Are the cheap CB's worth getting?

All you need is a carrier (4 watts) and some modulation (100%) and good SWR. Then, when you can afford it, you can add carrier (amp) for a good signal. I used a little PC 33 long ago, that was cheap and could talk ever so normal to the trucks in my vicinity (the ones you usually talk to) and later put my first amp on ...a grey 100w...and increased my range drastically.
Years of fooling with these bigger radios and huge modulation I found that the modge just gets you over the guys around you. But the carrier gets you out there to the guy over the mountain, and that is done best at 100% modge, not gorrillaspeak. So your little toy radio can be big after all.
However.
IF you are slip-seating and have to reinstall your rig over and over again, peaking the radio or getting an export with power will simplify that as opposed to having to establish grounding straps and big power cables for an amp. Just stay off the ham channels if you don't want trouble. Expensive trouble.
A cobra 29 is one great radio for peaking, has great modulation over signal. Used ones can be had cheaper, but let yer buyers beware when it comes to used electronics, especially from rednecks. If it looks like the screws were opened by a pocketknife and the face is worn around the knobs, you're better off with a new unit.

 

The cheap Midland will work but those running a good Cobra 29/Uniden 78/any export radio will be able to walk all over you.

But heck if you want to get that cheap, check out your local classifieds....sometimes you can find used little radios like that for less than $20. Sometimes you can find bigger radios than the Midland for $20.

P.S. I don't think Midland is really considered a good brand, but a "ok" brand.

 

I would have to say the Cobra 25 or 29. Stay away from the hand held.
You would look funny going down the road holding it with the antenna out the window. lol

 

NOTHING WRONG WITH A CHEAP CB ......

I always beleve if you feel rules are made to be btoken just back it up with a 500 watt amp ...

Problem solved ....

 

Cheap is good...

You need a CB to talk to shipping and receiving at some places... less than a mile, so a cheap one should work well.

You might want a CB to monitor the yakking on the road... a big peak of stuff like "brake check," "which lane is open," followed by a bunch of BS is what you're looking for - a mile or two in advance.

Don't need much of a CB to pick up that!

 

OK ....

You are allowed 4 watts ....
A receiver # 27 mhz is very easy to build so most CB radios have good receivers. A good preamp mike cures 99% of the needs for audio .....

So what are you really getting in the big CB set ?????

 

I thought I read here the newer 29's were not able to take mods. They are different. Newer meaning 29NWBT types.