We get several calls per day from folks inquiring about Radios, Antennas, Microphones. They frequently ask 'What do you Recommend'. We are ALWAYS glad to talk to customers and offer our recommendations of equipment, based on their particular set up and needs. However, I thought it might be a good idea to put up a GENERAL idea page of equipment that out staff endorses as our picks in each category. By no means is this an all inclusive list, and again we URGE you to give us a call for ideas for your specific situation and installation. Here Goes
Best Inexpensive AM Mobile CB Radio.........Cobra 19DX-IV. Priced at just shy of $50 they tune up pretty well and hear well. They won't light the world on fire, but for the occasional or vacation user this is the best of the cheapies.
Best Mid Priced AM Mobile CB Radio.......Cobra 25 LTD Classic. We like the 25 over the Uniden 68 from a durability standpoint. They tune up GREAT, Receive GREAT, and if you want they can be upgraded with high output finals for 40 watts output.
Best AM Only Full Size Mobile CB Radio....This is a tough one. My first thought is the Cobra 29 LTD and the 29LTD Black Chrome...BUT I think I have to give this one to the GALAXY DX-919. This is an outstanding radio that comes with BLUE channel leds and a large meter. Also the new ones come stock with Mosfet Finals that produce 40 watts output with crystal clear sounding modulation. 2 Year Galaxy Factory Warranty make this unit a winner!
Best AM/SSB Mobile CB Radio.....Dollar for dollar I have to go with the Galaxy DX-979. Again, Blue Display, Galaxy's 2 Year Warranty, and the chassis design of this unit is hard to beat. Don't overlook the Texas Ranger TR-966 either! This is another outstanding radio that tunes up well and is very reliable with great warranty support. Some folks don't care for the looks of it, but if you run a lot of SSB...this is a GREAT Choice!
EXPORTS
Best Entry Level 'Big Radio'....General A.P. Hill. While it is only a single final radio is is loaded with all the 'Big Radio' Features such as Digital Echo, Switchable Talkback, 6 Bands, and rock solid construction. The Channel Display is Red, but at less than $180 Bucks Tuned up you will see 35-38 Watts output with Super Loud, Clean Audio that will sound like it cost a bunch more!!
Best All Around Mid Power 'Big Radio'....General Lee. What can we say..this is our most popular radio for good reason! Blue Channel and Meter LEDs, Dual Mosfet Finals (60 Watts) Digital Echo, Switchable Dead Key, and KILLER Modulation. At less than $220 Bucks Tuned up this Radio will 'Rock the Band'!! Add the Top Gun Modules for even more 'Nastiness'
Best AM/SSB Mid Power Export....Superstar SS-158EDX This radio has it all..12 Bands of channels, Dual Mosfet Finals, Blue Channel and Frequency Counter Display, Good Sounding Echo, Talkback, and much more! At less than $250 this radio is the full meal deal. Blazing AM Modulation, Good SSB Operation, 2 Year Ranger Warranty (That is NOT voided is the radio is set up by a reputable Ranger Dealer)
Best Mid Power AM/SSB Mid Power Export #2......RCI-2950-DX. We list 2 radios in this catagory for a reason. The 2950-DX is the BEST SSB Radio on the market. While the SS-158 (above) is a GOOD SSB Radio, the 2950-DX is GREAT on SSB and GOOD on AM. It all depends where your operating mode preference lies. The 2959-DX is more of a 'Serious' Amateur Radio with VFO controlled Frequency Navigation, and no echo or talkback.
Best High Power AM/FM Mobile Radio.....Galaxy DX-48T..Ok, we may be a little bias toward this radio. It is Sparky's personal favorite!! 8 Bands of channels, Great Sounding Echo, Variable Talkback, Variable Power, Blue Channel LEDs, Large Meter, 2X2290 RF Transistors that will produce 225 Watts PEP Power with outstanding, Loud, Clean Modulation. These radios are built like TANKS. All in all for a High Power AM/FM Radio the Best Bang for the Buck in the business for right around $320 Tuned up and Ready to Rock!!
Best High Power AM/SSB Radio.....Galaxy DX-95T2 Similar to the 48T with the addition of SSB and a Frequency Counter...Just a GREAT Radio with a TON of Features and a TON of Power..ALSO the RCI-2970-DX..for the Die Hard SSB operator that needs the power..the 2970 is identical to the 2950-DX (See Above) but with an onboard Amplifier.
