CB radio recomendations???

[shadowless_nite]

Been looking into getting a cb this season and was looking for recommendations. I liked the idea of this one ... http://www.amazon.com/Midland-75-822-Channel-CB-Way-Radio/dp/B00000K2YR/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344930794&sr=8-2&keywords=cb+radio since its a handheld so I can remove it from my truck when not during hunting season and easily put it back in and I liked the fact its handheld yet can still be used with external antenna. However I am not scared to put one in permanently. Im looking for any and all tips and recommendations on purchasing a CB since Ive never actually had to use one.  thanks everyone

[Cougar125]

My neighbors are truck drivers and they really seem to like Cobra 40s.  I've got to get one mounted in my truck this coming month since I'm moving, but haven't the foggiest where to go get it done around where I currently am in Kommifornia.

[grundy53]

If you get a tunable antenna make sure to tune it correctly or you won't get as good reception.

[sirmissalot]

Wow that one looks fancy, we've got some that are similar only they are made by Cobra. I've never been able to get good reception out of a CB and I've always wondered if those handheld ones have as much power and capabilities of the bigger units.

[C-Money]

When I used one, I used a magnetic mount antenna that was all ready to go. Worked great. I used a $100 Cobra CB, great setup!

[CAMPMEAT]

I've got a Cobra 29 LTD I'll sell you for $50, you pay shipping too. Most of the time if you have trouble with a CB not being very good at broadcasting, it's the mic that is bad. I always had the 29's in my semi trucks.

[kckrawler]

If space is an issue or you don't want to have a bulky box in your rig, you might check out the Cobra 75 WX ST. They're more expensive than the Midland you mentioned but I've had really good luck with mine. The only thing that is permanently mounted in your rig is the little box, about the size of a 9 volt battery, which the mic screws into when you want to use it. I get great reception coupled with a Firestik antenna 

https://www.cobra.com/detail/75-wx-st-compact-remote-mount-cb-radio-with-soundtracker-and-noaa-weather.cfm

[yajsab]

I have that Midland in one of my truck and the Cobra 29 LTD on the other.  I got about the same reception.  I think it's where you mount your antenna and how you tune it.  Wholesale in Federal Way has the Midland if you want to check it out (when I last visit about a week ago).

[MADMAX]

Got a Royce, really like it.

[Heredoggydoggy]

If space is an issue or you don't want to have a bulky box in your rig, you might check out the Cobra 75 WX ST. They're more expensive than the Midland you mentioned but I've had really good luck with mine. The only thing that is permanently mounted in your rig is the little box, about the size of a 9 volt battery, which the mic screws into when you want to use it. I get great reception coupled with a Firestik antenna 

https://www.cobra.com/detail/75-wx-st-compact-remote-mount-cb-radio-with-soundtracker-and-noaa-weather.cfm

Thanks for the info + link.  Had a CB radio in my '84 Ranger, but didn't put one in the '91.  Might look for one for my '90 Bronco II.  I saw a lightning-caused fire smoldering above Orondo back when I was working on the Daroga Park facility, and used my CB radio to call someone who had a phone to call it in.  15 minutes later Brush Trucks were up there putting it out before it got going.  They are handy when used properly.  No WX channels when I had mine--I think the case was carved out of sandstone. 

[wraithen]

Go to a truck stop like a love's or something and hang around the CB shop and see what guys are using. There's usually a tech there that can install and tune your antenna for pretty cheap. Cobras and Midlands will work fine. The biggest issue is getting your antenna properly tuned. That will make or break your range. NEVER USE YOUR CB WITHOUT CONNECTING TO AN ANTENNA! You can fry it just by pressing the mic! I wouldn't go with a firestik or any other similar antenna because I prefer the range of a whip, but that's just me and I'm willing to tie down a whip if I'm not using it. Use what suits you and what feels good on the wallet and in the hand.

[CAMPMEAT]

Just put an amp behind it and your problem is solved.

[wraithen]

Just put an amp behind it and your problem is solved.

Hahahaha! I met a guy that used to "skip" with his cadillac. I wonder if he ever got caught...

[ghosthunter]

I had a Cobra years ago and I liked it. But the speaker is in the mic and sometimes hard to hear. You can plug a exsternal speaker in the box that comes with it and put it under a seat. Made it easier to hear for me.

[Knocker of rocks]

Calling all trucks this here's the Duck, I'm about to put the hammer down, 10-4

C.W. McCall - Convoy

[kckrawler]

I wouldn't go with a firestik or any other similar antenna because I prefer the range of a whip, but that's just me and I'm willing to tie down a whip if I'm not using it. Use what suits you and what feels good on the wallet and in the hand.

I had my Cobra with firestik mounted in my jeep and I got more than acceptable range out of it. Stupid question, how much further can you reach out with a whip?

Has anybody had any luck with the Wilson 500 or 1000 magnetic antennas?

[shadowless_nite]

thanks for all the replies everyone. Distance wise im looking at mainly using it for locating inbound and outbound logging trucks as Im on my way into the area. not expecting to get astronomical range but of course more is better. Budget wise Im looking at trying to keep everything under $150 and even better if its under $100 for the whole set up. I am not looking for a portable in particular and know that they in general dont do as well as a in truck unit. I would prefer best bang for the buck in regards to price wise and ease of function and clarity.

thanks again for all the recommendations!!

[Heredoggydoggy]

thanks for all the replies everyone. Distance wise im looking at mainly using it for locating inbound and outbound logging trucks as Im on my way into the area. not expecting to get astronomical range but of course more is better. Budget wise Im looking at trying to keep everything under $150 and even better if its under $100 for the whole set up. I am not looking for a portable in particular and know that they in general dont do as well as a in truck unit. I would prefer best bang for the buck in regards to price wise and ease of function and clarity.

thanks again for all the recommendations!!

  Due to the gullibility of old age, I decided to join the 20th Century and ordered the Cobra 75 WX ST and a 3' Firesick with mount.  Unfortunately, not having any spare CB parts laying around, I had to get everything, and the whole package will run me $180 with shipping.  I got the 3' antenna to try to keep it as low profile as possible.  I don't need to talk to anyone in Texas.  (What!??...I missed the 20th Century??  Damn!  Just my luck!)   

[kckrawler]

Due to the gullibility of old age, I decided to join the 20th Century and ordered the Cobra 75 WX ST and a 3' Firesick with mount.  Unfortunately, not having any spare CB parts laying around, I had to get everything, and the whole package will run me $180 with shipping.  I got the 3' antenna to try to keep it as low profile as possible.  I don't need to talk to anyone in Texas.  (What!??...I missed the 20th Century??  Damn!  Just my luck!)   

Right on man! You won't be disappointed  Also, if you have a couple rigs that you might use it in, you can buy the Junction box for like $25 from Cobra.