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Best CB Radios?

Discussion in 'Off-Roading & Trails' started by memario1214, Nov 22, 2010.

  1. Nov 22, 2010 at 8:59 PM
    #1
    memario1214

    memario1214 [OP] Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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    I am looking into getting a CB radio here soon, but the problem is that I know nothing about them. Can someone tell me some good radios and explain to me what is important in selecting one? Also, if it matters, I like the ones where you mount the box and then just the part you talk into is separate (a la semi style). I am not a huge fan of the all in one CBs...
     
  2. Nov 22, 2010 at 9:08 PM
    #2
    bjmoose

    bjmoose Bullwinkle J. Moose

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  3. Nov 22, 2010 at 9:27 PM
    #3
    himmie

    himmie No.

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    Yes.
  4. Nov 22, 2010 at 10:34 PM
    #4
    memario1214

    memario1214 [OP] Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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    That's the style I don't like... I don't like all the buttons on the handset like that. I would like the buttons to all be contained on the main unit if possible.
     
  5. Nov 22, 2010 at 10:51 PM
    #5
    Manlaan

    Manlaan Well-Known Member

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    I'm kinda in the same situation, but from what I've read, it has more to do with antenna quality and placement over the radio itself.

    As far as radios go, its basically just a choice of what features you want, be it weather, blue tooth, PA, speakers, etc. Some do allow a few more fine tuning adjustments, which might matter if you were using it for long distance reasons, but I have a feeling that most of those adjustments aren't really all that necessary if the antenna is tuned right, specially if you're using it at off road distances.

    There's a whole bunch of info concerning it at http://www.rightchannelradios.com/pages/cb-radio-resources-pv-c0-20.html (which doesn't seem like its trying to push products/services like most other sites like this tend to do)


    I'm kinda stuck on antenna stuff myself.
    I can mount it on top of my light bar in my bed, on my front bumper, on the hood, etc. I'm sort of leaning towards the light bar with a rotating bracket so I can have it laying flat when not in use.

    The problem I've run into is which would be better... A shorter antenna (3') higher in the air (mounted to light bar), or a longer antenna (4-5') not as high in the air (mounted to other location). I'm thinking the logic is the higher the end is, the more range, regardless of overall antenna length, but I'm just not certain.
     
  6. Nov 22, 2010 at 10:54 PM
    #6
    S.B.

    S.B. Well-Known Member

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    Thats the one that I'm going to get when I get the money (come one next paycheck!).
     
  7. Nov 22, 2010 at 11:22 PM
    #7
    The_Hodge

    The_Hodge Volunteer Moderator

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    Seeing the third gen section forced me to get a Ford...
    a lot of people also use the cobra 19 ultra IV or cobra 29 series. at that point it's all about space.
     
  8. Nov 22, 2010 at 11:32 PM
    #8
    MrGrimm

    MrGrimm Mall Crawler

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    Antennas, and SWR. The actual unit of the radios are all the same after that. I will end up switching over to the cobra 75 wx st once my 2m radio goes in to save on space.
     
  9. Nov 23, 2010 at 10:39 AM
    #9
    RogueLeader

    RogueLeader Well-Known Member

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    As was mentioned earlier, the radio doesn't matter so much as the antenna. I have a cheap RadioShack I paid $39 for. With a K-40 magnet mount on the roof, I can talk about 5 miles on the road, and if I'm coming down from my job site on Angel Peak (Mt. Charleston), I can talk over 20 miles.
     
  10. Nov 23, 2010 at 10:59 AM
    #10
    Mod

    Mod Well-Known Member

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    After driving commercial truck for 17 yrs, and owning almost any Cb imaginable, from 200 amp linear boosted, tweaked finals, high dollar radios to the el-cheapos. Best bang for the buck is the $50 Unidens and Cobras with squelch,volume and ANL switch.

    It's all in the antenna. With a Firestick II and a $50 Uniden, I can talk 10+ miles with terrain/weather interference, high elevation line of sight is good for 20+ miles, which is more than enough.

    Firestick II's with the tuneable tip,;).
    http://www.firestik.com/index.htm
    I have the 3' model on my Yota and the 5' on the Peterbuilt.
     
  11. Nov 23, 2010 at 12:50 PM
    #11
    Incognito

    Incognito No better friend, no worse enemy

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    This ^^

    A $50 Cobra radio with a high end antenna will transmit farther than a high end radio and a cheaper antenna.
     
  12. Nov 23, 2010 at 1:10 PM
    #12
    TacoSupreem

    TacoSupreem Dirty Trucker

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    I have a cobra 29 with bigger finals, talkback,reverb, and echo. I jump that threw a 200 watt kicker. I use a wilson magnet mount antenna and a camoflage astatic mic.
    A cobra 19 is a really good radio and can be bought cheap. They are smaller than the 29 and can fit just about anywhere.
     
  13. Nov 23, 2010 at 1:30 PM
    #13
    wiscdave

    wiscdave Lets Do It!

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    you want a "super tuned " CB. meaning it will perform better. The Cobra 29 can be a great radio with a little work
     
  14. Nov 23, 2010 at 3:06 PM
    #14
    memario1214

    memario1214 [OP] Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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    Can you elaborate on "super tuning"?
     
  15. Nov 23, 2010 at 3:10 PM
    #15
    Ridgerunner

    Ridgerunner Well-Known Member

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    NOT STOCK:D IE all the previous examples other than your basic Cobra 4-watter.
     
  16. Nov 23, 2010 at 3:17 PM
    #16
    memario1214

    memario1214 [OP] Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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    I am not afraid of not stock... At all. I will rig anything to make it work better
     
  17. Nov 23, 2010 at 3:17 PM
    #17
    bjmoose

    bjmoose Bullwinkle J. Moose

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    If you're really concerned with top notch CB performance, nothing beats mounting a full 1/4 wave 102" wire wip antenna.
     
  18. Nov 23, 2010 at 3:19 PM
    #18
    bjmoose

    bjmoose Bullwinkle J. Moose

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    Really though, what are you using it for? A good basic radio with a 3' or 4' firestik antenna that you've tuned with an SWR meter is going to work pretty darn well.
     
  19. Nov 23, 2010 at 3:20 PM
    #19
    Ridgerunner

    Ridgerunner Well-Known Member

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    Yup always the better choice than the smaller electronically shortened antennas. IMO is very unique and looks badass especially on a Tacoma:)
     
  20. Nov 23, 2010 at 3:21 PM
    #20
    Incognito

    Incognito No better friend, no worse enemy

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    Also look into Single Side-Band radios. They are top notch, but pricey at the same time. A Cobra SSB should run you ~$150.
     

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