Overview:
“The Ryobi ONE+ Radio is a perfect addition to you ONE+ collection. This radio can be used anywhere: jobsite, tailgating, workshop, or boating.” – Ryobi Tools
The Deets:
Battery Type: Ryobi 18 Volt NiCd or Lithium-Ion ONE+ battery pack (not included)
Tuning: Digital FM and Digital AM with 10 Presets, 3.5mm AUX jack for MP3 player.
Run Time: 8+ hours on one fully charged Lithium-Ion ONE+ slim battery pack
Size: 5.5 x 8.5 x 3 inches (WxHxD)
Weight: 1.38 lbs
MSRP: $29.99
The Review:
I understand that the inclusion of a power tool review on a kayaking website might seem like a bit of a stretch to some readers. I’m not a very big “tool guy” myself, to be completely honest, but the Ryobi ONE+ Radio has been the best purchase that I’ve made thus far this year and could be in the running for a special KayakDave.com Gear of the Year Award when all is said and done in 2013…
THE Ryobi Radio
The Ryobi ONE+ Radio is a powerhouse of a portable radio that is packed full of great features. It has digital AM and FM tuning with auto seek and 10 channel pre-sets. A 3.5mm auxillary jack on the back of the radio allows the user to play MP3 and CD players though the 3.5 inch diameter speaker. The radio runs off of Ryobi 18 Volt NiCd or Lithium-Ion ONE+ battery packs (sold separately) with a AAA backup to retain the clock and channel pre-sets. The ONE+ battery packs are the same packs that operate the rest of their cordless power tools. This is quite convenient for Ryobi users but not so much for folks who would need to purchase a ONE+ battery.
Working to the beat of the Ryobi Radio
Lucky for me, the only power tool that I own is an 18V Ryobi cordless drill kit that came with two ONE+ batteries thus making this radio a great deal. I originally bought my Ryobi ONE+ radio on a whim because I wanted to listen to a Bruins matinee game on Saturday while working on the Duct Tape Kayak. I was impressed from the instant that I turned this radio on. The reception is super clear and the speaker provides sound quality that is well beyond the price of the radio! We only had the radio set to a volume of 3 and that was plenty loud to enjoy the game over the noise of our project space. Not only that but the battery lasted for 10+ hours before it needed to be recharged! The only thing that I could think of that could possibly make this radio any better would be a USB port to charge your phone or ipod from.
We won’t be missing any more Patriots games this fall thanks to the Ryobi Radio
Trust me, this Ryobi Radio is going to get a whole lot of use this year! It’s already earned a permanent home in the trunk of my car so that I can use it down by the pond on afternoons, on car camping trips, and during our Duct Tape Kayak build sessions this spring and summer. I’m also looking forward to having it down by the docks with me on the weekends this fall so that I don’t miss out on any more 1:00pm Patriots games for work! We showed it to the boss man a few days ago and he said “don’t be surprised if I come down there and punt it into the pond if I catch you lounging around at the docks!” All in good fun, of course!
Happy Tunes!
-Kayak Dave
Pros: Loud, great reception, MP3 compatible, programmable stations, small footprint, clock, uses same battery as my drill…
Cons: Only a great buy for Ryobi power tool users who already own an “expensive” ONE+ battery. Would be nice if it had a USB charging port on it…
Kayak Dave Rating:
