I own a VXA-210 and love it. Haven't had any problems with it and use most
every time I fly as I like to monitor CTAF as I preflight or check AWOS. My
only nit is that the antenna is an SMA connector and not BNC...which means
you have to buy a special adapter should you want to plug into an external
antenna. Best price I found on the VXA-210 was he
http://www.radios.org/index.htm

No experience with ICOM but folks I know that have them love them too.

Something to consider when comparing is to add up any extras that may come
with the radio. When I bought my VXA-210, I was comparing with a Sporty's
model (glad I went the route I did) and when considering the extras that
were part of my VXA-210 package (headphone adapter, nicad battery), the cost
difference wasn't all that significant.

Wish I could help on the GPS front...but haven't ventured into that arena
yet as I'm fortunate to rent planes that have built in GPS.

--
Jack Allison
PP-ASEL

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth
with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there
you will always long to return"
- Leonardo Da Vinci

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