I'm not familiar with the A5 or A6.. I have an A-22, the NAV function is not
of much use with the rubber ducky antenna on my A-22... I've tried to use it
once.. so.. maybe save the $ and not get the Nav model... but.. it would be
good to be able to transmit on one when you have to listen to the VOR freq
to get FSS.. so maybe the NAV function would be worth it for that reason
alone.

I do not have the sport model, but an alkaline battery will last longer in
storage than the NiMH.
But I use my A-22 every weekend and it goes on the charger every Friday
night. It is my primary radio while providing glider instruction (training
glider not equipped with mounted radio or battery)and monitoring the
freq/traffic pattern from airfield ops (out on the airfield).. I do keep a
battery backup (alkaline) in the flight bag.. when I needed it, the 10 AA
batteries lasted about 5 hours of continuous use.

BT

"Jonathan Sorger" wrote in message
...
This new pilot was rather freaked out after losing one of my two radios
on my first 'real' long trip. Making me an even firmer believer in
redundancy, it is time to get a handheld backup.

I was all set on the Icom A5 Sport (alkaline battery) as this would be
used as a backup. Now I see the A6 Sport has arrived.

Can anyone familiar with these models recommend if the A6 is worth the
extra $40 or so? It's hard for me (an inexperienced handheld user) to
spot the differences online.

Thanks,