CB's - does size matter?

[theksmith 3,839]

does size matter on a CB unit? the subject of the all-in-the-hand mini CB's came up recently on another forum...

 

 

the correct install of good wiring and good antenna will make more difference than anything else including how expensive or what size the cb itself is. read up on firestik.com about antennas, wiring, ground planes, etc. bottom line is don't judge a particular cb by the performance one guy in your group is getting... there are too many variables in the install that he may have gotten wrong other than the brand/size/model of the head unit.

 

a full-size unit will get you a more powerful built-in speaker usually, but other than that - if space is an issue, the Cobra 75 WXST is certainly your best bet. I know several people in local clubs with them and they work just fine.

 

i personally have a Midland 75-822 and it has been a great compact radio for me. i originally bought it because it worked as a handheld as well as vehicle mount, this allowed me to use it somewhat even before i had a real antenna.

 

the only reason i would recommend the Cobra over the Midland is that the Cobra has an external speaker connection on it's base. otherwise, the Midland is a more flexible and IMO better looking unit.

 

[Don2222222 1]

I run the Cobra 75 WXST with a 102" stainless whip.

 

I get good distance with it, and loud and clear reception.

 

Like: The weather channel feature; compact design; aux speaker connection.

Dislike: Due to it's miniature size, and state of the art design it does not allow for a "peak and tune."

 

As mentioned above:

The biggest factor for proper communication is the install. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's specs and tune the antenna.

[asphalt assault 0]

unfortunately of the people and dealers I have talked to say the cobra, all be it a very nice product, these have been hit and miss for reliability. I know one memeber who trashed his for many problems not working any longer and another who is going through warranty issues to get it fixed. the problem is the boards in the handset is not reliable. sometimes you get a good one and sometimes well..... a dealer I know who sells cobra said he does not sell that one any longer. he had the midland and has brought that one in only of all midland products to just fill that gap in his product line that cobra used to fill for him.

 

I have read many reviews from individuals online as well. many praise the midland and others have either loved or hated their cobra. now that being said there is one club jeep member that disliked his midland but I dont know why as of yet. I had already bought my midland and it was in transit so now I am commited. sofar, I LOVE IT> but I dont have an external antenna on my WJ yet. cant wait and to get it tuned. as someone else told me it is the antenna that is the most important peice to your cb and dont skimp on cash there.

 

cant wait. edit - wrote this to early in the morning and my writing skills are affected, sorry.

[Number7 86]

I had a Cobra 75, it worked when it felt like it. George:cool:

[K7VZ 15]

I use a Uniden PC68LTW. As far as physical size, it's big. I have it mounted on the passenger side of the center console and it doesn't seem to kill passenger leg room. As far as performance, it works great. I love the dynamic squelch. For antenna, I use a Wilson 5000 base loaded 64" whip. It's awesome.

 

[scottL 178]

for my application there really isn't any room to mount a full size unit unless you invade the passenger side footwell area.

with that said i'm on my third cobra 75 wx st in the past year; hopefully this ones' handset board will prove reliable.

hindsight being 20/20, i shoulda bought the midland unit.

Cobra's do come with a 2 year manufacturers warranty however so i'll keep returning 'em as long as they supply me with a new one.

i tried the firestik since they're a local company but found out no one could hear me very well. now i'm told i sound much clearer and louder with the cheapo radio shack antenna i bought for $19.

[Ladybug 429]

One of these days I will probably get a new cb, but for now this old 17 channel cb works....Its all in the cable, install, and antennae....IMO....Size does matter in some things, but I dont' think so much when it comes to cbs...LOL!

smiles, ladybug

[Don2222222 1]

Ladybug,

 

Those old 17 Channel rigs are a lot of fun for us older guys. If you have a desire to upgrade and leave that one behind, please let this old CB buff know. I am interested. Smiles.

 

Thanks,

 

Don

[rubicontrail.net 1]

I ran the Cobra 75WXST in my Cherokee with a properly tuned Firestik in my Cherokee. I was overall pleased with the performance but did have to replace the handset after the internals melted in the AZ heat. The replacement worked fine until I -- *sniff* *sniff* -- sold the Cherokee.

[Ladybug 429]

Ladybug,

 

Those old 17 Channel rigs are a lot of fun for us older guys. If you have a desire to upgrade and leave that one behind, please let this old CB buff know. I am interested. Smiles.

 

Thanks,

 

Don

 

Will do Don! but for now, I am quite ok with it...now that I have a tuned antennae! I will let you know if I ever decide to part with it!

smiles, karen