2023 CB Suggestions

What type of vehicle are using? Magnet mount antennas aren't always the best choice. A lot of times they either work or they don't.

The uniden PC78LTX has the same features as a cobra 29, only the uniden is better built.
If you are interested in single side band, the president McKinley has had some good reviews.
As far as a more modern CB, the president Taylor and the Walker 3 are very good radios.
There are a lot of great radio reviews on cbmagazine.com.

 

In 2019, I believe the FCC allowed the use of FM on CB Radios. If you want an upgrade, consider getting the new Cobra 29 LTD Classic that has both operating modes AM and FM. A new radio may be all you need. I am using a magnetic mount Wilson 5000 with a 2014 Cobra 29 LTD that was my uncle's before he passed away back in February and I am getting out at least 19 miles with no mods done to the radio.

 

It won't be the cb that will make the difference, start with the antenna and new coax, get some bonding straps to create the RF 'ground' system that you need, and have the antenna system tuned using an antenna analyzer. THEN focus on the radio. Nothing wrong with a Cobra or Uniden, get it properly aligned - not peaked and tuned - and get a good mic on it.

 

I wish drivers would at least try FM out. I never hear jack on FM. Maybe they prefer AM for the same reason AM is used in aviation

 

I think most drivers aren't interested in the smaller black CB radios that offer FM. They aren't a radio that can be modified like the cobra 29s, etc. Maybe as time goes on and the manufacturers start to make a real truck drivers radio, things may change?

 

There are probably plenty of drivers like myself who aren’t CB enthusiasts and don’t care about the tech, but, just want a solid performing setup. Unfortunately, with the demise of the roadside CB industry, we’re left without options. If someone wants to talk motorcycles, modern performance cars, lawns and equipment, I can chat it up.

 

100% get the antenna tuned and grounded properly, as well as good quality coax.

 

Internally, the Cobra 29 with AM/FM aren't much different than the normal 29's.

 

I haven't seen a cobra 29 FM radio, but I'm sure they probably went the cheapest route by adding a FM board. The real problem is that you won't be able to hold a conversation on FM like you do on AM. Generally you can talk farther using amplitude modulation vs frequency modulation. Plus FM uses the capture effect, so if your trying to hold a conversation, and someone with a stronger signal starts talking, all your going to hear is the strongest signal. Plus the echo boards already sound awful (with the echo turned up)on AM, I can't imagine how bad they might sound on FM.