Recommendations for Handheld CB Radio

What's a good option for a handheld CB Radio? I've looked at the Cobra Roadtrip http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Cobra+-...1306751702.p?id=mp1306751702&skuId=1306751702 and this Midland http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Midland+-+CB+Radio/9391339.p?id=1218097982968&skuId=9391339 any other good models to look into?

 

I use CBs in my work(pilot car for oversize loads) and use hand held radios a good bit. I like my Cobra 38WXST the best, had Midlands and others, but the Cobras have been tougher, and more reliable.

The Cobra Roadtrip seems to be a repackaged/named 38WXST. According to Cobras website, they have the same capabilities.

Good choice.

 

Are you using this for your truck? If so I would recommend some thing like a Cobra 19 with a Little Wil mag mount instead. That will run you about $75 and far outperform those handhelds.

 

Yep, roadtrip is just the 38WXST but comes with a magnet mount antenna for vehicle use. I got one not long ago and really like it. Great features.

 

yeah in my truck when I move back stateside, I'm in Germany now. My thing is where to mount it and I don't know much about wiring it. That's why I was looking at the handheld ones.

 

Yeah I saw both the 38WXST is cheaper but I take it the roadtrip is just the newer model? Was looking at either the roadtrip or 38WXST with the Firestik magnet base and a 3' Firestik Firefly antenna.

 

Wiring it is easy. Just two wires to the battery. If you just want a temporary setup, you can get a cigarette lighter adapter. The Wilson mag mount just plops on the roof. I can almost guarantee that you will be frustrated with a handheld. Remember you have to manage that thing in your hand while trying to drive and the speakers in those are usually crap.

 

Yeah, I'm still not sure I want something permanent, so I went with the road trip. But the 38WXST and road trip, are the same exact radio. Road trip just comes with the magnet mount antenna. If your gonna get the firestik, and that magnet mount then just get the 38WXST. Just make sure you get the BNC adapter for it to plug into the handheld radio.

 

How about the Cobra 75 WX. It isnt handheld but it is not as big as the normal units

 

I found a cobra 19 ultra III on the local craigslist for $45 might have to consider going that route. I wouldn't mind it being permanent if I could get ideas of where to mount it and someone helped me run the wiring.

 

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You can buy a new Cobra 19 at Walmart for less than that.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cobra-19-Ultra-III-Citizen-Band-Radio/4642484

As far as mounting you could put it in the center console or "mount" it like I had my Cobra 18.



As far as wiring, two wires through the rubber grommet in the firewall to the battery.

 

the local walmart my dad went to (because I'm in Germany) has the Cobra 19 Ultra III with a 26" magnetic base antenna for $55. What would I need to do though if I wanted a more permanent antenna like a 5 foot whip antenna by the tailgate?

 

There is a couple guys on here that make the bracket for mounting it by the tailgate, also the hood mount option. That bracket attaches to the hood at the hinge and looks good there. All you have to do is run the coax wire to either location. Also will need to tune the antenna with an SWR meter. Important, so you don't fry your radio. Not hard, there is a bunch of YouTube videos on how to do it.

 

Here are some pics of my set up. Cobra 29 and a scanner on my dash. In the close up you can see mounting pad. Radio and scanner held on by heavy duty double-sided tape. (no movement bouncing thru south Texas oilfields and no holes in the dash) The pad was done at a stereo shop, fiberglass shaped to fit the dash then covered with vinyl. Wiring comes up thru passenger A post.This setup has worked flawlessly for seven years.

 

$90 Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio

Midland 75-822, great product, when not in use, I just disconnect it and throw it in the glove box.

 

Hate to revive this thread but was wondering how the antenna would connect if I chose a bed mounted antenna with the hand held?

 

The one you quoted in the picture is both handheld and "wired" in. That bottom part slides off to put on a battery and you just attach the portable antenna to make it handheld. But taking the battery off and portable antenna and sliding on what you see in the pic. That part is the power source either from 12v outlet or however you choose to wire it and is also connected to a vehicle mounted antenna. Hope I explained that we'll enough.

Otherwise you can get any handheld and just get the right adapter to have it work with a vehicle mounted antenna.

 

I use the Midland 75 785. I have a FabFours rear bumper with tire carrier (the carrier has a tab for the antenna). I ran a 20' or however long antenna wire through the truck bed, under the truck, and it enters under the driver seat and it just sits there until I need it. When I need to use it, i take the radio out of my center console, plug in the antenna wire, and plug the radio in to the cigarette lighter port and I'm done. Ive had no issues and its completely out of sight when not in use. My biggest "want" was for a radio that I didnt have to mount and be obnoxious in the cab. This method solved it, and I just put on the antenna (4' firestik) when I am going to use it. I do only use it for offroading trips and nothing else, if that matters.

 

Oh sweet yeah between you and skooter I get it! Seems easy and I love it's not so in your face I have a cb type thing!