I got another one.

I see a Stryker 955 in the batch, is there an issue with it? I'm interested ....

 

A midland 5001z is not a rebranded cobra 25, even though at first glance, it may seem so.
As far as I know, midland is one of the few radio manufactuers to not use/copy the uniden style/design. They have an entirely different chassis.

@BTShepp ...since you have both there handy, and if you are so inclined, pop off the bottom cover of the 25, and the 5001z.. If you are curious to know that is. There is a huge difference in parts used. You would probably be able to tell, just by holding them and seeing the difference in weight.

 

What are your thoughts on each? Seems that most like to hate on the Midland, but I've had nothing but good reports from that stock rig.

 

25 is a far better radio imo.
What kind of mic do you use with the midland?

 

On the 25, astatic. On the Midland, stock. Doesn't the stock Midland mic draw slight power from the radio? 4 pin mic but slightly different technology since it's a condenser mic.

 

Right...your stuck with the stock mic on the midland. A mic with a dynamic element will not work, like an astatic or rk.
Its a way for midland to get by, alot cheaper. Even the knobs and pots on the front have a 'cheap' feel imo.
They're an overpriced cheap radio... like buying a cobra 19 dx4 (or whatever they're called now) for a hundred bucks lol

 

Just to add, I dont think they sound bad at all. But if your choices are between a cobra 25, and a midland 5001 for the same money... buy the cobra!

 

Fortunately their stock mic works well, in my experience. Cobra's stock mics are another story. I have heard complaints about Midland knobs feeling cheap. Mine seem fine. One of my stock cobra 29s has really loose-feeling knobs. My General Lee has a problem with the squelch and volume knobs affecting each other (inner/outer), but I blame its old age and a previous "tech" for that.

 

So... I'm not the only one.