What is your favorite CB make and model?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by BillyBobFrank, Oct 27, 2023.

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  1. BillyBobFrank

    BillyBobFrank Light Load Member

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    I had a cheap model cb (under $100) in which I couldn't understand what people were saying, so I got rid of it. With winter here, I need to get a new CB and wanted everyone's input. Also, I'm trying to be frugal instead of cheap this time around, so I don't mind spending $100-$150 for a good quality CB, more if necessary to get good sound quality.
     
    BillyBobFrank, Oct 27, 2023
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  2. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    I had 3 different. Cobra 29 ltd, uniden pc68 or 66, bearcat 880. All cost about $100-120. The first two were the same radio made by 2 different companies. Uniden 880 fit in the pre-cut hole for a CB in 2021 KW T680. Add external speaker.
     
    tscottme, Oct 27, 2023
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  3. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    "Get yourself a Midland", was the cry, but Cobra dominated the CB market.
     
    201, Oct 27, 2023
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  4. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Most any radio will do right out of the box. The key to good performance is your antenna system. Check out some of the threads here on TTR in the CB forum. Some good info there about this.
     
    kemosabi49, Oct 27, 2023
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  5. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

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    I don't know a ton about cb's but having a good coax, ground, connections tight, & antenna (swr) tuned will probably help with receiving clarity..

    Previously had a $45 Uniden pro 510xl with two tunable tip, 3' firestick's that sounded great. Much better than the Cobra 29 I got now with a coax from the '90's & single "pre tuned" 2' Francis whip..
     
    singlescrewshaker, Oct 27, 2023
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  6. Good Faith Trucker

    Good Faith Trucker Bobtail Member

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    Cobra Model 29 LX is the only one I’ve used, got the job done and had an easy to use, decent look that could change the back light color which was a cool feature. I will stick with the same one next time I go OTR (local driving now) and you can find them reman for 85 bucks. Would definitely recommend.

    peace
     
    Good Faith Trucker, Oct 27, 2023
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  7. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    Any of the cobra 29's will get the job done.
    I have a cobra 29 "classic", upgraded to the 29 "nightwatch", upgraded to the 50th anniversary Ltd lx..

    Take it to a GOOD SHOP to have your antenna system checked..

    A 3 watt radio will work just fine with a good antenna setup.
    A 50 watt will work like crap with a bad antenna setup.
     
    flood, Oct 27, 2023
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  8. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    We have bearcats in most of the trucks that seem pretty good, good antenna and a good coax and I can hit the office scale or the loader operator and that’s all I care about
     
    abyliks, Oct 27, 2023
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  9. RockinChair

    RockinChair Road Train Member

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    In your budget, a Cobra 29 LTD Classic or a Uniden PC78LTX are your best bets. For best sound quality, get a good external speaker and a noise-cancelling mic. And as others have said, having a properly-tuned antenna and good coax will make a big difference in your transmit and receive range.
     
    RockinChair, Oct 28, 2023
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  10. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    You may laugh, but my 1st CB was a JC Penny, and I think it had Royce guts, and it got out great. I used that CB in many trucks and 4 wheelers.
     
    201, Oct 30, 2023
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