Difference between SuperStar 3900, SS-3900 Turbo ZX, & Cobra 148 SSB Radios?

The Super Star is basically built on the 148 chassi. It has some additional features such as dual clarifier and of course the expanded band and mode capability. Build quality can be iffy- early ones were prone to cold solder joints and most of them needed some tweaking to sound good on AM. SSB drift was a problem as well.

The Philippine or Malaysian- made 148s and Grants (and Grant XL) remain the benchmark for best all-around SSB mobile radio- even now, years after production has ceased.

Power output is about the same as they are essentially the same radio.

The expanded capability of the SuperStar is nice, but plan on adding an external frequency counter so you know where you are.

In a truck environment I'd suggest a 148 or a Grant- if you can find one that hasn't been all hacked up and golden screwdrivered to death.

I run a Philippine- made 148 that has had the clarifer opened and has had additional frequencies added, as well as having the receiver upgraded. I'm very happy with it.