I bough my first Icom radio from Radioworld, IC-9700 and I am super impressed, it's an excelent radio. I struggle with fist mics so decided to get a desk mic, and went to the SM-50, its okay I get great audio reports, but its not as nice as the Yaesu M-100 that feels a class above, buttons feel a bit cheap and hard plastic and not as tactile , the clicks sound a bit hollow making it sound cheap. The rubber feet are not great small on footprint, not grippy or soft, they could be much better I get a little bit of movement and wobble. I will find new ones to improve the grip. The PTT button is miles away from Yaesu in feel and quality and not as well placed. Some of the 8 pin socket pins were not in a good condition almost as though they had been damaged by the plug being forced in to another radio, I had to correct the folded over socket pin tips so the radio pins would go in. The mic was wrapped as though it was new so I can only assume Icom quality control was on holiday. The swan neck adjusts smoothly and has a good height. Its a shame the mic doesn't have a LED PTT lock button. Yes I know the radio has a light but depending on position it's not always visible. The mic cable is long enough but it's a straight cable, a coiled one would be nice, Icom should take a look at Yaesu desk mics they might learn how to make a desk mic. I knew what I was buying, but I didn't feel it would feel as cheap, but at least the audio stands out. I am being a grumpy old man but it's an honist review. 4 Stars is fair for the cost, its not a £230 mic maybe £150
This review is not a reflection on Radioworld who are excellent. This is a review on the Icom SM-50
Quality: 4
Value for money: 4
