the review of the vx170 says the mic is "behind the small hole is to the right of and below the speaker grill" and you need to speak directly into it.

This issue probably has something to do with the radio being waterproof and all, but not many have complained about it. Great radio (and cost-effective) if all you want is 2 meters.

If you want four bands in one handheld, then the new VX-8R will be your thing, since it does 6M/144/220/440 in one radio. with 1.5w on 220.

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"Y'all mind hanging back? You're jamming my frequencies" -- Tangina in Poltergeist