Any good, small CB radios?

[LittleDog]

Howdy all, just checking in to see of there's anything new worth looking into in terms of a good, small, CB set.

Currently using a stock Cobra 29Lx, and love it, except for its gargantuan size, as the radio itself somewhat horns in on the namesake Little Dog's sleeping area. Passengers sometimes complain, but that's why I make them sit in back; Little Dog just gives me dirty looks.

I've tried a few others, but keep reurning them and going back to the Cobra. Every other cb just sounds terrible to me, or I can't work them properly on the road. I can't seem to deal with tinny speakers and going through menus for squelch and RF gain while on the road. But, large as the JL may be, jeeps aren't really built for a full-sized CB radio.

FYI, I've a 60" Tram antenna, powered mic, external speaker, and PA. (Mostly for for yelling at wildlife and Little Dog) People say I come in clear and strong. SWR maybe 1-1.7 on 20, depending on humidity. (Some grounding issue I haven't gotten to yet) Really, I love the Cobra, but it's just so large, and I'm simultaneously trying to pare things down, and add ham for an upcoming cross-country trip.

I do have a GMRS radio that I am happy with, and am waiting for the world to settle down to become a real ham, but in most (many, but not NJ) parts of the US, CB is still just more fun to play with, so I'd like to keep it.

Any suggestions or knowledge would be welcome.

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[Black Jeep Convertible]

Handheld Midland https://amzn.to/30WEIJs

 

[Ct_Formula]

I have one of these in each go bag in the vehicles. They are the size of a pack and 1/2 of cigarettes. I put the bracket on them and use a magnet to hard mount it while I'm using them.

CB-27 Mini CB Radio

 

[LittleDog]

Those tiny ones are exactly what I'm talking about. That one seems to have most everything I want, (including Scan, which I forgot to mention, but love using on the road) albeit without dedicated knobs. No PA, though, but if my GMRS has one, I could switch it over. How does it sound, compared to a a full-size radio? I've had some awful luck with these small sized ones.

I think the Cobra 29 is still using the same board and circuitry they've been using for the past thirty years or something, just with a fancy back light. I figured someone must make a comparable quality one with current technology, but haven't found one yet.

 

[LittleDog]

Handheld Midland https://amzn.to/30WEIJs

Whoops, missed your response, as it was as small as that radio!

Great suggestion, only problem, I actually already carry that little Midland! It is my next favourite radio. I keep it in the jeep as backup, or a loaner. Great for handing to someone when I'm trying to follow them and they insist on running and leaving me behind every red light.

Sound isn't terrible, compares to those other small ones sized like ct_formula suggested above that I've tried so far, but nothing like the giant Cobra.

I dig the size, features, and how it can be used as a handheld, even. Came with a ton of accessories too.

 

[Ct_Formula]

Whoops, missed your response, as it was as small as that radio!

Great suggestion, only problem, I actually already carry that little Midland! It is my next favourite radio. I keep it in the jeep as backup, or a loaner. Great for handing to someone when I'm trying to follow them and they insist on running and leaving me behind every red light.

Sound isn't terrible, compares to those other small ones sized like ct_formula suggested above that I've tried so far, but nothing like the giant Cobra.

I dig the size, features, and how it can be used as a handheld, even. Came with a ton of accessories too.

I use a external speaker if I'm using it on a extended drive. Otherwise the internal works for short trail runs and trips.

 

[Crawldad]

i have a President CB "Bill FCC" it's 4x4x1"

working on mounting it. President microphones are specific to President radios, as they have channel up/down buttons on the mic itself

https://www.walmart.com/ip/PRESIDENT-TXUS001-BILL-FCC-CB-Radio/759778693

 

[sourdough]

2 years no issues... https://www.cooltechllc.com/2018-je..._black/71-mopar_tailgate_reinforcement_kit-no

 

[LittleDog]

2 years no issues... https://www.cooltechllc.com/2018-je..._black/71-mopar_tailgate_reinforcement_kit-no

I was going to try that Cobra, but the price went crazy this past year. Used to be able to find them for $129 or so, but now they are over $200 most places. Don't know if they've discontinued them or not.

I've heard some people had problems with them, how's yours? Comparable to a full-size?

 

[LittleDog]

i have a President CB "Bill FCC" it's 4x4x1"

working on mounting it. President microphones are specific to President radios, as they have channel up/down buttons on the mic itself

https://www.walmart.com/ip/PRESIDENT-TXUS001-BILL-FCC-CB-Radio/759778693

I've actually never tried any of the President CBs, but often hear good things about them. Is it easy to adjust squelch on that unit? How's it sound?

 

[Crawldad]

I've actually never tried any of the President CBs, but often hear good things about them. Is it easy to adjust squelch on that unit? How's it sound?

not sure yet. i probably wont get it all installed until next weekend. this is my first President so i'm excited haha. i've had a few cobras and unidens.

 

[Jitzy]

I was going to try that Cobra, but the price went crazy this past year. Used to be able to find them for $129 or so, but now they are over $200 most places. Don't know if they've discontinued them or not.

I've heard some people had problems with them, how's yours? Comparable to a full-size?

I have that cobra too and absolutely love it. That one listed there is the whole kit thought not just the radio, looks like your getting everything you need in that including the mount and antenna.

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