Bought a VXA-300. I have a scanner at home but as backup for flying I like to have a handheld transceiver.
I had never had a radio failure. The reason for me is more if erverything gets south and I find myself ditching or got stuck anywhere still alive, usually the biggest problem in remote areas is to direct help to you. To be able to transmitt on 121.5 is worth the 200 bucks IMHO.