When using the road, Citizen Band radios otherwise known as CB radios are used to provide safety and company to drivers. For instance, upon tuning to channel 19, it is easy to find that it is the preferred highway channel that is used by people driving trucks. On the other hand, channel nine is used for emergency purposes only.
A citizen band radio has an antenna that is designed to capture the radio frequency signals that are then converted to electrical signals by the receiving end by taking the electrical signals from the transmitting channel and converting them into radio frequency signals. This CB radio was invented back in the year 1945.
The best thing with this gadget is the fact that it does not necessitate the use of any license or permit to operate. The only requirement that one is required to have is the ability to abide by the relative FCC laws that are related to the gadget’s different bands.
A CB radio can have a range that can go between 20 to 55 miles depending on the terrain, the type of antennae in use and a combination of other factors. In this article, we are going to take a thorough look at the ten top CB radio brands in the market that will no doubt provide the user with the best value for money when matters related to providing the most professional quality are concerned.
Tips on choosing the best CB radios
When deciding on the most appropriate CB radio to buy, the most important thing to look at is the range. It is important to note that all CB radios are designed to provide the same power wattage of power as required by law. In a nutshell, the only major difference they have is their feature set and size and contrary to popular belief, not the amount of power they have or how far they can talk.
When choosing the specific one to buy, it is important not to be blinded by the radio range. It is important to concentrate on features. However, it is also imperative to note that there are exceptions in CB radios that are SSB equipped. These can transmit 12 watts of power instead of 4 watts and legally still, they are able provide the user with a bigger transit range.
The Uniden PRO505XL 40 Channel CB Radio
This 40 channel CB radio is best suited for users who spend a lot of their time travelling. It comes with a unique Channel 9 function that gives the user the ability to quickly reset the radio to emergency or channel nine mode in a flash. The user is also in a position to check the strength of incoming transmissions using the signal indicator. This radio also has a speaker jack on the outside that lets the user plug in an external speaker for better sound clarity.
It also has other amazing features that include a 40 channel operation, improved squelch control, an amazing channel display, improved volume control, channel select buttons, a large to read easy display as well as mounting hardware. This radio also has a variety of advanced micro-electrics that allow it to have an improved power reserve. Even when in low-light conditions, the user is still able to read because it has an amazing back-lit display.
The Uniden PRO520XL 40 Channel CB Radio
This CB radio brand is built to go to any place regardless of the terrain because it has an amazing rugged construction. It comes accompanied by a 4-wall output power that comes accompanied by a 40 channels preference for the user to choose from. This device is suitable for all types of outdoor environments.
The radio comes accompanied by seven watts of wattage which is the maximum according to FCC regulations. Another good thing about it is the fact that it is sleek which makes it quite smaller when compared to other models. It has main quality highlights that include noise reduction and control, a bright LED display, an automatic gain control as well as a high or low power switch. It is powered by 9 AA batteries or a vehicle’s 12V DC lighter socket adapter to offer maximum flexibility.
The Cobra 29 LX 40-Channel CB Radio
When matters related to new designs and uniqueness are concerned, this CB radio beats none other. It has an unending list of impressive features and the most prominent being the multi-color display. The display offers all the needed information that the user needs to refer to while using it. It is suitable for use even at night because the display can be easily seen at night and with the ability for the user to customize it to different colors.
It also keeps the user updated when matters related to the weather are concerned with its 10 NOAA weather channels. It also has a public address function that makes it very easy to be used for other purposes as well. It’s design is aesthetic and has a 4-watt power output.
The Uniden PC78LTD 40-Channel CB Radio
This specific CB radio model was made to commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary. It is sturdy and powerful and has customized features and settings that can be customized to offer the best quality and crisp sound. When using this radio, one does not have to worry about missing on a transmission because it has a very strong antennae that functions perfectly even when driving.
Another amazing thing about it is the fact that it has very easy to use control functions that allow the user to enjoy using it. To be in a position to tune the antennae for the best signal, it is important to use it’s built-in SWR meter. It’s many multiple adjustments make it possible for the owner to fine tune the signal until they desired clarity is achieved. It is also light weight and therefore suitable for people who spend a significant amount of their time outdoors and on the road.
The Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio
This specific model is the CB radio model to be considered by travel enthusiasts. It is an invaluable tool when matters related to getting everything started in a hurry are considered. First of all, it comes accompanied by a battery pack that comes in very handy when it has run out on the six AA batteries. In the same power feature, it comes accompanied by a cigarette lighter adapter that makes it very easy when matters related to it getting powered in the car hassle free are concerned.
This radio has not less than 40 communication channels that can deliver the best and crisp sound with 4 watts of outage power. It has a feature that improves on weak signals and makes them more audible.
Uniden PRO520XL CB Radio With 40 Channels
This CB radio offers an operation that is full-channel which plays a very integral role when matters related to being very good for mobility are concerned. It can operate on any of the 40 AM frequencies that all radios are allowed to operate on by the FCC. It has red LED indicators that help the user in monitoring all activities at a glance.
When matters related to noise are concerned, it can limit noise because it has an ANL fine-tuning feature that works very well. It’s front positioned microphone is also long and coiled so as to give maximum convenience. It has instant access to channel 9 for emergency situations. It also has the external speaker connection feature.
The Galaxy DX-959B Mobile CB Radio
The company that manufactures this CB radio has a wide reputation when matters related to being very keen on features are concerned. For this model, the functions are laid out in a friendly format which ensures that even in the event that the user is on the road, it will still be easy to use.
This particular radio model has been a very strong performer for the last decade and a half. This can be owed to the fact that it has very professional features and therefore, being very good for users who need that phenomenal and professional touch. It weighs only 4.4 pounds, and it comes accompanied by an owner’s manual so that the user can easily get accustomed to using it.
The Cobra 29 LX MAX Smart CB Radio with Smartphone Enhanced Features
This specific radio offers drivers with a legal way to which they can be able to communicate safely and easily through their smart phones with it’s Bluetooth Wireless Technology. This specific feature allows the driver to have their phone conversations on the road without being distracted.
It has a noise canceling feature that allows calls to be heard in a loud and clear manner. It has many god features that allow it to receive and report things that are happening on the roads and elsewhere.
Uniden BEARCAT CB Radio With A Sideband As Well As A Weather Band (980SSB)
This particular radio allows the user to stay connected and get updates on matters related to weather. It also has noise canceling features and a built-in signal meter. For easy viewing, it has an LCD color display that makes it very easy for it the user to read even at night. It weighs only 7.5 pounds and is fully licensed by the FCC.
The Cobra 29LTD 40-Channel CB Radio
This CB radio has the classic design of older models but modern features of the latest models. It can access not less than 40 channels. It’s display is easy to read and clearly shows the channel number even when the light is dim.
It has a four wattage which is the maximum that is allowed for an extended range of communication. With this radio, the user is in a position to at all times, enjoy maximum performance that is accompanied by a guarantee in durability.