{"product_id":"standard-horizon-hx890-black-handheld-vhf-floating-6-watt-class-h","title":"Standard Horizon HX890 Black Handheld VHF - Floating 6 Watt Class H","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the Standard Horizon HX890 finds it best suited to boaters and mariners who need a rugged, feature-rich handheld VHF with built-in GPS and DSC for reliable communication and position reporting. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of a floating, MIL-STD-tested case and extended feature set that includes dual scrambler systems and FM broadcast reception, making it a versatile unit for safety and leisure use on the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFloating case:\u003c\/strong\u003e The radio is designed to float if dropped overboard, providing peace of mind during offshore and nearshore use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClass H DSC and GPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in DSC and GPS support accurate position calls and automated distress alerts when needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e6 watt transmission:\u003c\/strong\u003e The higher 6 W output gives stronger long-range transmit capability compared with low-power handhelds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual scrambler systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two scrambler options help reduce background noise and improve privacy for on-deck communications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFM broadcast receiver:\u003c\/strong\u003e An integrated FM band lets users receive weather or entertainment broadcasts without carrying a separate radio.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eErgonomic, MIL-STD design:\u003c\/strong\u003e The redesigned case is comfortable to hold and tested to military standard for greater durability in harsh conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HX890 is aimed at sailors, commercial operators, and recreational boaters who prioritize reliability and safety features like DSC position calls and a floating housing. Its feature set also appeals to users who want waypoint and route navigation built into their handheld VHF instead of carrying separate GPS equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who should look elsewhere include strictly budget buyers who do not need DSC or built-in GPS and users who rely on an aging charging system; a few owners reported concerns with charging capability, so anyone needing a perfectly trouble-free charging experience may want to check battery performance carefully or consider alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid build and floatability make it dependable for marine use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Class H DSC and GPS provide reliable position reporting and safety functions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeature-rich: scramblers, FM band, waypoint and route navigation add practical utility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome customers reported intermittent charging issues, so battery and charger condition should be verified.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHX890 handheld VHF\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSTANDARD HORIZON\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 watt transmission\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecial functions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClass H DSC, built-in GPS, waypoint and route navigation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExtras\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwo scrambler systems and FM broadcast receiver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDurability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFloating design and MIL-STD-810F tested case\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded accessories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLi-Ion battery, alkaline tray, chargers, charging cradle and PC cable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Standard Horizon HX890 is a strong choice for mariners who want a durable, capable handheld VHF with DSC, GPS and useful extras like scramblers and FM reception; it represents good value for users who will use its safety and navigation features, though buyers should confirm charging accessories and battery condition before relying on it for critical missions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the HX890 float?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the unit is designed to float, which helps recovery if it goes overboard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs GPS and DSC built in?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the HX890 includes built-in GPS and Class H DSC for position reporting and distress calls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre chargers and batteries included?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the package includes a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, alkaline battery tray, 110V and 220V chargers, a 12V charger, a charging cradle and a PC programming cable.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"STANDARD HORIZON","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48612071899355,"sku":"B07K2G7NF5","price":277.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/41OanqO49BL._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1778400645","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/standard-horizon-hx890-black-handheld-vhf-floating-6-watt-class-h","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}