Looking for a new off the shelf CB.

[-insert name-]

My CB from Wal-mart, its a Cobra, It's out lasted my Galaxy and the other one. Both of these were the truck-top ones. But recently its starting to go, my squelch knob won't work, other driver's sometimes will tell me they can't hear a word. So, anyone know a good priced one that can last? This Wal-mart one has been around a good 13 years. Or would it be cheaper to have it fixed? Don't think they make the parts for it anymore.

[jessejamesdallas]

What Cobra do you have?

[-insert name-]

Wish I knew- but the model label is faded off it. It was 40 bucks when I got it.

[Tricky Rick]

Probably a 19. Go back to Walmart and get another one. Hook it up. You should be good for another 10 years or so.

[-insert name-]

I'll consider it again, but are their cheaper more durable ones? I got a Galaxy 99 a year ago to try it. After 2 months the volume knob went out.

[Eaton18]

Cheaper, Yes. More durable? Not really. I hear Uniden's newest models BC 880 or the BC980 (SSB) are real good ones. If I hadn't bought my Galaxy 949 and had it beefed up just a few months ago, I would be buying the Uniden.

[Xcis]

If you decide to purchase a new radio, just do not buy a Cobra model 18. That one has a pretty bad track record for durability and reliability.
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Before you use your radio, always check your standing wave ratio (SWR) with a separate stand alone SWR meter. Do not rely on a meter that is in the radio because they are notoriously inaccurate. Operating a cb radio with a high SWR reading is probably the number 1 killer of radios.

[-insert name-]

Useful advice. Went to wally world to hunt one down, couldn't find it. I'll look at the Uniden. Can't have a big radio- it won't fit up there with all the wires.

[jessejamesdallas]

If you just have to have a small radio like the Cobra 19, but want something a little better, look at either the Uniden 510 or 520, or the Newer Uniden 680...All these radios are about the same size, and would be better than the Cobra 19, and except for the Uniden 680, all run around $50 or less...the 680 is closer to $90.

But if you want a reliable radio with great ears and around $100, then look at the Galaxy 919. Same size as the Cobra 29, but IMO allot better radio for the money.

Forget about having your Cobra 19 fixed...It would cost almost as much to fix it as it would to get a new one...

[-insert name-]

Googled the 680, did some measuring, it will fit perfectly!
Thanks for all the advice.