference.

Anybody know why such a difference?

Anybody got experience with the Oricom?

Cheers
Marco

[VeeZeeSS Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close VeeZeeSS]

I have the icom and cant fault it. Its also very loud at full volume which is handy.