Rated 4.48936170213/5
based on 141 customer reviews
Product description:
Sporty’s experience operating a fleet of 18 airplanes enabled our pilots to engineer the SP-200 hand-held NAV/COM with unique features and pilot-friendly design. It is still the only hand-held radio to put communication, VOR navigation and localizer display in the palm of your hand. Now includes a handy “Last Frequency” button and 8.33 KHz frequency spacing (already in effect in Europe). Includes five year warranty, flexible antenna, removable wrist strap, alkaline battery case and instruction manual.Our SP-200 makes a terrific backup radio. Here’s why:
VOR and Localizer with CDI display—You won’t find this patented feature on any other hand-held, but it can be a real lifesaver. In the event of a total electrical failure, the SP-200’s localizer function can get you on the ground in the worst weather. The Aviation Consumer said, “Sporty's was the best of the group in VOR performance...in a pinch you could actually navigate with it.” Extremely durable construction—The SP-200 isn’t the smallest or slimmest hand-held radio, but that’s because it is built to last. The tough case will survive being tossed around inside a flight bag, and even dropped on the ramp. We are so confident that we back it with a 5 year warranty. Dependable alkaline battery case—For use as a backup, alkaline batteries are unbeatable for reliability. Unlike rechargeable batteries that are often discharged when you need to use the radio, you can reach for the SP-200 with confidence. Easiest to use—An emergency is no time to reach for an instruction manual, and the SP-200 doesn’t require one. It was designed for easy, one-handed operation, so you can use every feature while you fly with the other hand. The size and weight of the radio feels solid in your hand, and the backlit display and keypad is easily viewed in dark conditions. Long battery life—With eight alkaline batteries, the SP-200 will provide hours of service when you need it. The Aviation Consumer found that it had “a decided edge in transmit time endurance” over other radios. Plus, you can quick-change to a spare battery pack in just 3 seconds. “An Excellent Value”—
That’s what The Aviation Consumer had to say in its latest hand-held review. That’s because all of these features are available for under $300. Dollar for dollar, feature for feature, it’s still the best hand-held transceiver available.
Other features:"Last Frequency" button
8.33 kHz spacing
Five-year warranty
LOCALIZER with CDI Display
VOR with CDI Display
OBS & TO/FROM indicator
Automatic “Bearing-to-Station” feature
2,280 COM & 200 NAV channels
20 memory channels
Full-feature scanner (scan the entire frequency range or memory channels)
Duplex COM feature (transmit to FSS & listen over VOR)
Back-lit screen & keypad
Polarized screen reduces glare and LCD washout
Lightweight and compact, fits easily in a flight bag
Used by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air ForceLow battery indicator
"Quick-change” battery case
Superior audio quality
Electret microphone
Automatic gain control
Automatic noise limiter
Single-hand squelch control
External power jack
Earphone & microphone jacks
Key lock prevents inadvertent frequency changes
Flexible antenna with standard aviation compatible BNC connector
Power — 5 watts PEP output (the max allowed by law)
Weight — 16.9 oz.
Size — 7 3/16”h x 2 3/8”w x 1 7/16”d
Frequency range:
NAV — 108.000-117.950 MHz
COM — 118.000-136.975 MHzClick Here for Instruction ManualClick here to view The Aviation Consumers "VHF Radio Shootout" ArticleOpen Link in New TabDownload
Sporty’s experience operating a fleet of 18 airplanes enabled our pilots to engineer the SP-200 hand-held NAV/COM with unique features and pilot-friendly design. It is still the only hand-held radio to put communication, VOR navigation and localizer display in the palm of your hand. Now includes a handy “Last Frequency” button and 8.33 KHz frequency spacing (already in effect in Europe). Includes five year warranty, flexible antenna, removable wrist strap, alkaline battery case and instruction manual.
Our SP-200 makes a terrific backup radio. Here’s why:
VOR and Localizer with CDI display—You won’t find this patented feature on any other hand-held, but it can be a real lifesaver. In the event of a total electrical failure, the SP-200’s localizer function can get you on the ground in the worst weather. The Aviation Consumer said, “Sporty's was the best of the group in VOR performance...in a pinch you could actually navigate with it.”
Extremely durable construction—The SP-200 isn’t the smallest or slimmest hand-held radio, but that’s because it is built to last. The tough case will survive being tossed around inside a flight bag, and even dropped on the ramp. We are so confident that we back it with a 5 year warranty.
Dependable alkaline battery case—For use as a backup, alkaline batteries are unbeatable for reliability. Unlike rechargeable batteries that are often discharged when you need to use the radio, you can reach for the SP-200 with confidence.
Easiest to use—An emergency is no time to reach for an instruction manual, and the SP-200 doesn’t require one. It was designed for easy, one-handed operation, so you can use every feature while you fly with the other hand. The size and weight of the radio feels solid in your hand, and the backlit display and keypad is easily viewed in dark conditions.
Long battery life—With eight alkaline batteries, the SP-200 will provide hours of service when you need it. The Aviation Consumer found that it had “a decided edge in transmit time endurance” over other radios. Plus, you can quick-change to a spare battery pack in just 3 seconds.
“An Excellent Value”—
That’s what The Aviation Consumer had to say in its latest hand-held review. That’s because all of these features are available for under $300. Dollar for dollar, feature for feature, it’s still the best hand-held transceiver available.
Other features:
"Last Frequency" button
8.33 kHz spacing
Five-year warranty
LOCALIZER with CDI Display
VOR with CDI Display
OBS & TO/FROM indicator
Automatic “Bearing-to-Station” feature
2,280 COM & 200 NAV channels
20 memory channels
Full-feature scanner (scan the entire frequency range or memory channels)
Duplex COM feature (transmit to FSS & listen over VOR)
Back-lit screen & keypad
Polarized screen reduces glare and LCD washout
Lightweight and compact, fits easily in a flight bag
Used by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force
Low battery indicator
"Quick-change” battery case
Superior audio quality
Electret microphone
Automatic gain control
Automatic noise limiter
Single-hand squelch control
External power jack
Earphone & microphone jacks
Key lock prevents inadvertent frequency changes
Flexible antenna with standard aviation compatible BNC connector
Power — 5 watts PEP output (the max allowed by law)
Weight — 16.9 oz.
Size — 7 3/16”h x 2 3/8”w x 1 7/16”d
Frequency range:
NAV — 108.000-117.950 MHz
COM — 118.000-136.975 MHz
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended No
Pros
Appears to be as advertised, but have not owned the device at this time long enought to know for sure how it will work over time. This is a replacement for another Sporty's Transceiver that suddenly stopped working for no reason. Thus, as realiability is one of te most important factors, do not really know at this point whether the device is realiable or not.
Cons
The previous transceiver from Sporty's that I purchased came in a nice carrying case with accessories. This item had not such case, and not accessories with the unit. Thus, it is not as good a value. In addition, it is somewhat larger than I would like, feels a little cheap and would be better with a rubberized cover. Range of reception does not seem as good as the previous transceiver I onwed which was also a Sporty's product.
General Comments
It is reaslly toos early to comment on whether this device will meet my expecctations or not. I would suggest a followup in 4 to 5 months. It is too early at this point to recommend the device to another customer.
Date - 9-1-2009
Rating - Commercial
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Good product
Cons
( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 8-25-2009
Rating - Private
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )
Cons
( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 8-12-2009
Rating - Private
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
this radio has saved me more than once from relying on "light gun signals" when my avionics went dead, get the belt clip and the headphone adapter so you can hang this from the door handle or map pouch for easy reach
Cons
could use a low battery warning indicator (it uses 8aa) or a rechargeable pack,,i buy new batteries every month just as a precaution
General Comments
the last frequency button broke and a call to sportys gave me the return address for repairs,it was returned in 3 days fixed also they performed a frequency adjustment and vor check that i didn't ask for i was impressed it worked better than out of the box
Date - 7-27-2009
Rating - Commercial
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Nice clean unit. AA batteries are a plus as I carry spares for all of my other electronics anyway.
Cons
Did not come with any connectivity devices - by the time I add on the price of headphone jacks + shipping it is no better value than the ICOMM product. Earphone jack does not connect to any normal telephone or ipod earphone.
General Comments
Expected to have attachments included, not to have to make seperate purchases. Used it to get AWOS and was loud enough to hear with my headsets on, although not connected to my system.
Date - 7-22-2009
Rating - Student
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
works very well in all modes. a great safety item.
Do not expect to use this radio in an airplane with the headset adaptor(which they do not include and rip you off for another $70 bucks). Volume inadequate to hear with engine noise. Also, tried to use it for a VOR approach and it jumped all over the place. I can't imagine using this for a real approach with any accuracy at all. I have not tried it on a localizer yet. Vor probably OKAY for VOR test and calculating position by crossing radials; but I have 2 GPS's in the plane. I got this for electrical failure and right now, I don't know if it could save my bacon in IMC.
General Comments
BTW, don't pay for headset adaptor, go to Radioshack and jerry rig your own.
Date - 6-23-2009
Rating - Private
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Easy to use. Great receive sensitivity (esp. VOR/localized mode). Mulitple power sources.
Cons
Price of
General Comments
Great radio. As a Ham, I know about hand-held radios, and this one has the competition (Icoms and Vertex-Standards) beat hands down!
As advertized, it is
Date - 6-23-2009
Rating - Private
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Good reception, better volume than my icom handheld good backup radio
Cons
bulky but manageable
General Comments
Good backup radio with nav feature long battery life easy to use
Date - 6-20-2009
Rating - Commercial
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )
Cons
( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )
General Comments
I was expecting to get a recharger and belt clip with the radio. I dont think these items should be extra or should have to be special order. Aside from this it is a very good piece of equipment.
Thank You
Andy Stroligo
Date - 6-11-2009
Rating - Instrument
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )
Cons
( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 6-11-2009
Rating - Student
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Very easy to use.
Cons
Price.
General Comments
Great backup.
Date - 6-8-2009
Rating - Instrument
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )
Cons
( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 6-4-2009
Rating - Student
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Better Than Expected. I read about and looked at A lot of Radios before I made up my mind.I made the right choice.
Cons
( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 5-20-2009
Rating - Commercial
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Product does as advertised. Not disappointed at all.
Cons
( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 5-12-2009
Rating - Private
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
For the price you’re getting a great value. When it's not in the airplane while flying I use it to monitor the air traffic at our local airport.
Cons
( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 5-8-2009
Rating - Student
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )
Cons
( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )
General Comments
the only think i don't like about it it picks up eng noise from cars.
Date - 4-24-2009
Rating - Private
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Works as advertised. Great for a backup radio and you could even navigate with it in a pinch.
Cons
You cannot plug your headset into it without buying an additional adapter. I would almost rather select a frequency using a dial like my in dash radios...the button entry method is probably faster, but it's a little confusing at first...you might have trouble figuring out how to use the device without the instructions which may not be available (or you may be too stressed to read) in an emergency.
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 4-8-2009
Rating - Student
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Have owned for about two months. Nice radio. Easy to use. Works well. Cant really comment on durability yet but they claim it to be so. My instructor tested the VOR during one of my flights and it was working fine. Very pleased with it.
Cons
None that I can think of.
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
( No Reviews Found )
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For over 50 years, in addition to same day shipping, Sporty's has offered same day returns and same day exchanges. Each day, we process all returns and exchanges before new orders go out. We know of no other company who does this!
