Listen To Your Favorite Music Wherever You Go With The Ridgid Jobsite Radio
Looking back to my early years, I can remember working with my dad in the garage with his old dusty AM/FM radio crackling away in the background. Personally, I think music helps the day pass by a little faster. When choosing a jobsite radio there are things to consider such as the ambient noise level, power sources, and overall durability. Well, the latest Ridgid 18V Hybrid Jobsite Radio has an answer for all of those concerns.
Author’s Note: Check out our best jobsite radio article for our top picks.
Ridgid Jobsite Radio Performance
- Modes: FM, AM, Bluetooth
- Bluetooth Connectivity Range: 140 ft.
- Runtime: 30 hrs. (with 18V 6.0Ah Max Output battery)
The main control panel is located front and center on of face of the radio. It has a standard AM/FM tuner, a Bluetooth receiver, as well as 20 programmable radio presets. You can easily connect any Bluetooth-enabled device with the push of a button and enjoy a maximum range of 140 feet.
Connecting to Bluetooth is easy. Simply press the pairing button on the control panel and then select “R84089 Jobsite Radio” when prompted on your device. If the speaker will not connect, make sure to disconnect all other audio devices and then re-try.
This jobsite radio comes standard with dual 3-inch premium speakers and a 15-watt amplifier. They deliver crystal clear sound that massively outperforms the previous Ridgid R84087 Jobsite Radio. Even at half volume, the R84089 filled our large workshop with tunes from my favorite local rock station.
As far as sound quality goes, these compact speakers produce a very full sound with a decent low and high-end range. Unlike the previous generation, this radio is not compatible with the Ridgid radio app and you cannot adjust the bass and treble. Even so, there is very little distortion at high volumes so your music comes through loud and clear.
Ridgid Jobsite Radio Design Notes
- Model: Ridgid R84089
- Power Source: Ridgid 18V battery, AC/DC adaptor
- Weight: 7.7 lbs (bare), 9.6 lbs (with 6.0Ah Max Output battery)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 14.5 x 7.5 x 7.5 in.
As a bare tool, this radio weighs 7.7 pounds and that number jumps to 9.6 pounds when you add a Max Output 6.0Ah battery. Its overall footprint is little more than a standard top-handle tool box so it won’t take up too much space in your work truck or shop.
Like many Ridgid products, this radio features a rugged exterior for added durability. There are recessed handles on either end of the radio and the oversized buttons are easy to press even while wearing work gloves.
This hybrid radio can run on either battery power or with the help of an AC power cord. Ridgid tells us you can expect up to about 30 hours of runtime using a 6.0Ah Max Output battery. For added convenience, there’s also a 2.1 Amp USB charging port so you can top off your mobile devices while on the go.
Additional Features
- Compatible with all Ridgid 18V batteries
- Digital battery life gauge
Ridgid Jobsite Radio Price
This 18V jobsite radio retails for $159.00 as a bare tool and comes with Ridgid’s Lifetime Service Agreement, simply register within 90 days of purchase.
The Bottom Line
All in all, the Ridgid 18V Hybrid Jobsite Radio has a solid design and feature set that outpaces many cheaper wireless speakers. Its ability to run on both battery and AC power makes it ideal for use at home or on the go. Even if you don’t have any other Ridgid cordless tools, it’s still worth your consideration as a corded radio and may even convince you to check out the rest of the 18V lineup.