Choosing the Best CB Radio

Just now getting into truck driving. Gonna be driving a company truck with premounted antennas on both of the mirrors however I have to provide my own radio. I have ZERO knowledge when it comes to CBs and all of the different setups. So I am here to ask.

What should I be looking to get?

Odds are that I would just simply get a Cobra CB, however after going through some threads in this section I'm seeing tons of other brands that I've never heard of. For the most part I'll probably be fine with something basic, however I am a bit of a tech nut so it wouldn't surprise me if I took it a step further at some point.

Suggestions and reasons why would be great!

Thank you!

 

I never settle for less than a 10 meter radio I have 3 a General Lee,Connex3300 which are the same and a Galaxy44.Remember when you buy a Galaxy the two digit models are better than the three digit models.All my radios were purchased used in new condition.You get the best deals at truckstops during the weekend when the drivers find out they didn't make any money they start selling stuff.Casino with truck parking are a great place to get great deals.

 

10 meter radios are HAM radios aren't they? Technically illegal to use without a license?

 

You are correct and they are sold at all the truckstops.I use to load there in Lakeview,MN.you go down there to that truckstop on I-35 and you can get a good deal on one.

You will seldom hear of the DOT checking on cb radios.I know it happens but seldom.Never to me in 35 years.

 

OK what reason would you have to buy a 10 meter radio ?

EXTRA frequencies ? sadly some are into the 10 meter band and both the FCC and local hams know where to look.
Power ..... Just get a amp to go with a cb set
SSB ..... Few run it in trucks anyway
FM .... There is no legal use for FM on 27 mhz not for a class D CB.

Just my opinion .... Buy a good CB radio and a 100-200 watt amp use a good 4-5 foot antenna and you should be all set.

 

Its actually Lakeville. I had gone down there to see what sort of stuff they had and all that was there was one Cobra model. Hell, they didn't even have atlas's for sale there.

I don't want a 10 meter. Only way I would go that route was if I actually had a license, and I don't feel like wasting my time on that anyways. No offense intended BR, just don't need it. I can live with just a CB.

So what kind of CB do you actually recommend?

 

A cobra 25 or 29, Uniden 66,68, 76, or 78 will all do a fine job. If you get the cobra stay away from the soundtracker version and get a Cobra 25 or 29 LTD Classic.

 

Whats the problem with the soundtracker version?

I was leaning towards the 29 LTD, but then I realized that I would like one with weather band.

So I would like to get the 29 WX. Although, when I saw this one http://www.cobra.com/products//29-LX-LE I had to drool a little, I'm young so I like cool electronics.

 

I was talking about buying a good used one off one of those broke drivers down there.Yeah I meant Lakeville I used to load frozen turkey there a lot.I know where you at.

 

How unusual I have to agree, my 10 meter Galaxy 95 is in the closet, I use a cobra 25 in the truck, maybe a transistor or two, diodes a choke had to be upgraded and some minor realigning. But there's no reason to run a 10 meter radio in the truck.