Ridgid Compact Radio

There’s something undeniably satisfying about having the perfect soundtrack while you’re working on a project, whether it’s in the shop, on a jobsite, or even while painting a room. Recently, I had the pleasure of testing out the Ridgid Compact Radio, model R84086B, to see how it would hold up under various conditions and uses. Spoiler alert: it’s a mixed bag, but it certainly has its moments of brilliance.

First off, this radio is impressively compact. It fits snugly onto a tool shelf or inside a toolbox, making it exceptionally portable. Despite its small size, it does not skimp on power. I was quite taken aback by the volume it could produce; it can fill a garage or small workshop with sound effortlessly. I used a 4Ah battery with it, and it ran continuously for over 24 hours in radio mode, which is more than sufficient for even the longest workdays. This battery life is quite a plus, especially if you’re using the Ridgid battery ecosystem for your other tools.

The Ridgid Compact Radio is designed with jobsite durability in mind. It’s weather-resistant, and I can confirm it holds up well to dust and minor impacts. I’ve had it in the shop where it’s been exposed to sawdust and even took it out during a light drizzle, and it continued to perform flawlessly. Its ruggedness is impressive, and it can undoubtedly take a few knocks and drops without skipping a beat.

The Bluetooth connectivity is another feature worth mentioning. It connects seamlessly to a smartphone, and I found the connection to be stable within a reasonable distance. This is great for streaming music or podcasts directly from your phone. However, the real gem here is the Ridgid Radio App. The app allows you to control volume, set radio presets, and manage your music, all from your phone. Initially, I thought the radio didn’t have a volume control on the unit itself, but I was relieved to find that the power button doubles as a volume knob – a nifty, albeit not immediately obvious, design feature.

Sound quality is subjective, but I found it to be quite satisfactory for its size and purpose. The bass is not earth-shattering, but it’s present and well-defined. The mids and highs are clear, making it suitable for talk radio and music alike. However, for audiophiles or those expecting high-fidelity audio, it might fall short. It’s good enough for a jobsite or casual listening but won’t replace your home stereo system.

One minor gripe is the lack of a handle or mounting options. On a jobsite, especially on a roof, having a way to secure the radio would have been a significant advantage. It’s something to consider if you work in environments where stability is crucial.

I also appreciate the inclusion of a USB port for charging devices. It’s a thoughtful addition that increases the radio’s utility. It’s always handy to keep your phone charged, especially when streaming music via Bluetooth. Additionally, the radio features an AUX input for those who prefer a wired connection.

The radio’s reception is generally good. AM and FM channels come in clearly, although, like most radios, it can struggle in buildings with a lot of metal or cement. It’s not a deal-breaker, but worth noting if you work in such environments frequently.

The battery compartment also has a slot for a AAA battery, which preserves your presets and clock settings between battery changes. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in convenience.

Not everything is perfect, though. Some users may find the sound quality lacking, describing it as comparable to a cheap radio. This could be a deal-breaker if you’re particular about audio performance. Also, the software for the app has received mixed reviews, with some users finding it buggy and unreliable. While I didn’t experience significant issues, it’s something to be aware of.

In terms of value, the Ridgid Compact Radio is reasonably priced, especially if you’re already invested in Ridgid’s battery platform. It’s a good addition to any Ridgid tool collection, adding both functionality and convenience. The radio is covered by Ridgid’s lifetime service agreement, which is a big plus, giving peace of mind regarding its durability and reliability.

Would I recommend the Ridgid Compact Radio? For the most part, yes. If you need a durable, portable radio that integrates well with your existing Ridgid tools and batteries, it’s a solid choice. It offers good sound quality for its size, excellent battery life, and useful features like Bluetooth streaming and USB charging. However, if you’re an audiophile or require a radio with perfect software integration and sound quality, you might want to explore other options.

In conclusion, the Ridgid Compact Radio is a robust, versatile tool that can enhance your work environment with ease. Its durability and thoughtful design make it a valuable companion on any jobsite or workshop. While it has a few shortcomings, its strengths, especially within the Ridgid ecosystem, make it a worthwhile investment.