An early ICOM saved my bacon many years ago, I would never fly without one. I in fact have THREE now, a Sportys and two different ICOMs. They are wonderful companions, and their range is fantastic. The plane I am building right now has a handheld coupling on the panel, you can plug your handheld into the aircraft antenna system for some really great broadcast or reception power. Although I stick with ICOM or Sportys, I don't think there is any "Best" one over any others.