Standard Horizon
Standard Horizon HX890BK Floating Handheld VHF/GPS Radio
Best handheld marine radio for boaters needing reliable navigation and secure communication.
The Standard Horizon HX890BK is a floating, 6-watt handheld VHF/GPS radio designed for marine communication and navigation. It enhances the popular HX870 with secure communication features like two built-in scrambler systems and an integrated FM Broadcast band receiver for entertainment. Built to withstand harsh conditions, its ergonomic case meets Military Standard (MIL-STD-810F) and is submersible to IPX8. This comprehensive package includes a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, various chargers, and a PC programming cable, all backed by a three-year waterproof warranty. It offers waypoint navigation, DSC, and emergency signaling.
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
77
/ 178
#77 in Marine Radios
Transmit Power Output
621
/ Selectable / / W
Who it's for
- Safety-conscious boaters needing reliable distress signaling and location tracking
- Offshore sailors requiring rugged, waterproof gear that stays afloat
- Communicators demanding long-range transmission and crisp, clear audio quality
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused mariners seeking a simple, entry-level communication device
- Long-distance voyagers needing extended battery life without constant recharging
- Minimalists preferring lightweight, compact radios for easy storage
Performance breakdown
Durability
Military-grade construction and IPX8 waterproofing handle the harshest marine environments.
Navigation Precision
Integrated GPS and waypoint tracking provide reliable positioning for coastal navigation.
Communication Security
Dual scrambler systems ensure private, secure channels for sensitive marine communications.
Audio Clarity
Noise-canceling technology keeps transmissions crisp even in high-wind or engine noise.
Battery Endurance
Eleven hours of runtime covers a full day of active maritime operations.
Emergency Readiness
Floating design and strobe light features prioritize safety during critical man-overboard situations.
Key Specs
Transmit Power Output
Selectable 6/ 2/ 1 W
Waterproof Rating
IPX8 Submersible
Battery Life
11 Hours (with 1800mAh Li-ion battery)
Audio Output
700mW Loud Audio
Dimensions
2.6" x 5.43" x 1.5" (without knob and antenna)
Certifications
Conforms to MIL-STD-810F
Display Type
Full-dot matrix
Connectivity
Micro USB Data jack for PC programming
Features
- Floating design with emergency strobe
- Secure communication with scrambler systems
- Integrated FM Broadcast band receiver
- Rugged, military-standard construction
- Built-in GPS for navigation
- Waypoint and route navigation
- Loud, clear audio with noise canceling
- Group Monitor function with DSC
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Standard Horizon HX890BK for its exceptional reliability and critical safety features. The robust build quality and essential floating design offer significant peace of mind. Users value the integrated WAAS GPS for precise location tracking and dependable DSC functionality offshore. Transmission and reception clarity are excellent, providing loud, clear audio even in noisy conditions. While battery life is strong, heavy GPS use requires mindful power management. A slight learning curve exists for advanced setup, but performance after configuration is flawless. This device is highly recommended as a premium investment, delivering unparalleled value through trustworthy performance for serious mariners.
Know before you buy
Yes, the radio is designed to float. It also features an emergency strobe light that activates automatically when it hits the water, making it much easier to locate in low-light conditions.
It is a dual-purpose device. It includes a built-in GPS that allows you to save waypoints and follow routes, providing basic navigation capabilities alongside its primary VHF communication functions.
The radio includes two built-in scrambler systems that allow you to encrypt your voice transmissions. This ensures your private conversations remain secure, provided the other party is using a compatible Standard Horizon radio with the same scrambler settings.
The HX890BK is equipped with a 700mW speaker and active noise-canceling technology. This combination is designed to cut through ambient marine noise to ensure your transmissions are clear and audible.
With the included 1800mAh Lithium-Ion battery, you can expect approximately 11 hours of operation. Keep in mind that heavy use of GPS and high-power transmission settings will consume the battery faster.
No professional is required. The radio includes a micro-USB data jack and a PC programming cable, allowing you to easily manage your channel settings and preferences from your own computer.
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