Standard Horizon HX890 Review — Floating Handheld VHF With GPS and Class H DSC
The HX890 is Standard Horizon's high-end floating handheld: 6 watts, IPX8, built-in WAAS GPS, Class H DSC, and a water-activated strobe. It is a better backup radio than a basic float-and-talk handheld, and it is still not a substitute for a fixed-mount 25-watt set.
By Sebastian · Published September 14, 2026 Research synthesis
Affiliate disclosure: Cast & Cruise is reader-supported. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we would buy ourselves.
The handheld with a real DSC story
This is a research-synthesis review based on Standard Horizon’s HX890 product page and a live Amazon listing for the navy radio (ASIN B07K6T9F43). We have not soaked this radio or timed the battery on the water.
The IC-M25 already covers “floating Icom spare.” The HX890 is the next step: Class H DSC, a 66-channel WAAS GPS, waypoint navigation, MOB, and a water-activated strobe. Standard Horizon also lists 6-watt output, IPX8, and an 11-hour claim on the 1800 mAh Li-ion pack.
What is in the box, on paper
The official page lists the rechargeable battery, alkaline tray, 110 V charger, 220 V adapter, charging cradle, 12 V charger, PC cable, and belt clip. That kit is why this radio costs more than a basic floatable. Confirm the Amazon box matches; accessory bundles drift.
Standard Horizon files the HX890 under Legacy. The HX891BT is the newer GPS/Bluetooth sibling. We are reviewing the HX890 because that is the live Amazon checkout ASIN we checked, not because it is the newest radio in the catalog.
Where it stops short
A handheld antenna will not match a 25-watt set on the hardtop. DSC still needs an MMSI. And a radio this feature-dense is wasted if it lives in a sealed plastic bin under the leaning post.
Who should buy it
- Buy it if: you want a GPS/DSC handheld as the ditch-bag radio.
- Buy the IC-M25 instead if: you only need a simple floating spare and will keep the DSC work on the fixed mount.
Charge it the night before. Test weather channels in the driveway. That is the whole product, used honestly.
Sources checked
This review is based on the sources below and is labeled by review type above. Product pricing and availability can change.
How we scored the Standard Horizon HX890
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety features | 9.1 / 10 |
| Audio and ergonomics | 8.6 / 10 |
| Backup role | 8.8 / 10 |
| Value | 8.2 / 10 |
| Overall | 8.7 |
What we liked
- +6 / 2 / 1 W transmit, IPX8, and it floats
- +Built-in 66-channel WAAS GPS and Class H DSC
- +Water-activated white strobe, including with the radio off
- +Ships with Li-ion battery, alkaline tray, AC/DC chargers, and cradle per Standard Horizon
Watch-outs
- –More radio than a casual tender spare needs
- –Standard Horizon lists it in the Legacy catalog; confirm you want this generation versus newer HX891BT
- –Handheld range still follows antenna height and battery state
Bottom line
If the IC-M25 is the simple floating spare, the HX890 is the handheld you buy when DSC position and a strobe are part of the job. Charge it, register the MMSI, and keep it where you can grab it with one hand.
Side-by-side: Standard Horizon HX890 vs Icom IC-M25