Breaker 1-9, Best CB Radios for Truckers.... Our Review
Reviews and Top Picks for 2018
CB radio was once a staple tool for truck drivers, and it might seem like with the advent and proliferation of smartphones, that there would be little need for CB radio any longer. However, this would be an erroneous assumption. Truckers of today still use CB radios, and swear by the varied benefits of CB radios and the advantages they provide to the modern trucker.
Quick Comparison of 2018's Best CB Radios
How to Choose the Best CB Radio for Truckers
In this guide, we will discuss some of the benefits of using a high quality CB radio as a modern trucker, we will touch on some of the considerations you will need to account for, and finally, we will briefly review the following high quality CB radios:
- Uniden PRO520XL 40-Channel CB Radio
- Cobra 29 LX 40-Channel CB Radio
- AnyTone Smart 10 Meter Radio
- Midland 5001Z 40-Channel Mobile CB
Benefits of Having a CB Radio
It might seem like a pretty outdated form of technology with all of today's modern gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, but CB radios are not, as many have said, "dead." They are actually still very widely used and recommended amongst truckers, whether a novice or a seasoned professional. Obviously, non-truckers use CB radios too for a wide range of reasons, but the purpose of this guide is to detail the benefits of the CB radio to the modern trucker.
One of the biggest benefits of the CB radio is that it is still one of the most foolproof ways for a trucker in need of assistance to call for help. The FCC has dedicated Channel 9 on CB radios for emergency communication and this is an easy and fast way that a trucker can call for breakdowns, accidents, or if you need fire, police, or other emergency rescue. For the trucker, this is probably the most effective way to signal for help as it provides you a direct connection with emergency services faster than you could even dial 911 on your phone (if your phone is handy, of course, which the CB always is).
It is also still a great way to talk to other truckers. There is a lot of legend and lore about CB radio and the exploits of truckers in years gone by, and while much of it was sensationalized, these radios still continue to be a popular and effective way for truckers in the vicinity of one another to communicate. Channel 19 has long been the unofficial channel for trucker talk and it remains so to this day.
This Video further explains the modern utility of the CB radio for the professional trucker.
Another benefit of CB radios is their value. These are inexpensive, especially when considering the prices of most electronics today, and they give you versatility, entertainment, as well as access to vital emergency reporting and help services.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Right CB Radio for Your Needs
Even though CB radios are one of the least expensive gadgets that a professional trucker may utilize, cost is still something that should be taken into consideration. Today's CB radios come with a wide range of features, special additions, and different user interfaces, which can really effect the price tag of the item. You can often find a good CB radio for around $30, but a really high end radio, with all the proverbial bells and whistles, can actually run a few hundred dollars. This is why it is so helpful to decide what your price range is before you ever start shopping.
Having a preset budget really saves time when it comes to researching potential options. You can easily eliminate any model that falls outside your price range, which will let you avoid wasting time researching and option that is outside your budget.
You will also want to think about what features are important to you so you ensure you choose a model that has everything you want. Do you want to be able to use the CB radio as a PA system? Is having instant access to real time weather reports important? If so, you will want to look into the details of any radio you are looking at to ensure that they include the features or functionality you are looking for.
A review of the CB's:
Uniden 40-Channel CB Radio
40 Channels
Size: 4.5 x 6.8 x 1.4 inches
Weighs: 1.63 pounds
- Good Price
- Solid Performance
- Compact size
- Hard to see channel display in bright sunlight
Uniden is a trusted, time honored, and reputable maker of a wide range of radio technology, such as walkie talkies, and also other technology like radar, GPS devices, and of course, modern CB radios. Their 40-Channel CB Radio is an excellent blend of utility and value and is one of the more affordable options that we will review in this guide. This is an excellent basic CB radio for emergency use.
The radio features a PA, or public address, function with lets you make amplified announcements when the CB is hooked to a speaker. It can also be hooked up to an external speaker if you want better sound quality. There is an instant Channel 9 access so that, in the event of an emergency, you can reach the help you need quickly and with one simple hit of a button. The radio also features a transmission strength indicator, which will tell you how strong you are receiving transmission of signals in your local area.
For the price, it's hard to complain. This radio works fine, has no issues, and I certainly like the PA function, which isn't always available in the low priced radios.
CB user
Cobra 29LX 40 Channel CB Radio
40 Channel/10 Weather Stations
Size: 7.2 x 9.2 x 2.2 inches
Weighs: 5 pounds
- Scan Feature
- Weather Channels
- Can change display colors
- Some units had issues with antenna
Cobra Electronics is a trusted brand that is known for making a range of different CB radios and radar detectors. Their 29 LX 40-Channel CB Radio is a great choice for those who are looking for a nice blend between quality and value. One of the biggest features of the CB system is its huge, easy to see, multicolor display. This makes it incredibly easy to find the channel you are looking for, as well as to determine the strength of the transmission.
The radio also features weather channels, which give you current, real time weather conditions for the region you are currently in. This can be very helpful in inclement weather and especially in winter. The radio will automatically scan for active transmissions and will stop when a strong transmission is picked up. It also boasts the ability to be used as a PA system when plugged into an external speaker.
The radio also comes with instant access to emergency services, 10 different NOAA channels, as well as radio check diagnostic tools which alert you to battery functioning, antennae status, RF power, and more.
Excellent... radio check feature is superb. I like the scan feature and the weather continual scan... scans continuously for weather warnings and if it hears one it will interrupt cb chatter with weather alert.... has alarm countdown... and clock...
CB user
Diverse Radio System
Size: 4.29 x 4.09 x 0.98 inches
Weighs: .92 pound
- AM/FM Functions
- Small Size
- Loud and Clear
- Needs mod to convert to CB
AnyTone is a quality, reputable, and reliable maker of a line of CB radios and related accessories. They are known for making durable, well made products that are available at budget conscious prices. Their Smart CB Radio with FM/AM Mode is a great option for those who want more features and versatility, but don't want a huge price tag to go along with it.
This is an easy to install and use basic CB radio that is durably built and there when you need it. It features an AM/FM mode, allowing you to tune in to local radio in the area you happen to be in. It allows you easy access to local weather updates, emergency services, and more, with just the push of a button. The radio also features a push to talk coiled corded handset that makes it very easy to initiate communication with the touch of a button.
This is a lot of radio in a small package. Amazing what it can do with a little bit of set up.
CB User
40 Channels 4 watt output
Size: 4 x 4 x 1 inches
Weight: 4.85 pounds
- Solid and Well Built
- Rugged Mic
- Metal Construction
- Depending on terrain, reception issues
Midland is the maker of a range of radio based devices, such as two way radios and CB radios. They are known for making well machined, high quality products that are available at mid-grade prices. This is a great value for someone who is looking for a quality radio that will stand the test of time. Their 5001Z Mobile CB with Switchable Noise Filter is an excellent option for any trucker who wants clear access to emergency services, weather, and more.
With a max 4-watt output, this radio gets some of the longest range of CB radios on the market. It features ab Xtra Talk Mic Gain Boosts that help to improve voice clarity. You get instant Channel 9 emergency services access, as well as 40 different communication channels.
Gave this as a gift and he is still proud and excited about it. He says it has impressive reception and is obviously built to last.
CB purchaser
Conclusion
As with pretty much anything, it is hard to pick a single “winner” when it comes to the best CB radio, as what will work best for you will be dependent on your budget, desired features, and so on. If you are looking for a simple, basic CB radio system that will allow you to quickly and easily call for help in the event of an emergency, the Uniden CB radio or AnyTone radio is an excellent choice. For a mid-priced CB radio that offers a more sophisticated interface and more features, the Cobra or Midland models make excellent choices as well.
Though it might seem like something that has gone the way of VHS and cassette tapes, CB radios are still widely used and have a lot of utility for the modern trucker. It is an easy way to get access to local weather reports, it makes it as easy as the press of a button to alert emergency services in the event you need them, and it is also still a great way to talk to other truckers in your local area
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