Reddit mentions: The best handheld cb radios

I'm with others in saying that a small, dedicated unit will be "better", but I personally own the Uniden. With a magmount and a 12V cigarette plug, it works great! The only downside is that when you turn the unit off, it reverts to Ch9. I listen to 19, so every time I turn it on, I have to click up 10 channels. Big deal...

Aside from that small gripe, the Uniden has been an excellent little radio. I didn't NEED a handheld when I made my purchase, but it is nice knowing I could go truly mobile with the rubber duck and batteries if I had to. Remember you will need an adapter to go from the small connection at the radio, to the larger fitting on the magmount antenna. Here is the one I purchased.

FireStik AR-3 Coax Adapter, UHF PL-259 to BNC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JYHRFUI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_K6jbBbD3WKXKM

On a side note, I did install a small 35W linear amplifier to help "get out" a bit better. I always get excellent copies when I use it, and would recommend it in tandem with the handheld, as I was only getting 2.2W output on my meter when speaking into the radio (swinging). Using it car to car under 1/2 mile should be no issue running the radio barefoot, but it is something to consider.

Hope this information helps!

-Uniden PRO401HH

Uniden PRO401HH 40 Channel Handheld CB Radio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N43KM5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_W3jbBb741Z69J

-K40 K-30 MagMount Antenna

K40 K-30 35" 300 Watts Stainless Steel Magnet Mount CB Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H2W270/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_U2jbBbVEFPAF4

-RM Italy KL-35 Linear Amplifier

https://m.newegg.com/products/9SIA53X1JT1896?ignorebbr=true&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-Mobile&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-Mobile-_-pla-_-Car+Amplifiers-_-9SIA53X1JT1896&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjfDMp7Oa2wIVVDqBCh1MAA2mEAQYASABEgJbGfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Hey there!

I'm Dauph, and I here are some things I've learned:


General

• She doesn't crawl. Get some speed for steep hills. Be commited.
  
  
• The attack angle from the bumpers are not good at all. The fender is plastic and flexable. If you are serious about off-roading, you'll find clips to start popping on the front. Example | Example 2
  
  
• You should consider some All Terrain tires. Although the stock tires are a beast in themselves. I have a video here.
  
  
  Gear
  
  
• Always have a good set of towstraps. At least 2. You never know when you need them. People are willing to help you get unstuck, but you should have straps to mitigate embarrassment.
  
  
• A "come-along" is a good tool that I keep with me at all times
  
  
• Radios are always good to have. I have one installed in my XV and I love using it in convoys and talking to truckers! u/agamoruso could tell you as well as he just installed one. u/k12azy13astard
  
  
• A shovel! This thing has helped me a ton! You can pick them up at walmart.
  
  
• A good first aid kit!
  
  PM me if you'd like to know more
  
  Edit: Grammer, format
  

Cobra makes a decent handheld cb, but I wouldn't expect the same performance as a vehicle mounted or base station cb. I would recommend replacing the "rubber duck" antenna with a telescoping one. I have a cobra HH 38 WX ST on a good day I get between 2 and 3 miles. Not a bad idea for hiking if you know someone in that area is monitoring ch9 or you have friends out there with CB's

While we're throwing random products out there, I got the Comet SMA-24 antenna for my FT-60 and I am loving it. The Signal Stick is definitely more flexible though.

Just make sure the connector is compatible. Some HTs have female SMA connectors, while others have female.

Edit: Ain't she purrdy?

A handheld CB radio with a non permanent magnetic antenna could be a good option, one I plan on going with very soon. All the joy of feeling like the bandit and getting a smokey report without a permanent install.

Yea it's a handheld. Midland 75. Opted for his one because I didn't have to run power. Also I can take the unit off the cable in the jeep and plop on a battery pack and stubby antenna (all included) and use it outside the jeep if needed. But the install was straight forward for me. Put mounting hardware together, place between spare carrier and gate, run coax through gate along the rollcage under the glove box. Hook up the radio and plug into cigarette lighter. Pretty simple. Just takes time. Fishing the wire through the gate took the longest, but wasn't difficult. Followed this guide, but using different radio, so no need for power splice.

https://youtu.be/c3CgK3uTWkI

Edit : Parts Purchased
Heavy Duty Spring - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00042LC9M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Stud mount - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T4RSQ92/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Antenna - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X3EP7I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (3 or 4 foot will work just fine.)

CB Radio - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000K2YR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Coax Cable - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JT0CGI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1(18 feet is BARELY enough length to run from stud on mount to under the glovebox.)

Spare Tire Mount - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D5TNMNE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Optional, but suggested to get a quick disconnect.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UTQUAK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (still waiting on this to arrive, but antenna works without it.

Also be aware that you should get the antenna tuned. You can buy the meter and do yourself or find someone with it. Locally cost me $20 and about 10min of my day.

Hope this helps you with your install.

All handheld rubber duck style antennas are really more resistors than they are radiators. That "tactical" antenna does not even state what frequency they are designed for - probably not the amateur 2M band - so I would not spend that money.

A half wave vertical dipole antenna would be the most effective but that would be too long (3.2') for your backpack.

The next best possibility would be a proper 1/4 wave handheld antenna - they are about 16" tall or so, something like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Comet-Original-SMA-24-Dual-Band-Antenna/dp/B0053QEJHG

​

(PS: it is Yaesu, not Yeasu).

For a few more dollars you can get a radio and talk to CB truck radios.

https://www.amazon.com/Midland-75-785-40-Channel-CB-Radio/dp/B00005Q4ZV/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1481207330&sr=8-9&keywords=cb+radio

And it may very well be a better radio.

Neither (yeah, I'm gonna be "one of those guys").

I say that because there are so many knock-off Nagoyas -even on Amazon- that I don't trust them any more.

I bought this Comet, and I love it!

I recommend [this one](Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00000K2YR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MNQgyb5EVW8EM)
2 battery packs and an adapter to plug it into your cigarette lighter and bigger antenna on your vehicle.
Been using mine for a few months now and I really like the options it offers.

Thanks for the great advice, I like the Firestik antenna in red but still not sure about where to mount it. I'm still running the stock back bumper with a Genright tire carrier (basket style) so I need to hit the forums to see where others have mounted theirs.

As for CB's what do you think of this one? I like that it can be portable if needed? http://www.amazon.com/Midland-75-822-Channel-CB-Way-Radio/dp/B00000K2YR/ref=pd_cp_e_0

$79 USD on Amazon sweet!

What model/year Jeep do you have? Do you want a “full size” CB or can you do something a little lighter?

I leave my doors off a lot, so I went with a plug n play setup that will allow me to pull it off or lock it up every time I don’t use it. I have this Midland CB hooked up to a 3ft Firestik and have had no issues with it.

I had the Cobra 75 for years. When it failed, I got the Midland 75-822. It's self contained in one handheld, so even less obtrusive than the Cobra and easier to install. The real bonus is it also has a small whip antenna and battery pack so you can get out and spot someone who has a CB in their Jeep (the distance of course is really short with the whip antenna).

Not necessarily at night, just whenever you're done driving for the day and getting ready to sleep.

If you want something small, look at the Midland 75-822 and a Wilson Little Wil antenna. That Midland CB comes with a car adapter that basically makes the whole unit a CB mic with all the controls on it.

Edit: and you'll need separate co-ax cable to connect the CB and the antenna.

So would something like this work? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004TKVD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WH7RBbMK4PBGF

You could use something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00000K2YR/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

All of my CBs are Cobra. I'm my car I have:
Cobra HH50WXST HH50 Wxst Hand Held, CB Radio, Earphone Jack, 4 Watt, Noise Reduction, NOAA, Dual Watch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078KB51XN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_h.2OCb81E3CR3

I bought mine when it was a little higher priced but this is the kind I have.

Given your parameters, any handheld set would work. I have the midland 75-822, and it works well.


The only radios with built in batteries are going to be handhelds. buying used CB radios is always iffy (most are unusable for one reason or another) so i don't recommend that route.


Buying any non-handheld unit is going to require you to know a little about wiring antennas and wiring for power (meaning, you have to buy more parts for both of these sections. handhelds are overall the cheapest way to get power/radio/antenna).

We use a Midland Handheld works fine for trucker/traffic info I keep it in my glove box

Found a few on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-PRO401HH-Professional-Handheld-Cancellation/dp/B00N43KM5S/

https://www.amazon.com/Midland-75-822-Channel-CB-Way-Radio/dp/B00000K2YR

https://www.amazon.com/Cobra-HHRT50-Handheld-Rooftop-Channels/dp/B0794H67JP/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00000K2YR/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522750488&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=cb+radio&psc=1

Iv got a link to on ehttp://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00005Q4ZV/ref=mp_s_a_1_33?qid=1416609244&sr=8-33

This is the CB i was talking about https://www.amazon.com/Midland-75-822-Channel-CB-Way-Radio/dp/B00000K2YR/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=midland+cb+radio+handheld+75-822&qid=1569728334&s=gateway&sprefix=midland+cb&sr=8-1&utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

Is it possible to mount the antenna that comes with that kit to a magnetic mount outside the car or is it a difference connection?

Here is the kit for reference: http://www.amazon.com/Midland-75-822-Channel-CB-Way-Radio/dp/B00000K2YR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411589742&sr=8-1&keywords=midland+75-822

I've had a Midland 75-822 in my XJ for a few years, no complaints. The fact I can throw the antenna & battery pack on it for use outside the Jeep is why I bought it.

At some point, I might try ham and pick up the BaoFeng UV-5R (or the newer BaoFeng BF-F8HP) that was recommended in the article. Going off the whole "two is one, one is none" mentality, I figure having 2 means of comms in the vehicle isn't a bad idea (especially since the price is minimal).

I have a [Midland HH54VP2] (http://www.amazon.com/Midland-HH54VP2-Portable-Emergency-Weather/dp/B003FGWF04/ref=pd_sim_e_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0SBSD11J3A7TKXMQ0HMS), a Midland desktop at home, a [Midland 75-822] (http://www.amazon.com/Midland-75-822-Channel-CB-Way-Radio/dp/B00000K2YR) CB with weather radio in my truck, an Eton FRX2 and an Eton Scorpion.

I pretty much use the HH54 the most. It gets the best reception of any of those (even the one in my truck with an external antenna). This one has a rechargeable battery pack and a desktop charging cradle. The it will easily go for a couple of months on a charge (turned off, not in "monitor" mode, which will need to be charged in a couple of days). It is small and rugged and I usually take it along when I am away from my truck.


I do use the 75-822 a lot, usually once or twice a day during my commute. It also includes a battery pack and a rubber antenna for portable use.

I do like the FRX2 and it gets some use. It holds a charge well and I like having the ability to use the solar or crank charger. As a charger for a cell phone or other USB device, I would not rely on that, as it takes a lot of cranking. It can also be charged through the USB port. The tuner is analog and includes AM and FM.

I really wanted to like the Scorpion, but it is a disappointment. It works, but you can only charge it with the solar panel, the crank or with an external AC adapter (not included), but not through the USB port, which seems stupid. It is also considerably bigger and more bulky than the FRX2 or the Midland portable. Reception is good, but the tuner (which is digital) and switches are rubber covered buttons, which are difficult to work. Flashlight is ok, but nothing stellar. I do like having AM/FM on this, but again, you fight with the rubber buttons to select band and station.

FRS and GMRS will both be disappointing. Maybe try CB? http://www.amazon.com/Midland-75-822-Channel-CB-Way-Radio/dp/B00000K2YR/ref=zg_bs_5811987011_1

If you get a CB, get an SWR meter an use it to adjust your antenna length for maximum effectiveness.

https://www.amazon.com/Comet-Original-SMA-24-Dual-Band-Antenna/dp/B0053QEJHG

With a wire quarter wave verticle ground.

I do not know where, I have failed to make contact a mile, away is unrealistic.

I have a WJ, so not exactly. I couldn't find a good place for a CB in mine. My uncle is big into ham, and in his "junk for trade" box, he had one of these...
Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00000K2YR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VhJjDb6ESKR0N
Sadly, it was missing the battery pack and small antenna, but did have the car adapter. Was able to install is with no modifications to the Jeep, and in a short time. If I need to, it will uninstall even faster.