first time cb radio buyer

swrvninmypala · #1 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 06:01 PM

Looking to buy my first cb radio. Was looking for some input on a good brand. Was looking at the Cobra 29-LTD 2- way 40 channel cb radio. Any thoughts on this product?

markandjere · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 06:35 PM

Both Cobra and Uniden are good names in CB's. They will be fine. Like everything the more you want to spend the more you get. There are plenty of other high $ radios out there as well. I will always favor the bigger chassis CB instead of the smaller ones but that is just my preference. Most truck stops run specials on CB's on a regular basis ,check there for some prices.

hockeyshrink · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 10:55 PM

I have not had luck with Cobras. I went through 2 18WXTs and a 29WXNWST before I switched brands. I now run a Galaxy 959 in the truck and couldn't be happier.

2beers4me · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swrvninmypala

Looking to buy my first cb radio. Was looking for some input on a good brand. Was looking at the Cobra 29-LTD 2- way 40 channel cb radio. Any thoughts on this product?

There is a guy in the for sale section selling a 29 for $50. Thats a damn good deal. The Cobra 29 is a great AM only cb. It would be a great first rig for anybody. The 29 is the main cb you will see in a number of trucks on the road. They always sound good on the air also. Myself, and others I know have ran these radios over the years with minimal problems if any at all. If it were me, I would scoop the used one for $50. Good luck on your first rig whatever you decide to purchase.

pliquett · #5 (**permalink**) 09-01-2009, 09:28 PM

Like anything else it depends on what you are using it for and where you will install it. A cobra or uniden is ok for the family car to turn on to see why traffic is backed up or for directions. If you are using it in a "Big Rig" and plan on talking on it 10 to 12 hours a day you definately want something with some power especially in a big city. Check Craigs list in you area or a CB shop. Regular truck stops are way to high priced for little radios. I personally like the Galaxy 33, good and strong without all the frills. I recently found one on e-bay for $60. Good luck.

thunderbritches174 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-02-2009, 04:44 PM

Galaxy 33's are import radios and are not type accepted therefore making them illegal in the US.

APTN · #7 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunderbritches174

Galaxy 33's are import radios and are not type accepted therefore making them illegal in the US.

QTH.COM: FCC information regarding Illegal CB Radios

Dodgem250 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hockeyshrink

I have not had luck with Cobras. I went through 2 18WXTs and a 29WXNWST before I switched brands. I now run a Galaxy 959 in the truck and couldn't be happier.

In all honesty here, your radio selections were not the best. The 18's are junk heaps as well as the cobra NWSTWX units, these are basically complete failures from Cobra, this is common knowledge in the CB radio hobby world.

To use a straight Cobra 25 LTD Classic or the same of Cobra 29 LTD Classic units, these are the best you can buy, if it has NW / ST / WX on the face plate, you just bought trouble.

As for the Cobra 18 models, I won't even go there...

hockeyshrink · #9 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodgem250

In all honesty here, your radio selections were not the best. The 18's are junk heaps as well as the cobra NWSTWX units, these are basically complete failures from Cobra, this is common knowledge in the CB radio hobby world.

To use a straight Cobra 25 LTD Classic or the same of Cobra 29 LTD Classic units, these are the best you can buy, if it has NW / ST / WX on the face plate, you just bought trouble.

As for the Cobra 18 models, I won't even go there...

Yeah, well I had been out of the cb world for 20 years, so missed all that "common knowledge" when I looked for a cb radio 10 yrs ago. The weather feature was attractive to me, as I was doing a lot of travel & off-road stuff. I eventually got the point and got a real radio.

People also say any Galaxy with 3 digits in the name is just a glorified Cobra; however, I have not had any issues with my 959. I get my wx through ham now.

Edit: My error was going with the exotic models with WX, NW, XYZ as Dedgem says, but I felt so burned by Cobra that I wanted to move to another brand, and wanted to move into sideband. (back in the day I ran a 23 ch TRC-40 Navaho as a base, first a 6 ch TRC-10 as mobile, then moved to Motorola Mocat in the mobile, and this was all new stuff, lol)

canav844 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 11:30 AM

It's a 4watt limit, pay more attention to getting the most out of your antenna. I've got a Cobra 29LTD Chrome and it works great, so I can extend that recommendation.

Dodgem250 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hockeyshrink

Yeah, well I had been out of the cb world for 20 years, so missed all that "common knowledge" when I looked for a cb radio 10 yrs ago. The weather feature was attractive to me, as I was doing a lot of travel & off-road stuff. I eventually got the point and got a real radio.

People also say any Galaxy with 3 digits in the name is just a glorified Cobra; however, I have not had any issues with my 959. I get my wx through ham now.

Edit: My error was going with the exotic models with WX, NW, XYZ as Dedgem says, but I felt so burned by Cobra that I wanted to move to another brand, and wanted to move into sideband.

I will agree on the statement of the Galaxy 949 / 959 bing a glorified Cobra unit, this is true for the most part. The Galaxy 949 & 959 are not "export" units by any means of the imagination, but, they sure did sell really well when they have the Galaxy name stamped on them, I guess the "name brand" gimmick worked great for a while. The biggest issue I see here with the new Galaxy units is constant frequency drift.

va3hub · #12 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 12:39 PM

I am suppose to get a CB from the late 80's tonight,don't no the make.
My Buddy was saying that he had one in his car and used it twice,he has the original box and I should be getting it today.
Will post make and You guy's can tell me if its good or not.....lol.
They say that your radio is only has good has your antenna..... I believe that.

Dodgem250 · #13 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 12:42 PM

I certainly do prefer working on older units, they were like many things, they were made of something back then.

hockeyshrink · #14 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 01:39 PM

Very cool, hub-ster. Yes, please let us know what it is, just out of curiosity.

OK, lets talk antennas. This is what I have used & liked:
70's: base - Penetrator
mobile - 102" whip, Hellcat 4, Motorola Mocat, K40 (trunk mount)

00's: base - A99
mobile - K40 (Power Whip), Firestik (4')

2beers4me · #15 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunderbritches174

Galaxy 33's are import radios and are not type accepted therefore making them illegal in the US.

Yep, big time illegal. That big time 25 watts could land your butt behind bars. What a shame, It's such a nice radio.

swrvninmypala · #16 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hockeyshrink

Very cool, hub-ster. Yes, please let us know what it is, just out of curiosity.

OK, lets talk antennas. This is what I have used & liked:
70's: base - Penetrator
mobile - 102" whip, Hellcat 4, Motorola Mocat, K40 (trunk mount)

00's: base - A99
mobile - K40 (Power Whip), Firestik (4')

im getting a cobra 25 ltd
i prefer a mag mount antenna...was wondering what the best antenna would be. i see wilson has been getting good reviews. and suggestions

KF5DCI · #17 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009, 07:55 PM

I have a Cobra 19 DX III for sale in the for sale section.

va3hub · #18 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hockeyshrink

Very cool, hub-ster. Yes, please let us know what it is, just out of curiosity.

OK, lets talk antennas. This is what I have used & liked:
70's: base - Penetrator
mobile - 102" whip, Hellcat 4, Motorola Mocat, K40 (trunk mount)

00's: base - A99
mobile - K40 (Power Whip), Firestik (4')

Well I have the model number,and man was I ever disappointed when i say it,
Its a Realistic TRC-430.........any comments on it ? don't worry about breaking my heart.
I cant still buy it.........how much should I offer the seller ? I was thinking 10 bucks.

hockeyshrink · #19 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by va3hub

Well I have the model number,and man was I ever disappointed when i say it,
Its a Realistic TRC-430.........any comments on it ? don't worry about breaking my heart.
I cant still buy it.........how much should I offer the seller ? I was thinking 10 bucks.

I had to look it up...it's very cute, hub-ster!

I don't know anything about it, but I liked the old Realistic radios. I have no clue how much to offer, but if its in good shape and works, looks like a nice radio for 10 bucks.

Thanks for sharing!

va3hub · #20 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hockeyshrink

I had to look it up...it's very cute, hub-ster!

I don't know anything about it, but I liked the old Realistic radios. I have no clue how much to offer, but if its in good shape and works, looks like a nice radio for 10 bucks.

Thanks for sharing!

"very cute"lol........I gave him ten bucks for it,back up i guess.