What kind of CB radio for new driver?

[Airbus]

Originally Posted by Allow Me.

If it's about the size of a pack of cigs, don't waste your money. A brand new Cobra/Uniden 29 for under $90 will give you years of service. Hit a Loves or Pilot Truck-em-up and you'll get one on sale. Oh, yeah, don't try to be super trucker with the old, out of style lingo. Just talk normal.

Really.....I think back in about 2003 I remember driving through Ohio, and there was a "SuperTrucker" blathering on in this completely ridiculous gibberish....Most everyone within range was ripping oin him, but I think he was just doing it to be annoying......which he succeeded at quite well...

[Turbo-T]

As for where to buy your first radio.....


Honestly I'd stay away from the truck stops. They will rip you off.

Truck stops carry radios for when yours blows up on you on the road somewhere and you need a new one in a pinch.

It's sort of why you don't go grocery shopping at a gas station, even though most gas stations now sell grocery items.

I would also try to avoid eBay if you can. Yes you can find good deals on radios on there. But if you notice, a lot of them put in their ad "I've not tested this radio I have no way of testing it"....which can be translated into: "It's most likely a piece of junk that doesn't work so buy with caution...oh and no refunds".

Mind you I bought a few radios on there, one worked great the other work but part of it didn't work right so again buyer beware.

Now Craigslist....yes I actually have came across some good deals there, so yes check them out.

However if you want a new radio but don't mind waiting for it, have Sparky's CB shack (google him on the web) build you one up. He'll sell you a new radio cheaper than a truck stop will and he'll even tune and align it for you for free. And he stands behind his work and dosen't blow smoke up your rear and sell you a #### radio like most others will.

[outerspacehillbilly]

Google "sparkys cb shack" and get you a General Lee or Connex 3300HP. Everything you need in a radio and you won't be a mudduck. Also need a good antenna to go with it and coax get some rg8x. Can get it all from sparky's at a great price.

[Trekker1]

Originally Posted by FriedTater

Currently the best deal running is from Pilot or Loves on the Chrome or Black Chrome Cobra 29.
Both have the new noise canceling mic,IMO the best stock mic Cobra has ever offered.
With the rebate offer your still out the door under $80.

Good looks with reasonable features worthy of the money spent.
Depending on your cash flow a trip to a decent CB shop
for a true Connex board,swing kit and you'll be talking as good as any on the road for under $150-$165 which ain't bad for tuned out and "new".

I will never support the use of fiberglass antennas,granted some work and are "good enough" for those that run them.Again,personally their "junk".

Having Good Ears on a radio requires stainless steel,the Wilson 2000 is fairly cheap and nearly indestructible antenna compared to any of the glass sticks on the market.

If you use a reputable shop you have the option to barter on a package deal and get everything Ive mentioned tuned,installed and set for not much over $225.

Check out Sparkys or CustomCBradios for quality ready to run radios shipped to your door.

Thanks for info. i know this sounds complete "newbie", but I thought the trucks already have antenna's on them? Or are you just talking about upgrading existing antennas?

[Trekker1]

Originally Posted by Allow Me.

If it's about the size of a pack of cigs, don't waste your money. A brand new Cobra/Uniden 29 for under $90 will give you years of service. Hit a Loves or Pilot Truck-em-up and you'll get one on sale. Oh, yeah, don't try to be super trucker with the old, out of style lingo. Just talk normal.

Had wondered about that. So no "rubber duck" and "Choke and Puke" just to be funny huh? lol

[Trekker1]

Thanks everyone for all your replies. Lots of great info here. Radio Shack does seem lame with only two options (or at least the small one in my neighborhood). Walmart doesn't have any here anyway. I know being a student, I should be more focused on the actual driving but it doesn't hurt to think about the necessary equipment for the road. Thanks again.

Rich

[Turbo-T]

Originally Posted by Trekker1

Had wondered about that. So no "rubber duck" and "Choke and Puke" just to be funny huh? lol

No one that I know of uses that CB lingo anymore. If they do they've been living under a rock for a looooonnnngg time. Or they've been watching too many Smokey And The Bandit/BJ And The Bear.

Also no one says "good buddy" anymore, it's taken on a new meaning. Think "Boy George" or "Bruno".

[112racing]

loves truck stops have 29 ltd's on sale for $59.95

[Allow Me.]

Some trucks come with antennas, most don't.

[FriedTater]

That "PHILIPPINES" dont mean a damn thing,its a pure BS urban legend used by "rookies" in the CB shop Biz.
Real radio hands know how to flip the side covers and "look".
China,Taiwan,Philippines whatever .......Cobra is a Cobra
and the "TALK" comes from the " Q U A L I T Y " of the tune,not the country of origin.

Originally Posted by stepnfetchit

Cobra 29 Classic. Made in the Phillipines. Check out the CB shops. I have one I bought in 1986 and I still have it, could still use it in a truck and would b4 I bought a new one. Sucker will do the job! Most CB shops have them for around $60 or so I think. Get'em to tune it up and TALK!