Quick Summary
The Retevis RA26 is a handheld marine VHF radio with a floating design, IP67 protection and a rechargeable 1500 mAh Li-ion battery. It is built for marine use and includes a backlit LCD display for easier channel viewing in lower light.
The model also includes dual-watch and tri-watch functions, so you can monitor the current channel alongside channel 16 and, in tri-watch mode, the CALL channel. Channel group switching is described for use in the seas of various countries.
Key Details
| Detail | Verified information and buyer relevance |
|---|---|
| Product type | Handheld VHF radio for marine use. |
| Model | Retevis RA26. |
| Protection | IP67. This is a strong indicator to compare when water exposure matters. |
| Floating design | The radio is described as floating, which is relevant if loss overboard is a concern. |
| Battery | 1500 mAh Li-ion battery. |
| Runtime | 12 to 14 hours in normal use and up to 48 hours in standby mode. |
| Charging | USB charging. |
| Display | Backlit LCD display for clearer viewing in low light. |
| Watch functions | Dual-watch and tri-watch modes. |
What to Compare Before Buying
- Marine use: This is a handheld VHF radio intended for marine use, so check that this is the right type of radio for your planned setup.
- Water protection: The IP67 rating matters if the radio may be exposed to spray or immersion.
- Battery and charging: Compare the stated 1500 mAh battery and USB charging against your expected charging routine.
- Watch functions: Dual-watch and tri-watch are useful if you want to monitor more than one channel at once.
- Display visibility: The backlit LCD display is worth checking if you often need to read the screen in poor light.
Choosing the Correct Version
Check that you are selecting the RA26 marine version, because the channel group note refers to use in the seas of various countries. This is the point to confirm if regional channel setup matters for your use.
Before You Decide
Confirm the RA26 model, the marine VHF format and the regional channel group you need before choosing an offer. If water exposure matters, the IP67 rating and floating design are the key checks. It is also worth comparing the battery runtime and USB charging against how long you expect to use the radio between charges.
