The Retevis RA89G is the latest entry in Retevis’ GMRS lineup, and it brings a mix of modern features, solid ergonomics, and a surprisingly polished user experience. After spending time with it, programming it, and putting it through real‑world use, the RA89G ends up being a radio that does a lot right — as long as you understand what it is and what it isn’t.
But let’s be clear: this radio has no splash or water resistance of any type. There’s no IP rating, and based on my teardown of the RA89R — the RA89G’s sister radio — there are no seals, no gaskets, and no internal moisture protection. The RA89G follows the same construction approach. It’s tough, but it’s not sealed. Use it outdoors, sure — just not around water. This is not the radio I’d take fishing, boating, kayaking, or anywhere it might get wet.
One thing Retevis did focus on is the display. The RA89G has a large, bright screen that’s easy to see outdoors, even in direct sunlight. It’s one of the better displays I’ve seen on a GMRS handheld in this price range. Here's a photo of the radio; you can quickly tell how big the screen is and how easy it is to read:
Beyond programming, the RA89G also supports Bluetooth speaker/mics, and it includes a surprisingly deep set of Bluetooth audio options. Even though Retevis doesn’t currently offer their own branded Bluetooth mic, the radio works with third‑party units and gives you control over PTT behavior, audio routing, and other BT‑related settings. It’s more flexible than most GMRS radios that claim Bluetooth support.
Dual VFO With Dual PTT
The RA89G has a true dual‑VFO setup, each with its own dedicated PTT button. This makes it easy to monitor two channels and transmit on either without switching menus. For repeater monitoring, simplex scanning, or mixing GMRS with Airband or other receive‑only channels, this is a flexible and convenient layout. Here's another shot showing the dual PTT programmable side button:
This is a 5‑watt radio, not 10 watts. The output is perfectly fine for a handheld, but there is a mistake on the Retevis website
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The table below breaks down the major differences so you can see exactly where each radio fits and which one aligns better with your needs.
It’s not waterproof, it’s not IP‑rated, and it’s a 5 watt radio — but it is a solid, modern GMRS handheld with a great user experience and a useful feature set. For dry‑environment outdoor use, general GMRS communication, and aviation monitoring, the RA89G is a strong performer and a worthwhile addition to the GMRS ecosystem.
If you’re looking for a radio that feels good in the hand, has a great screen, and offers a clean, modern programming experience, the RA89G delivers exactly that.
The radio sells on Amazon for about $60.
Build Quality and Design
The RA89G feels rugged in the hand. The chassis is stiff, the controls are firm, and nothing about it feels cheap or flimsy. Retevis clearly wanted this radio to feel substantial, and it does.But let’s be clear: this radio has no splash or water resistance of any type. There’s no IP rating, and based on my teardown of the RA89R — the RA89G’s sister radio — there are no seals, no gaskets, and no internal moisture protection. The RA89G follows the same construction approach. It’s tough, but it’s not sealed. Use it outdoors, sure — just not around water. This is not the radio I’d take fishing, boating, kayaking, or anywhere it might get wet.
One thing Retevis did focus on is the display. The RA89G has a large, bright screen that’s easy to see outdoors, even in direct sunlight. It’s one of the better displays I’ve seen on a GMRS handheld in this price range. Here's a photo of the radio; you can quickly tell how big the screen is and how easy it is to read:
Audio Quality
Audio on the RA89G is very good. Receive audio is loud and clear, and transmit audio is crisp without sounding thin or distorted. For general GMRS use, repeaters, and simplex, the audio performance is exactly what you want.Bluetooth Programming and Bluetooth Audio
Bluetooth programming is one of the standout features of this radio. Retevis got this right: pairing is quick, the app is simple and reliable, writing changes to the radio is fast, and no cable is required. Retevis also notes on their website that an Apple/iOS version of the programming app is “coming soon.” For now, it’s Android‑only, but at least they’re acknowledging the gap. I have to say: The Retevis app on Android might be the best radio programming app I've used so far.Beyond programming, the RA89G also supports Bluetooth speaker/mics, and it includes a surprisingly deep set of Bluetooth audio options. Even though Retevis doesn’t currently offer their own branded Bluetooth mic, the radio works with third‑party units and gives you control over PTT behavior, audio routing, and other BT‑related settings. It’s more flexible than most GMRS radios that claim Bluetooth support.
USB‑C Programming Port
Even though Bluetooth is the star of the show, the RA89G also includes USB‑C for wired programming. This is a welcome change from older radios still using micro‑USB or proprietary cables. USB‑C is durable, easy to find, and just makes life easier.Airband Receive With Automatic AM Mode
A nice surprise: the RA89G includes Airband receive, and it automatically switches to AM mode when tuned to those frequencies. No menu diving, no manual mode switching — it just works. If you like listening to local aviation traffic, this is a genuinely useful feature.Dual VFO With Dual PTT
The RA89G has a true dual‑VFO setup, each with its own dedicated PTT button. This makes it easy to monitor two channels and transmit on either without switching menus. For repeater monitoring, simplex scanning, or mixing GMRS with Airband or other receive‑only channels, this is a flexible and convenient layout. Here's another shot showing the dual PTT programmable side button:
Scanner Function + FM Broadcast Radio
The radio can scan both VHF and UHF receive frequencies. It’s not a replacement for a dedicated scanner, but it’s perfectly usable for casual monitoring. It also includes an FM broadcast radio, which is always a nice bonus.Weather Alert Capability (Manual NOAA Setup Required)
Like the RA89R, the RA89G includes a NOAA weather alert feature. You can assign a NOAA frequency in the menu and the radio will monitor it for alerts. However, there are no preprogrammed NOAA channels. You must manually program them into memory. It’s not difficult, but it’s something to be aware of.GMRS Programming & Memory Channels
The RA89G comes preprogrammed with all standard GMRS simplex channels and all standard GMRS repeater channels. You’ll still need to adjust CTCSS/DCS tones to match your local repeaters. The radio supports 200 memory channels, which is more than enough for GMRS, Airband, local public‑service monitoring, and any custom receive‑only channels you want to add.Power Output: Verified Numbers
Retevis advertises the RA89G as a 10‑watt radio, but real measurements tell the truth. Using a Bird 43 wattmeter, I measured:- High: 5 watts
- Medium: 1 watt
- Low: 0.5 watt
This is a 5‑watt radio, not 10 watts. The output is perfectly fine for a handheld, but there is a mistake on the Retevis website
.
RA89G vs. HA1G: How They Fit Into the GMRS Lineup
While the RA89G stands well on its own, it’s worth looking at how it compares to Retevis’ other “premium” GMRS handheld, the HA1G. These two radios are built for very different users. The HA1G leans heavily toward commercial‑style operation with true IP67 sealing, zones, and a more traditional CPS workflow. The RA89G, on the other hand, is designed for everyday GMRS users who want modern conveniences like Bluetooth programming, a bright outdoor‑friendly screen, and simple memory‑based channel management.The table below breaks down the major differences so you can see exactly where each radio fits and which one aligns better with your needs.
RA89G vs. HA1G Comparison Table
| Feature | Retevis RA89G | Retevis HA1G |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance / IP Rating | No IP rating; no seals or gaskets; not splash‑resistant | IP67 rated; fully sealed and submersible |
| Programming Method | Bluetooth (Android; iOS “coming soon”), USB‑C cable | Traditional Motorola‑style cable; commercial CPS |
| Programming Style | Simple memories; no zones; very easy for normal users | Commercial zones/channels; more complex but powerful |
| Bluetooth Audio Support | Yes; supports BT speaker/mics with multiple settings | No Bluetooth support |
| Display | Large, bright, easy to see outdoors | Color screen; harder to see in sunlight |
| Power Output | 5W (verified), 1W, 0.5W | 10W rated |
| Battery Capacity | 3000 mAh (RA89G battery pack) | 2600 mAh (HA1G battery pack) |
| Airband Receive | Yes; auto‑switches to AM mode | No Airband support |
| Weather Alert | Yes; manual NOAA channel programming required | Yes; NOAA channels preloaded |
| Overall Use Case | Great everyday GMRS radio; easy for normal users | Ultimate rugged radio; commercial‑style operation |
Final Thoughts
The Retevis RA89G brings a lot to the table: rugged feel but no water resistance whatsoever, a large bright outdoor‑friendly display, very good audio quality, Bluetooth programming (Android only, iOS “coming soon”), full Bluetooth speaker/mic support with detailed settings, USB‑C wired programming, Airband receive with automatic AM mode, dual VFO with dual PTT, scanner functionality, weather alert capability, 200 memory channels, and verified 5‑watt output.It’s not waterproof, it’s not IP‑rated, and it’s a 5 watt radio — but it is a solid, modern GMRS handheld with a great user experience and a useful feature set. For dry‑environment outdoor use, general GMRS communication, and aviation monitoring, the RA89G is a strong performer and a worthwhile addition to the GMRS ecosystem.
If you’re looking for a radio that feels good in the hand, has a great screen, and offers a clean, modern programming experience, the RA89G delivers exactly that.
The radio sells on Amazon for about $60.
