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STANDARD HORIZON HX890 Black Handheld VHF

Curated from 111 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: November 29, 2024

STANDARD HORIZON HX890 Black Handheld VHF

Brand: STANDARD HORIZON

Price: $199

Snoop Score:

7.0

Sentiment

6.7

Popularity

8.3

Technical

6.5

Buy on Amazon for $199 See All Marine Two Way Radios Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Standard Horizon HX890 Black Handheld VHF is a rugged marine radio engineered for reliable communication on the water. It combines a floating design with DSC capabilities, making it indispensable for emergency, commercial, and recreational marine operations. User feedback is as lively as a storm at sea. Many rave about its practical features, with one user noting, "this thing is waterproof, has a MOB button that'll alert any boat that has DSC in the vicinity." Others appreciate its long-range performance and dual battery options, though a few complaints about random DSC activations and non-removable battery charging contacts keep the conversation animated. In summary, while the HX890 is not without its quirks—specifically in battery and DSC responsiveness—it remains a top contender in the marine radio category, recommended for those prioritizing safety and robust emergency communication.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Marine Two Way Radios

This thing is waterproof, has a MOB button that'll alert any boat that has DSC in the vicinity.
Positive Feedback

The 890 awoke randomly and set off the DSC, but didn't send the gps signal.
Negative Feedback

7.0

STANDARD HORIZON HX890 Black Handheld VHF

Buy on Amazon for $199

Emergency Communication

8 / 10

Navigation Safety

7 / 10

Recreational Boating

7 / 10

Commercial Marine Operations

8 / 10

See how this compares to all Marine Two Way Radios

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Floats and includes emergency features (waterproof, MOB/distress button)

“This thing is waterproof, has a MOB button that'll alert any boat that has DSC in the vicinity.”➕

“It's a solid radio. I always bring it with, even on charter.”➕

“It floats and the distress button is quick and easy to use in an emergency.”➕

Long range performance reaching coast guard over great distances

“It works, when you really need something to work.”➕

Reliable DSC functionality for distress communication

“I would definitely go for a smaller radio otherwise.”➕

Feature‐rich and affordable design with complete emergency capabilities

“It's the last handheld you'll ever need to buy. It's also under $200, so cheap.”➕

Floats and includes emergency features

“I think one will be sufficient. But I would recommend that you each carry a PLB.”➕

“the Standard Horizon floating ones are the best of the bunch for kayakers.”➕

Large display for readability

“if I was on a boat that had lost its electronics or if I had to abandon ship it’s the handheld that I would want with me.”➕

Versatile power options with added FM radio

“I also love that it can use a rechargeable battery or regular batteries, depending on the type of voyage you’re taking.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

DSC activation issues leading to unintended GPS signal failures

“The 890 awoke randomly and set off the DSC, but didn't send the gps signal.”➕

Lack of built-in spare battery charging capability

“this is a pretty key feature that is easily worth the $50 price difference between brands.”➕

“it’s the battery that’s not chargeable once removed as the charging contacts are built into the radio.”➕

Price and weight concerns

“so far I found HX890 being the best overall tho it is pricey and heavy.”➕

GPS feature drains battery quickly

“but i find it burns down the battery faster. The floating part is what makes em stand out above the other brands.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio	$106	8.7	Details	Buy
Standard Motor Products Standard Horizon HX210	$118	7.5	Details	Buy
Uniden UM385BK 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine VHF Radio	$104	7.4	Details	Buy
STANDARD HORIZON HX890BK VHF-HH, 6 Watt, w/GPS&FM Rcvr	$197	7.3	Details	Buy
STANDARD HORIZON HX890 Black Handheld VHF	$199	7.0	Details	Buy
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio	$75	6.0	Details	Buy
Standard Horizon Two Way Radios, Marine Application	$114	5.1	Details	Buy
Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld Marine Radio	$90	3.9	Details	Buy
Retevis RM01 Handheld Marine Radio	$59	3.8	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Comparisons between HX870 and HX890 highlight durability, usability, and pricing concerns

“It seems like HX870 was top of the line radio up until recently.”➕

“The one I use the most I found floating in the harbor. Still works 100%.”➕

“Would this be your backup or Primary radio?”➕

“Free warranty replacement at West Marine is the only reason why I still have the HX870.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Speculation on Bluetooth compatibility in Standard Horizon VHFs

“I believe standard horizon has Bluetooth compatible VHFs.”➕

“bluetooth capable vhf and bone conducting headset.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Extensive discussion on MMSI registration and licensing requirements for handheld radios

“The "proper" way to do this with a radio used across different vessels is to obtain a portable MMSI.”➕

“$220 for ten years more than doubles the cost of the setup, but I think it's worth it.”➕

“If you are in the US contacting other people in the US, then you only need to buy the radio.”➕

“I didn't realize I needed this.”➕

Discussion on alternative marine radio models and recommendations

“I have one similar and its worked great for 20 years for around $100.”➕

“Hope this helps!”➕

“Hard to imagine a good reason to pay more.”➕

“Icom or Standard Horizon are the 2 major players in hand held VHF.”➕

Notes on radio licensing and legal use on land

“No one, and I mean *no one* is going to prosecute, or even question you for making a call from land if it is for a legitimate reason.”➕

General discussions comparing handheld VHF models, charging methods, and usage scenarios

“One of the defining characteristics of a kayak trip is the lack of wall plugs and cars to plug stuff in.”➕

“Its “Aquaquake” feature clears water out of its mic and speaker.”➕

“You can even receive FM radio, but that’ll use more battery haha.”➕

“It's easier, more reliable, and more efficient than charging off a battery or solar panel.”➕

Comparing interfaces and menu setups between VHF brands

“To me the GPS is there mainly to support the DSC function, which is really useful for distress as you don't have to try to speak coordinates into a mic muffled by water.”➕

“Models that float (most do) are also a wise choice.”➕

“standard horizon or icom, can't go wrong.”➕

Radio usage recommendations and alternative model suggestions

“I've used both Standard Horizon and Icom and greatly prefer the Icom.”➕

“I suggest a waterproof model with built in NOAA weather radio and alert feature.”➕

“I *highly* recommend the Rinos.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Awareness of antenna height limitations affecting handheld VHF performance

“The biggest problem you are going to have with any of the handhelds is antenna height.”➕

FCC restrictions limit Baofeng transmit frequencies due to firmware lock

“No LARPing without a ham license.”➕

“It's a bummer because I just purchased a couple more of these to help with on site TAC communication for our Volunteer Fire Department and they are useless.”➕

“The era of the UV-5R is over.”➕

“Serious question how does someone know you aren't licensed?”➕