best options for begginer

I have an older truck and am looking at upgrading the antenna(s?) and coax as well. I have a Cobra 29 NW WX ST that a co-worker gave me when he got his new 29 LTDBT. I'm looking at the Wilson 2000 or 5000. I've seen so many different setups that I'm more confused now than ever. One straight up, two straight up, one at 45 and one straight, driver side only, passenger side only...ahhrrrgh. WTF? What I have now has such a short range that I almost have to be able to see the truck I'm talking to to hear it....I think I'm transmitting well, but not receiving at half the strength. I read everything about SWR and have it adjusted correctly.

Any insight would be great. Thanks for reading.

 

The antenna angled forward is more for height issues or the driver thinks it looks cool.

A great setup would be a Wilson 2000 with a 10 inch shaft,new 98% braid coax with amphenol connectors and have that Cobra tuned by a good shop and the SWR set on the antenna.
This is what i use for coax.Made in the USA....

http://www.bellscb.com/products/accessories/RG-8X_coax.htm





http://www.amazon.com/WILSON-305-49...YUQA/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A2A9M67VQ2Z9HR

 

Thanks EZ. I picked up the Wilson 2000 as well as new cables, connectors, and a Cobra 29 LX BT (the bluetooth phone connection works great by the way). I used dielectric grease and plumber's tape on all connections and it sounds fantastic.

Only thing left....I have my antenna on the passenger side and am thinking of re-routing it to driver side. Besides keeping it from hitting limbs, etc, will it make a difference in TX/RX?

 

Pardon my ignorance but what is a coax? Also what is a good radio that won't break the bank?

 

Coax is the wire that connects the radio to the antenna

 

Either side should work out the same. Should be no difference it TX-RX.
Get the SWR set and good to go.
In most cases about 3 to 5 inches of the Wilson 2k whip will need to be cut off to get the SWR right.

Any decent CB shop should handle that fast.

 

A Cobra 29 is a great starter radio unless you want to spend the money on a General Lee,Connex or Galaxy.
The coax and antenna setup is the most critical thing.

You can have a 500 dollar radio that will sound like junk with a poor antenna system.
So many drivers just throw on an antenna and never get it tuned..........

 

Good deal! Not a big fan of the short Firestick but as long as it works that is great!