Thinking about a cobra 29 lcd. Watts for antenna?

find a CB good shop/ installer in your area, can't help you there cause it's been a while since Iv'e been east of the mississippi but they are usually near or at the truck stops and try a few different units out. Don't make the mistake of getting the glitziest one just cause it looks cool, make sure it is clear, easy to tune, and you can live with the lights at night. Good antennas help to, and if the installer is worth his salt he will help you when buying it, installing it, modifying it, and tuning it. Hope this helps.

 

You can't go wrong with a Cobra 29 if all you want is a 40 channel CB radio. When it comes to antennas, longer is better. The cheapest way is with a Francis fiberglass antenna. Use at least 4.5 ft, 5.5 is better. (I use them because they are cheap, perform well, and are easy to replace because about everybody sells them.)

 

Anything except a Francis if you want upgrade the CB at a later time.

I'd suggest anything on sale that has adjustable SWR.

 

Francis antennas are very much tuneable,
Compaired to what the market offers now I wouldnt be caught dead running a glass stick.

AGAIN,you can tune a 5+ foot Francis down below 1.5

 

Why? I've got Wilson's, both 1000, 2000, 5000 and two Lil' Wils, and the fiberglass Wilson. Have run Firesticks and steel whips and others I can't even remember anymore. I can't tell that much difference in any of them, except the steel whip. I also have never needed to tune a Francis, although a friend of mine always tuned his down to 1.1:1. I don't think the Francis is made as well as it used to be, but I like them for the reasons already stated.

 

Agree most of what you hear is because it worked for them ....

Firesticks, HAMsticks and other shortened antennas 99% of how well they work is how long they are ( 4, 5, 6 foot ect ) and how well did the user prepair the groundplane.

 

Proper antenna installation makes all the difference in the world, and can drive you crazy in a mobile situation. Especially with newer vehicles......cars, pick-ups and semis. (motorcycles are a pain too, but that is a whole nother subject!!)

 

You got to love fiberglass for a groundplane