I too was saddled with this question recently and bought the ICOM IC-A23
Sport. I figured it had a very good reputation and since I was planning to
use it as a backup, it was easier to carry a couple of sets of spare
alkaline batteries with me than worry about the last time I charged it. By
buying the sport, the price was quite reasonable. I also got (at the time a
rebate like offer) the headset adapter.

Other than testing it at my FBO and using it to listen to weather on the way
to the airport, I haven't had a need for it as of yet but feel very
comfortable having it within reach at all times.

As for a GPS, I have a Garmin 196 and find it totally adequate. Color while
nice, I don't think is worth the premium. Also the size is good and fits
nicely in my Cherokee with bow-tie yokes. I will note that the yoke mount
that Garmin ships would not work directly in the 172R's I trained in because
of the yoke shape. I'm not sure if this is a problem with all yokes, but it
required me to keep it on the passenger seat. Just as well, since I was
training at the time I really only used it to verify my checkpoints.

Hope this was of some help,

Tom


wrote in message
...
Hi All!

OK.. we are tricking out our new (to us) 172...

Looking at/comparing the ICOM IC-A23, and the Vertex Standard
VXA-210.

ICOM is more $, but a known quantity/quality.

Completely unfamiliar with Vertex quality/service..

Any experiences you would share with us?

And....

GPS....

The GARMIN 196 seems to be a fav, but we are attracted to the
features/screen size of the Lowrance Airmap 1000.

Short of "holding out" for a Colour 196 we are asking for
advice here as well..

Any owner/user comparisons/recommendations?

Thanks in advance....

Dave