HX890NB Floating 6 Watt Class H DSC Handheld VHF/GPS - Navy Blue

Standard Horizon makes vey reliable products and this VHF is no exception. If you need a handheld VHF that has MMSI and can float, this is a great choice. Set up is straight. Only complaint is that the radio can only charge in the included dock. It would be nice if you could plug it in directly with a USB C cable with no dock as an alternative.

I bought it to use at our boat when we are lifting the anchor. No need to scream to each other giving directions while maneuvering the boat on the water. I’m also using it when I’m driving my topless Jeep to communicate with the pax while driving with the heavy traffic noises. Worth the money. Reception is excellent and the battery is perfect for the time been driving or by water.

This is something I hope I never NEED but I'm glad I have it and it works well. There are a lot of features on this radio so there is a learning curve but it is pretty logically organized.

Great to combine GPS position with a hand held VHF radio for safety, convenience and even FM radio reception. It also adheres to the usual high quality, reliability of Standard marine products. However, it is NOT a user friendly device. It takes some real serious study time to even use the primary function of two-way communication. A person unfamiliar with operating this radio would be hard pressed, particularly in an emergency or stressful condition, to actually transmit any info. The product could use a zoom feature, allowing the user to increase the size of the data displayed. Pretty difficult to read the gps lat/long numbers on the very small screen as is. Excellent value for the money, great "all in one" vital bit of gear.

Sturdy and dependable, this is a feature-packed radio that provides great value for the money. It’s loaded with useful features, but it’s also easy to use as a basic communications device. Turn it on, select a channel, and push-to-talk. It charges quickly and has good battery life - I’ve used it continuously for 10 hours and still had power to spare. I use it to communicate with a friend while riding personal watercraft, both in- and offshore. The sound quality is crisp and clear, though I wish it had more volume when I’m running at speed on the water. The case is sturdy and definitely waterproof (I’ve tested that feature several times, lol). Channel, volume, and squelch controls are easily accessible, and the unit also has weather and emergency signaling capabilities. All in all I consider this a good purchase and a great choice to consider if you need a reliable portable marine radio.

Rugged, Well Built! Still learning all of the features.

I would buy this again.

The older HX 851 is built a bit better with a louder speaker and more durable case. The new one transmits a slightly louder signal and has a better screen with FM radio. The older model has taken 13 years of abuse and still works present day but this new model is definitely not as rugged. The price was a lot cheaper on this new model compared to the old one. Paid 330 ish back in 2011 dollars for the old one compared to 190 ish in 2023 for the new model. I guess you get what you pay for. If durability is required I would look elsewhere.