The Makita XRM04B and XRM02W – Lightweight, Bluetooth, Great Sound

Pros:

Cons:

Makita XRM04B and XRM02W Reviews

The first thing you will notice and like about the Makita radio is the compact size and weight. Coming in at around 10 pounds it’s an easy one handed carry from truck to work site with its large comfortable, grippy flip up, rotating handle.

I should also mention that the main difference between the two models is that the XRM04B has bluetooth and a USB charge port. The XRM02W has no bluetooth and 2 AUX ports. The 04B is about $45. more expensive.

These Makita radios have wrap around bumpers for durability and are weather resistant to keep dust and light precipitation out. The XRM04B is IP64 rated for maximum weather and water resistance.

Both are designed to run on a plethora of Makita cluster and slide batteries from 7.2 – 18 volt. The run time should be 6 hours using the smallest batteries up to 16 hours on the LXT lithium ion (although like all the other cordless jobsite radios, no batteries are included).

Two AA are also required (included) in order to save the presets (5 AM and 5 FM stations and time). It will also run on the included 110v power cord.

After work you can bring it indoors and use the wake up alarm and auto timed shutoff features.

The vast majority of reviewers were very pleased with the sound quality from the 3.25 inch speakers that delivered in either stereo or mono. There is no tone control so the bass/treble is factory set.

“I still can’t believe how great the sound is on such a small jobsite radio.”
“…the Makita radio lasts many hours on battery power, very good bass sound”

The radio is MP3 compatible, although a few complained about the lack of volume when using the unit with an ipod or similar device.

The power cord was really the only other common complaint in the reviews. Being detachable it is easy to lose and would probably be better received if it was firmly attached and stored on the unit.

Overall the Makita radio is a rugged, lightweight, well designed jobsite radio with excellent sound quality.

“I’ve used the Bosch, Milwaukee, and seen the new Ridgid jobsite radio’s. They are all large, bulky, heavy, loaded with unnecessary features and parts break off of them. I am enjoying this Makita radio very much and highly recommend it.”

The video below shows you how to protect your ipod (or other mp3 player) from dust and weather when playing tunes on your Makita radio.