Looking to buy first CB, any info is appreciated

WAY to much $ and way too much antenna for that radio, go to "radioactiveradios.com" and call the # tell them what you want to do and they will sell you exactly what you need another $100.00 and you can have one of the best radio setups on the road, they took excellent care of me.

 

Folks, last year during March and April, Pilot truckstops had a sale on Midland model 5001Z cb radios for $50.00. I suggest that you check out Pilot in March 2011 and see if they repeat that sale. The Midland 5001Z is a direct competitor of the Cobra 25.
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Since all cb radios have a legal limit of 4 watts of output power, you can expect any cb radio that you buy stock-outa-the-box is going to put out 3 watts. You really do not need to peak and tune your radio. You don't peak and tune your alarm clock, watch, microwave, tv or computer. Any cb radio will work just fine for your needs with a 4 1/2,5,5 1/2 or 6 foot long antenna.
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I strongly suggest that the SWR be checked BEFORE you start using whatever radio you decide to purchase. The Wilson 1000,2000 and 5000 antennas are very good but a little to pricey for me. If that is really what you what, go for it. But for a simple 3-5 miles of range cb radio setup, that is a needlessly expensive cash outlay. But to each his own.

 

I went to a Pilot truckstop on 5 March 2011. The following three radios are on sale at Pilot truckstops:
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. $30 compact Midland 1001Z
. $70 Cobra 25 Classic
. $80 Cobra 29 Classic
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If you are in the market for a new cb radio, you can save some money and buy one of these while they are on sale. The sale is for March 2011. I am not sure if the sale is also for April 2011. Sorry.

 

Try the CB shop at TTT in Tuscon, AZ
they sell used 29 Ltd peeked and tuned with echo and talkback for $100 or so. Add a few more bucks and he will put a Ranger final and super mod on it. Add an external spkr, a francis fiberglass antenna and a Astatic 636 noise cancelling mic. She be putting out like a highschool teenager on prom night!