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STANDARD HORIZON HX890BK VHF-HH, 6 Watt, w/GPS&FM Rcvr

Curated from 88 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: October 15, 2024

Product Image 1
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STANDARD HORIZON HX890BK VHF-HH, 6 Watt, w/GPS&FM Rcvr

Brand: STANDARD HORIZON
Price: $197
Snoop Score:
7.3
Sentiment
6.5
Popularity
8.3
Technical
7.2
Buy on Amazon for $197See All Marine Two Way Radios Reviews
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The STANDARD HORIZON HX890BK is a handheld marine VHF transceiver designed to deliver two-way communication with critical features like DSC, GPS, and FM reception. It operates across USA, international, and Canadian marine channels ensuring reliable connectivity in demanding conditions. User feedback paints a picture of a rugged, dependable device with standout features; one reviewer noted, "It's a solid radio. I always bring it with, even on charter," while another praised how "it floats and the distress button is quick and easy to use in an emergency." Some users, however, grumble about issues such as accidental DSC activations and limited battery charging options, contributing to a mixed but generally favorable sentiment. Overall, despite a few design drawbacks like battery limitations and a proprietary charging requirement, the HX890BK is highly recommended within its category for its comprehensive feature set and reliable performance in marine environments.

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

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

Negative Feedback
Product
7.3
STANDARD HORIZON HX890BK VHF-HH, 6 Watt, w/GPS&FM Rcvr
Buy on Amazon for $197
Emergency Communication
10 / 10
Navigation Safety
4 / 10
Recreational Boating
6 / 10
Commercial Marine Operations
9 / 10
See how this compares to all Marine Two Way Radios

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Waterproof design with integrated emergency features (MOB button and lamp)
“This thing is waterproof, has a MOB button that'll alert any boat that has DSC in the vicinity.”➕
Reliable performance and durability
“It's a solid radio. I always bring it with, even on charter.”➕
“Standard Horizon (Yaesu) is my preferred brand.”➕
“I like my standard horizon vhf radios for the lake.”➕
Strong long‐range communication capability
“It works, when you really need something to work.”➕
Floating design with effective emergency (DSC) function
“It floats and the distress button is quick and easy to use in an emergency.”➕
“The HX890 is good, but I find the battery life poor.”➕
“I would definitely go for a smaller radio otherwise.”➕
Intuitive interface design
“To me, the SH interfaces make more sense.”➕
Comprehensive feature set with floating, GPS, DSC, and FM radio
“It's the last handheld you'll ever need to buy. Float, has GPS, can program MMSI....it does everything.”➕
“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.”➕
“I also love that it can use a rechargeable battery or regular batteries, depending on the type of voyage you’re taking.”➕
Overall satisfaction and reliable performance
“I have an HX890 and am happy with it.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Limited battery charging/swap options
“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.”➕
Requires proprietary charging cable instead of USB charging
“The standard horizon requires their cable to charge so it's automatically a nope.”➕
Perceived as pricey and heavy
“the best overall tho it is pricey and heavy.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine RadioUniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio$106
8.7
DetailsBuy
Standard Motor Products Standard Horizon HX210Standard Motor Products Standard Horizon HX210$118
7.5
DetailsBuy
Uniden UM385BK 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine VHF RadioUniden UM385BK 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine VHF Radio$104
7.4
DetailsBuy
STANDARD HORIZON HX890BK VHF-HH, 6 Watt, w/GPS&FM RcvrSTANDARD HORIZON HX890BK VHF-HH, 6 Watt, w/GPS&FM Rcvr$197
7.3
DetailsBuy
STANDARD HORIZON HX890 Black Handheld VHFSTANDARD HORIZON HX890 Black Handheld VHF$199
7.0
DetailsBuy
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine RadioUniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio$75
6.0
DetailsBuy
Standard Horizon Two Way Radios, Marine ApplicationStandard Horizon Two Way Radios, Marine Application$114
5.1
DetailsBuy
Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld Marine RadioUniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld Marine Radio$90
3.9
DetailsBuy
Retevis RM01 Handheld Marine RadioRetevis RM01 Handheld Marine Radio$59
3.8
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on Bluetooth compatibility and bone conduction headset integration in Standard Horizon VHFs
“I have a bone conducting Bluetooth headset (marriage savers) for communicating on deck.”➕
“bluetooth capable vhf and bone conducting headset.”➕
Antenna height limits effective range
“The biggest problem you are going to have with any of the handhelds is antenna height.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Regulatory and licensing issues related to handheld marine radios
“The "proper" way to do this with a radio used across different vessels is to obtain a portable MMSI.”➕
“I like having it clear that I am on a handheld radio.”➕
“Note that you are also supposed to get a Marine Radio Operator Permit or Restricted Radio Operator Permit if you want to use the radio to contact a station outside the US.”➕
“Interesting. I didn't realize I needed this.”➕
Advice on comparing interfaces and trying models in-store
“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.”➕
Recommendation to carry a PLB for enhanced marine safety
“I've used both Standard Horizon and Icom and greatly prefer the Icom.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Desire for weather band and alerts feature
“get one with the weather band and weather alerts.”➕
Desire for an acknowledgment functionality in handheld VHF
“it would be nice to be able to acknowledge instructions!”➕

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