Best CB setup for a new driver

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Nukem, May 14, 2014.

  1. Nukem

    Nukem Road Train Member

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    Since a CB is considered personal equipment, I will have to buy my own. There are so many different setups, what kind would you use if you have no more than $300 to spend?

    Expect the worst, hope for the best.
     
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  3. mickimause

    mickimause Road Train Member

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    I'm sure you will get many...and more informed...opinions, but here goes.

    My truck already had antennae and a mount, company installed. I am a fan of Cobra, from way back when I was young. It's what my granddad had, so there's some sentimentality there. Anyway, TA had the Cobra 29 LTD Classic for $99.95, plus a $30 mail in rebate, so that's what I have. I can hear others clearly for the most part, and others can hear me. That is what I was looking for, so I am happy with my choice.
     
  4. Rooster1291979

    Rooster1291979 Road Train Member

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    Cobra 29 for $99. Factory antennas $0. Blue parrot b250 $79. Coleman ice less cooler $99. Rand McNally 2014 laminated motor carrier map $19. Tylenol $4.
     
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  5. Nukem

    Nukem Road Train Member

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    LOL... Already have the 2014 Map and Tylenol (or as I call it... "Combat candy") but I will look into the Blue parrot. @mickimause I was looking at Cobra systems, and I will continue with the research, but from what I am reading, everyone has one, and are very reliable...
     
  6. 2009GMC

    2009GMC Light Load Member

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    Can't go wrong with the Cobra 29. A good antenna and coax is important. I've have a Wilson 2000 and I'm happy with it.
     
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  7. freightlinerman

    freightlinerman Road Train Member

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    Cobra is your typical junk radio. I've got a Uniden Bearcat 880, paid $20.00 to have it tuned. I use one stock antenna, and one Wilson antenna I bought used a truck stop for $20.00 bucks. I use the stock wiring, nothing fancy. Clarity is good, I can talk to people 4 miles away, maybe 5.

    You don't need a super powerful radio, most people don't have them. You need to be able to know what's going on, and at least be able to speak back clearly so people know what you're saying. No need to go crazy, PILOT/FLYING J has the Bearcat 880 on sale right now for $89.00 I believe.
     
  8. 8thnote

    8thnote Road Train Member

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    I've got a cobra 29 that I bought used from a CB shop when I was a brand-newbie. Paid $25 and still works great. It does all that I need it to (ie talk to drivers in my immediate vicinity). I've never understood why some guys spend many hundreds on radios powerful enough to communicate with the international space station. I'm sure someone will enlighten me, but I've dont see the point.
     
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  9. RogerThat72

    RogerThat72 Road Train Member

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    Cobra 29 nw st blah blah blah and stock everything that comes on a t660. I do like the weather on it tells me the forecast whenever I want where ever I am. 129$ I think or maybe I paid 149. Peaked, tuned. That's about it. Was thinking of getting an antenna setup but people hardly talk and when they do it none sense. You'll get the occasional funny guy that actually makes you laugh and then you'll always have that annoying there's always one of them guys in the truck stop. Do what you want but don't go crazy. If you can hear and talk your good.
     
  10. Wooly Rhino

    Wooly Rhino Road Train Member

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    You could just get into a truck that I have been in. I have left 3 of them behind so far. My problem is that I always spend to much and get the very best equipment. I can't hear anything as the folks out there talk garbled. They are nice to have when you need them but you only need them about 1 time a week.

    There is someone out there that likes to tell you he is not wearing any pants. I would avoid him.
     
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  11. 379exhd

    379exhd Road Train Member

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    I run a 959 right now had that radio for 2 years now never did anything to it bone stock out of the box only thing I'll trade it for is a peaked and tweeked Magnum S9...10 meter not made anymore and they're more than $300 but that's all is trade my $189 959 for.

    I've ran cobra never got more than 6 months out of a 29. Uniden is a better radio in my opinion, but I'll always be partial to my galaxy its saved my ### a few times only problem I have is the squeel from the talk back which I rarely use to bring with. Get about 4 miles talking distance out of it I can't complain about it at all.

    Now if it were still way back when I'd tell you to buy 2 radios. A CB and a marine band...but those days are pretty much gone sadly.
     
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