Hand Held CB

GaryKD · 02-05-2007, 04:41 AM

I'm considering purchasing a hand held CB. Does anyone have experience with these radios? Is there a definite best of breed I should buy? Is there a definite Brand to stay away from? I'm looking to use the radio only when traffic has slowed to determine which lane is clear. Also, when in a CG to communicate back to the coach. Small size and light weight are important.
thanks,

GaryKD · 02-05-2007, 04:41 AM

I'm considering purchasing a hand held CB. Does anyone have experience with these radios? Is there a definite best of breed I should buy? Is there a definite Brand to stay away from? I'm looking to use the radio only when traffic has slowed to determine which lane is clear. Also, when in a CG to communicate back to the coach. Small size and light weight are important.
thanks,

Mike (KC9IPV) · 02-05-2007, 12:01 PM

In my opinnion, ... stay away from handheld CB's. You wont be happy unless your just using it to talk from car to car if your VERY close and even then your better off with some nice FRS or GMRS radios.

GaryKD · 02-06-2007, 05:01 AM

Mike,
Thank you for mentioning FRS and GMRS. I have FRS radio capability. It has not worked as I had hoped so I would like to try the hand held CB. My OP is focused on obtaining information on the hand held CB radio.

GaryKD · 02-09-2007, 05:21 AM

I purchased a Cobra 38WXST hand held CB. It works great. I used it for about 350 miles on Interstate highways. I get out a couple of miles in any direction (non-scientific radio checks). That is all I need. I will try it in a stationary situation and post the results here.

TXiceman · 02-09-2007, 04:53 PM

For on the highway, I'd go with a CB radio. For communication to the coach and around the campground, go with a FRS. The GMRS requires a license to be legal.

Best of all is to go ahead and get your no-code tech amateur radio license and get apair of HT (handi-talkies) either in 2 M or dual band (2M/70 CM). Much better range and you can use the local Ham repeaters.

Ken