My Uniden UM525 is much better than the Standard Horizon Spectrum it replaced. Besides being a better radio for both transmit and recieve clarity -- the Uniden allows you to use the fog horn function at the same time as you transmit/receieve VHF. The Standard's VHF functions did not work at all when the fog horn function was active (I used to have to use the hand-held). The Uniden also stood up nicely to a lightning strike, although that (of course) is entirely random.