In a Galaxy far, far away...

I would have the old 29 checked by reputable tech then match it to a good antenna get a good mic and voila your are in business.

No need to go overboard with the antenna a 5.5 francis with a good coax will do just fine.

I think your old 29 is a way better radio than the 959, but that is just my 2 cents....

Good luck

 

If you get the Galaxy, it should have a power control on the front panel. Just don't let some hack clip the modulation limiter or do any of the usual useless hacks, like the "super-mod" or "NPC" mod. Just do a service manual alignment making sure the driver and final bias current settings are set correctly and you will have a very loud and crystal clear radio. I have a DX959 that is set this way, and everyone thinks it is a big base.

 

Not fond of the francis,they are floppy i find...I would get a top loaded(wire coiled up inside the top of ant plastic covering) and go as long as you can..Just remember the longer you go the better it is but it also catches a lil more wind and will sway....
Get your old 29 and "if" you wanted a lil extra umphh you can go with an rfx 75/150..Then again you can also find some physically small 200ish watt liniers to..
Dont do the bullhorns lean foward the antenna bs cause it does nothing for performance..Dont let someone tell you your swr is fine so your all good,lil more to kt than that but not alot for budget set ups..

 

Stryker 655 or 955..955 will need to be set up for cb i dont think the 655 will....Its a bit gimmicky of a radio but i love my 955..They will reach out a good bit without amps and such..Half the battle is coax and antenna set up..

 

If you really want something new at fair price i would go Gen Lee or Connex 3300 they are good old reliable radio plus they don't attract attention plus no need to connect directly in batteries box.....sure there is radios with more options and toys but these 2 are proven performer at reasonable price.

 

Totally agree with you Francis would not be my 1st choice either but since OP was looking at easy cheap solution francis is doing an ok job in that field.

 

Yes it is easy and cheap but im thinkin a lil better quality the 1st time..No sence in buying a floppy francis the later on buying a skip shooter or firestick..Besides not much difference in price..