CB Vs GMRS Question

[Dadgummit]

I have done a few searches on the subject of CB Radio vs GMRS and it seems pretty unanimous that GMRS is a much better quality. My question is not about quality but which one is actually used more? Especially in Southern California? You can have all of the quality in the world but if the group you are with do not have compatible radios it is useless. I am that guy who hears about a group going out and I tag along, I really don't have a regular group.

Makes me remember the early 1990's when my dad did his research and ended up buying a Betamax VCR. Sure, it was slightly better, but the world embraced VHS making the Betamax not much more than a joke. I appreciate your input!

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[Johnny B]

You have options. I am installing an overhead molle panel that will play host to a CB. There is adequate room to install a GMRS mobile if the need arises. In the meantime, I have a set of GMRS talkies that really suffice, cause I can get out of the Jeep with it in my hand. CB, not so much. So I cover most of what is used on trails. But, this is just me, and my ideas ain't for everyone. lol

 

[grimmjeeper]

I have done a few searches on the subject of CB Radio vs GMRS and it seems pretty unanimous that GMRS is a much better quality. My question is not about quality but which one is actually used more? Especially in Southern California? You can have all of the quality in the world but if the group you are with do not have compatible radios it is useless. I am that guy who hears about a group going out and I tag along, I really don't have a regular group.

Makes me remember the early 1990's when my dad did his research and ended up buying a Betamax VCR. Sure, it was slightly better, but the world embraced VHS making the Betamax not much more than a joke. I appreciate your input!

Betamax was already dead by 1990.

Bottom line is that CB is dying. It was huge for decades. And some people still use it. But those numbers are dropping every day.

I have a CB but I only use it once a year. Easter Jeep Safari still calls for it. And as a trip leader I have to have it. But even there half the people on the runs use GMRS and I end up repeating everything on both radios most of the time.

There's no need to worry about GMRS being the Betamax of radios.

 

[Bobsled]

A handhelid GMRS radio can be had for around 40 bucks and will be just fine for a group ride

 

[Ratbert]

In my experience it's extremely rare to run into a group that uses CBs. GMRS is much more prevalent.

Note that if you end up getting a CB then you'll want one that supports the newer FM modulation. Even CBs can't necessarily be part of the CB conversation anymore.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I'm in Socal and don't know any jeepers using CB anymore. GMRS is by far the most popular.

Don't forget to get a license.
Why Do I Need a GMRS Radio License & How Do I Get It? (midlandusa.com)
Applying for a New License in the Universal Licensing System (ULS) | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov)

 

[WXman]

In the 1990s and 2000s there were licensed Ham radio users, and CB users. Seems that GMRS has sort of bridged the gap between the two.

 

[roaniecowpony]

In the 1990s and 2000s there were licensed Ham radio users, and CB users. Seems that GMRS has sort of bridged the gap between the two.

I think some radios have dual band, HAM, and GMRS. Makes it easier for the HAMs to fit in and still have the long range capability of HAM when needed. I've given it some thought to get a HAM license.

 

[grimmjeeper]

I think some radios have dual band, HAM, and GMRS. Makes it easier for the HAMs to fit in and still have the long range capability of HAM when needed. I've given it some thought to get a HAM license.

Antenna tuning becomes an issue if you try to run a one-size-fits-all radio.

I have a separate GMRS from my ham unit. It's an extra antenna but it's still unobtrusive enough to not get in the way.

 

[Johnny B]

I think some radios have dual band, HAM, and GMRS. Makes it easier for the HAMs to fit in and still have the long range capability of HAM when needed. I've given it some thought to get a HAM license.

The lower the frequency, the greater the real estate coverage. GMRS is 462 mhz, CB is 27 mhz. That alone depicts real estate coverage in a glance.

 

[AcesandEights]

GMRS is more popular, but there are some entities or organizations that require CB, especially dependent on what trail or location(s) you're driving.

They're cheap. Get a couple handhelds.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I think the Rubicon Trail has a GMRS repeater installed. Trail Communications – Rubicon Trail Foundation

 

[Mark75H]

Antenna tuning becomes an issue if you try to run a one-size-fits-all radio.

I have a separate GMRS from my ham unit. It's an extra antenna but it's still unobtrusive enough to not get in the way.

Generally no problem with a good antenna for GMRS and ham 70cm because GMRS is 65cm right next door. I have a nice antenna that shows under 1.5 SWR across both bands.

As far as dual band radios go, there are no currently made radios that are FCC approved to transmit on both. Physically there are radios that do both and as long as you are careful, no one will know the difference.

I would not rush to buy a FM CB. Right now, FM CB is still a novelty. Unless you and a friend are both buying FM CB's you might not have anyone to talk to. Just like SSB CB in the old days.

CB is going to require a different antenna from GMRS and ham except for 10m ham immediately adjacent to CB at 11m.

 

[dchemphill1]

The range on gmrs is so much better. Go gmrs or if your feeling up for a challenge go with ham.

 

[wcjeep]

The only reason I still have CB is the logging truckers use it. Listen for them coming down the mountain. Otherwise GMRS and Ham are superior.

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