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 Features
- 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 the face of the radio. It has a standard AM/FM tuner, a Bluetooth receiver, and 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. I had no problems, but if it doesn’t connect, make sure to disconnect from any other audio devices and 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 30 hours of runtime using a 6.0Ah Max Output battery. For added convenience, there’s also a 2.1 Amp USB charging port to top off your mobile devices while on the go.
Additional Features
- Compatible with all Ridgid 18V batteries
- Digital battery life gauge
Listening Tests
Calling on our in-house recording engineer, I asked Clint to give some of his takes on this radio. This section contains his thoughts and impressions.
Perhaps the most surprising revelation was that you get a crazy amount of volume from this diminutive box. As one of the smaller radios in our roundup, the Ridgid R84089 punched above its weight class. Speaking of “punching,” it also did an amazing job converting ultra-low frequencies into punchy bass. It helped when listening to tracks with lots of bass. Those low frequencies were represented and didn’t get tossed out simply because the 3-inch drivers couldn’t dip down to 20 Hz.
The Ridgid also did well handling “thick” tracks like Kansas’ Carry on Wayward Son, which quickly transitioned to a more delicate portrayal of keyboard, bass, and guitars. On many radios and Bluetooth speakers, those kinds of tracks can simply sound flat and distorted. The Ridgid actually gave it some appropriate fidelity.
Overall, Ridgid’s radio felt more “live”, whereas radios like the Flex felt a bit more one-dimensional.
Testing Results
| Score | Ranking | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume Output | 2.9/5.0 | 5th (tied) |
| Soundstage | 2.0/5.0 | 5th (tied) |
| Bass Performance | 2.0/5.0 | 6th |
| Protection | 1.0/5.0 | 7th |
| Features | 4/20 | 7th |
| 350-ft Bluetooth Test | Fail | – – |
| Value | 11.9/39.0 | 6th |
Ridgid R84089 Jobsite Radio Price
This 18V jobsite radio retails for $159 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. While it didn’t top our list in terms of features or sound quality, it still beats out most small portable Bluetooth speakers and is worth your consideration as a corded radio. It may even convince you to check out the rest of the Ridgid 18V lineup.
