Trying to decide between the two. Both seem fairly comparable. I'm leaning towards the A14 with the lithium battery as I think it will last longer on a charge than the NiMH proprietary battery pack that comes with the 220 plus the A14 has sidetone whereas the 220 docs make no mention of it.

Would like to be able to use off the shelf rechargeable NiMH's in the alkaline battery pack (I'm thinking for when the proprietary battery eventually dies). 220 docs seem to discourage this. Didn't see anything in the A14 docs about using NiMH's. Of course, I'd have to charge them with my own charger.

I have the A14 primarily as a backup to my hard mounted radios.
The battery has worked well and the unit is easy to use.
I purchased the pigtail plug that allows you to use your headset (plus my headsets have a push to talk switch).... My plane is noisy so if I ever needed to use it in flight, a headset would be required.
I don't think you would be disappointed with the A14.

SkyTruck
'80 A185F

Don't forget to check out the antenna connector issue: Icom uses standard BNC, not sure about Vertex. If you only use rubber duck antenna, OK, but I've had GREAT success with a dedicated external antenna/coax/BNC with several handhelds. I'm currently on ICA-5; the newer Icoms have better displays and stuff. Still frustrated that they don't have an "autocharge" battery charger.

Thanks. cubscout