Icom IC-A16B (Bluetooth) VHF Air Band Handheld Transceiver Radio

I got this radio and the Sporty's radio at the same time, and it's a night and day difference in quality. This radio feels much better made, more compact and lighter as well without 8 AAs. I like that you can put in text for saved channels, so I've got my common frequencies saved with their airport identifier and use (ie TWR GND AWS) all readily available. Speaker is louder and much clearer than the Sporty's hands down. Battery life is very good.One of my favorite features is the bluetooth. Yes, it's a little confusing that you have to get into a sub menu to use the bluetooth microphone portion, but once it's set up it's great. I have it linked to my Bose A20 headset with bluetooth, letting me use this as a backup radio without even dealing with my headset jacks, let alone adapters.As far as downsides, I wish dealing with the bluetooth functions was easier. If it doesn't connect after a main com failure in air setting it up would become a lot more difficult and cumbersome than plugging in a standard radio. The other downside is lack of regular charging ports of any kind, even the non-rechargeable Sporty's radio has a USB-C input for emergency power of the radio in addition to readily available AA battery use. While the lipo of the Icom is impressive, you do NEED the cradle and power supply to charge it which is an extra concern when traveling with it. Wish it would charge off USB micro or C as well, or at the very least be capable of running off of it in an emergency situation.

It's a great thing to have in the plane as a backup radio or for flight instructors sending students solo. Charge lasts a while, and easy to set up. You can talk or receive clearly. I use it to receive ATIS as well on planes that don't have a secondary frequency.

Rock solid radio. Well made and loud enough to hear anywhere. Battery life is exceptional. Range is good for a handheld. The programming is a bit of a pain but thats the only down side Ive found so far.

I have the A-14 also. These are supposed to be the differences: The IC-A16 is the direct replacement to the very popular Icom IC-A14 and IC-A14S transceivers. The IC-A16 is very similiar in size and design to the IC-A14 but introduces a number of enhancements including; IP67 Waterproof rating, Larger capacity battery (2400 mAh vs 2000 mAh), 8.33kHz and 25kHz channel spacing (versus 25 kHz only in the A14), 1500mW loud audio (vs 700 mW on IC-A14), and 20% great output power (6 watts versus 5 watts). The Icom IC-A16B also adds Bluetooth which was not available in the IC-A14.Is it Louder-Well I can't tell the difference. Does it transmitt better/farther/clearer-Again I can't tell the difference. The Display is too faint without enough contrast in bright light. The On/Off volume knob does not have any real detent to know you've turned it off or on. The menu to adjust the different functions is horribly complex and the instructions do a very bad job of explaining it. Battery life seems to be just as good as the A-14. The light switch was removed from the side, and that was a mistake. The PTT switch seems cheaper than before. The bluetooth works fine-If you can figure out how to work it. The belt clip is now only connected to the battery and it's two little weak clips that attach to the radio body.

I ordered this radio for its size and features. It is definitely small. I have the IC-A25C and the A16 is smaller, which for my use is a good thing. Even though it's smaller, the performance is just as good as the A25. The only drawback is that I have to use reading glasses to see some of the annunciators on display. Other than that, I think I've found my favorite backup radio.

I have the Icom A16-A but have just upgraded to the Icom A16-B. It is the same radio but this radio adds a Bluetooth feature to the mix. I was very happy to see that this radio also allowed me to connect to my AirPods to keep up with the ramp frequency traffic when I do not have my actual headset on. Great radio for the price!

I bought this to work with my helmet that I wear a flying a Paramotor. I have not tried the Bluetooth functionality yet but I’m very please with this model. It’s pretty easy to use but somethings you’re going to have to refresh yourself in the manual and less you use all of the time. That’s why only give it four stars for that. The battery life seems excellent. Audio quality is pretty good. The range I guess is what you expect out of a handheld with a basic antenna.

I haven't really had this long enough to see if there is anything that I don't really like. The channel is easy enough to read, but the icons are a little small. I like the headset capability and bluetooth.