Which of these are the best CBs?

Either one would work. Same output watts. More features on the cobra. You will need an antenna, unless the truck has one, and a piece of coax, and possibly antenna mount

 

The 505 is a great value but the Cobra has more toys. He may already have NOAA weather functions in his AM-FM radio, a lot of trucks have that as a standard feature now.

If you are on a budget consider a 'regular' Cobra 29. It has the same basic innards as the LX model in a classic case.

Don't overlook the antenna and coax. Most factory antenna systems are garbage and a dime spent on the antenna system is worth a dollar on the radio any day of the week.

 

I would buy the Cobra, that is the same one that I have, and it is the nicest radio that I have ever owned. That is a good price on it as well.

 

Hey newtruckerwife84: Take a look at the new Uniden CB; Uniden reps were at the 2013 Great Trucker Show in Dallas TX back in August. They were introducing two major products one being the Digital (you only enter in your current zip code) Home Patrol 1 police scanner and the other was the CB that had a 2nd wireless mic that that could be used as far off as the back of ones trailer. Very sharp looking! Various color combinations and I think (dont quote me!) it also had SSB.

 

If you haven't already bought him something yet (or he has already gotten one somewhere), another radio to consider that is nice to have is a "handheld CB". They're good when you are supposed to monitor a channel on the CB for instructions from the receiving or shipping department, you've waited for an hour and want to exit the truck to go get a soft drink or something, so you're away from the radio HOPING your number is not being called.

With a handheld, you can clip it to your belt and go take care of other business and not worry so much about missing your "call". Plus it's a backup in case the main radio dies or the mike dies or the fuse blows or whatever, until you can get the problem rectified. Can't talk far but it's better then nothing in some cases. Just an idea. Radio shack and a few truck stops may have them.

 

Good post S Texan: I myself frequently use my Cobra 38WXST. It has been a life saver in the car as well as in the truck, especially when I change trucks and just do not have the time to install my mobile cb. In the truck I will use one fiberglass antenna or for much much better performance, I will install my Thunder Stick steel whip with a self made capacitance hat. Drivers swear that I am not telling them the truth when I key! Some popular handheld CB radios are: 1. Midland 75-822 2. Cobra 75WXST and 3. Cobra 38WXST. Use a after market external antenna of some sorts; at minimum a 30in to 52in telescopic antenna does wonders for me; sometimes when I am inside a truck stop I carry it on the side of my backpack and listen for that " Driver you are about to hit that hands truck- Driver". For the big handheld gunners - You Tube- MAGNUM 1012 SSB HANDHELD (capable of the 10mi to 3000mi journey) and do use a long whip/ good conditions and it's cousin
You Tube- ALBRECHT AE 2990 AFS SSB (Note: you should look for post 2010 models as earlier models of both radios had some minor issues.

Ohhh! I almost 4got to add: Using the 10meter and 12 meter bands to transmit require minimum Technician License (limitations on 10m) and for 12meters you will need to have the General Class License! But you can listen in on these frequencies without transmitting.

Happy DXing

 

hmmm, novice license holders can not use parts of 10M anymore ?????

 

You can't get a Novice license anymore. Technician is now the entry level license.