Help picking out a Portable CB

Mike08Liberty · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:35 am

Just as the title says ... I'm looking to get a portable CB radio but not sure what to look for.
Not looking for anything too expesive just something to use when I go wheelin'.

So far I have found this one ... yay or nay?
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Midland-75-785- ... tsupported

Any other ideas ...

riptricket · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:14 am

Cobra 75 WX ST
By far the coolest and best cb out there.
It stores anywhere, fits perfectly in your hand, has weather, and it just looks awesome!
but I am biased

tomsjeep · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:20 am

I have the Cobra version of the Midland handheld you point to at eBay. While I'm sure there is nothing wrong with the electronics of what you're interested in (there is nothing wrong with mine), a serious caveat has to be considered:
Antenna is everything!
A handheld such as you're looking at usually will not get any sort of signal from within a vehicle. And getting out of your vehicle (say when you're stuck in the mud and want to let the rest of the group know why you disappeared) is not only not pleasant, it's not very productive, as the broadcast range off that antenna is not too swell.
Ripticket's suggestion is a better one, or just put one of the little ordinary boxes in and be done. My experience with the handhelds - I'm sure you've figured out already - would have been more productive with orange juice cans, buttons and string.
hey rip, is that your thong swimsuit sitting under the heater controls on your vehicle? How come you never posted pictures of you wearing that? Was this part of a Borat look-alike contest?

4WheelAholic · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:18 pm

Find yourself one of these http://www.midlandradio.com/CB-Radio.WYQ/75-822 best of both worlds

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:39 pm

I like midland's handhelds, even their low end hand helds are exceptional

would work just fine for on the trail or camping or something

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:43 pm

Portables are so non-committal. Cowboy up and get yourself a proper CB.

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:50 pm

Mike aint gonna put a Antenna on his jeep

that aint how he rolls :lol:

i could be wrong though!

I like handhelds, but i prefer really long mic cords :lol:

Mike08Liberty · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:09 pm

Your right Jeepin' no antena on my Jeep. I don't go wheelin' a lot and I don't camp ... I just need something to keep in touch on the few trail rides that I do go on.

I was looking into the Midland 75-822. I have that one saved on my eBay also.

oddball · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2009 6:11 pm

riptricket wrote:

Cobra 75 WX ST

X 2. And get yourself a magnet mount antenna. You'll be happy you did (once you're on the trails).

Albert · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:15 pm

I like that Midland 75-822

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:23 pm

northerntool has the 75-785 - lower model, for less than 50 bucks just a fyi

CaKJFreedom · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2009 7:57 am

My only issue with the mag mount antennas is that they get knocked down each time you go under a tree or hit a good bump. You could always to with the type that attaches to your spare tire so you don't have anything permanent on your Jeep.

Mike08Liberty · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:18 am

I have a KK ... No rear mounted spare tire.

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:23 pm

yeah i'm not sure a 16" rubber duck antenna would do very well mounted to his spare.. under the vehicle!

hmm

you've got a hitch right? they have vice grip antenna mounts, basically a pair of vice grips with an antenna bracket welded to it

would probably work just as well if you clamped it to your roof rack where ever was easiest

a 16" ducky antenna on a vice grip mount and an 9 foot coax should do you right if you plan on just snaking the coax in through the door

Mike08Liberty · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:30 pm

good ideas ... but I just stick to geting a good portable cb :lol:

kingjeep · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:50 pm

I have an old hand held with a 3 foot antena that i got off ebay i have to open the sun roof to use it but it works servs its perpous on the trail not great for hiway use and i have riden with guy s who have a regular cb they are much better but for 20 bucks a cheep hand held will do the job if you want a good one i would ask jlrocky i have seen his it looks nice fits in the kj cant even see it and on one of the other threads some one replaced there rado antina with the cb thats what i would do just my 0.02

lil black liberty · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2009 1:28 pm

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000069DOV ... HMHQ9QTDR2

Had one of these back in the day.. not too bad used to use it for Storm Chasing but found out needed a HAM Radio for that

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2009 6:43 pm

just for clarification, the vice grip antenna mount i was talkin about, was talking about using it with a handheld should you want better rx/tx for whatever purpose, but for trails, i personally think you'd be just fine with a handheld without alternate antenna

everyone doesn't have interest in sitting out in their driveway talking skip to canada like i do :lol:

Mike08Liberty · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:28 pm

I ended up getting the Midland 75-822. I got it NEW for $86 and FREE shipping. I spoke to a few different places and they said this would be good for trail rides. It should give me a range of about 1/2 mile +. That is more then enough for the small trial rides that I go on.

After I use it this weekend I will post back and let you guys know how it worked. [/u]

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2009 4:08 pm

it should get out a bit better than 1/2 a mile - say if the terrain is somewhat flat

you'll be able to receive much better than that range though which is useful too!

weather band should come in handy too if ya go campin or fishin much

Help picking out a Portable CB

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