Icom Ic V90 |work| -

Note: The Icom IC-V90 was discontinued several years ago. This review is based on historical performance, user reports from the era, and its relevance to the current used/collector market.

Build Quality & Ergonomics (5/5)

This is where the IC-V90 shines. The chassis is die-cast aluminum, not plastic. It feels like a solid billet of metal in your hand. The front panel is polycarbonate with a distinct "rubberized" texture.

The Good:

Tank-like durability: Users have reported dropping these onto concrete, running them over with cars (lightly), and submerging them with zero issues.
True Submersion: The battery contacts are gold-plated and sealed with a silicone gasket. The knobs, mic, and speaker grille are all hydraulically sealed.
Knobs: The volume and encoder knobs are large, deeply grooved, and usable with thick gloves.

The Bad:

Heavy: At nearly 400g, it is significantly heavier than a modern Yaesu FT-65 or Baofeng.
Sharp Edges: The aluminum frame has somewhat sharp edges around the battery seam.

Transmitter Performance (4/5)

Audio Quality: The mic gain is adjustable. The transmitted audio is punchy and clear but slightly "thin" compared to a Motorola commercial radio.
Power Output: True 5W on a fresh battery. It does not fold back drastically as the battery drains.
Modulation Limiting: Excellent; you won't over-deviate easily.

Final Thoughts

The Icom IC-V90 is the "AK-47" of VHF handhelds. It isn't pretty, it isn't modern, and it lacks a calculator-watch level of features. But when you need a radio that works after being dropped in a puddle, stepped on, or left in a hot car for a decade, the IC-V90 delivers. Icom ic v90

For the hobbyist who spends time on the water, up a mountain, or in an emergency management role, the simplicity and ruggedness of the IC-V90 make it a superior choice to the disposable plastic toys flooding the market today. It is a classic because it does one thing perfectly: reliable, loud, waterproof VHF communication.

If you find one at a hamfest, don't walk away. Just make sure you have a programming cable ready. Note: The Icom IC-V90 was discontinued several years ago

Do you still use an Icom IC-V90? Share your restoration tips in the comments below!

3.2 Transmitter Performance

The transmitter is the V90's strongest asset. Build Quality & Ergonomics (5/5) This is where

Deviation: The deviation is set appropriately for NBFM (Narrow Band FM) and standard wide FM. Audio quality reports generally indicate a "clean" sound profile. The microphone element is dynamic, meaning it is less prone to picking up background wind noise compared to electret condenser mics used in thinner radios.
Harmonic Suppression: Lab testing shows the V90 has excellent harmonic suppression, well within FCC Part 97 limits. The output low-pass filter is robust, making the radio safe for use with non-resonant antennas without immediate fear of damaging the final transistor, though SWR protection is present.

6. Weather (WX) Channels (USA)

Press BAND until ~162 MHz.
Or program 7 NOAA WX channels into memory for quick recall.

9. Factory Reset

Warning: Erases all memories & settings.

Turn radio OFF.
Hold F + MR + VFO.
Turn ON while holding keys.
Release when display clears.