Accessories

Transceiver Shootout: Icom and Sporty’s

Larry Anglisano
Verified
On The Cover: When we test products that might be used for emergency backup, we tend to put them through the wringer to see just how reliable they might be. The two portable radios - Icom's A25N and Sporty's PJ2 - have been serving hard duty for we'll over a year in the Aviation Consumer long-term test pool, and we're happy to report that both are alive and we'll - and we haven't been gentle. Which is best for you? We have some advice on how you might choose one of these two favorites, starting on page 9.

When we last rounded up portable comm transceivers, we found a favorite with Icom’s A25C. In fact we liked it so much we bought one and tossed it in the long-term test pool to see how it would stand up—and we’re not gentle. 

Shortly thereafter, Sporty’s came out with its PJ2 transceiver. We liked it so much that we crowned it a winner in the July 2020 issue’s Gear of the Year Editor’s Choice awards. Almost a year and half later the PJ2 has survived we’ll in the test pool, side by side with the Icom.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.