I thought I had seen some CB reviews but cannot find any. The two radios I am looking at are the Uniden PRO538W and the Cobra 18 WX ST II. I am looking at these b/c of the front firing speaker and their price range.
Does anyone have an opinion about either of these? Good or Bad. I will probably pair it with a Firestick 2 4 foot antenna.
Thanks

 

I just finished the last pieces of the install of the Cobra model yesterday. The main reason I got it is that it fits perfectly in the available single din slot. It does look clean and the speaker is loud! I have it hooked up to a FireStik II hooked up on the bumper with a good reading of 1.2-1.3.

While it is a basic model, based on my preliminary driving with it, I think it should work well on the trail. If I didn't go with this model, I would have gone with that Midland model people have talked about here in the past.

I'm not sure about the specs of the Uniden model, but I don't think it will fit as nice as the Cobra. This one fit so perfect and snug that I didn't have to fasten it in as it just sits there.

 

It looks like it was born there too Darren, looks great.
If I did not have my monster Cobra, I might go for this one.

I also like that Midland model like a few have that has the USB & LSB channels on it, but it has no PA function, and I use that a lot.

 

I think the Midland requires some small trim pieces be fabricated on the sides of it. The Cobra is a nice fit. That's the one I'll be doing, but I'll be getting a hopped up one from 1stopelectronics.

Here's a link.

 

Yes very nice looking Darren. I guess the size/fit of the Cobra has persuaded me. I guess I'll be going that route soon.

 

Yup Darren. I agree the install is seamless & awesome-looking. You've inspired me. I unfortunately have a double din but when I buy a new head unit it will be a single and I'll be in the market for a Cobra CB then too.

 

Thanks guys! Be sure to look at Jackson's page on his as he has a better picture of it than I do.

Here is the link. He states that a Uniden model was too deep for the dash, but I don't know if it was the model you mentioned above, mini.

JadeRunner, a member here, had also completed the install on one of these a couple weeks ago in my neck of the woods and stated it worked good for him on a group run.

 

Darren,

Yeah, sure does look mighty flush in that bottom DIN. Hey, do you have a pic of your bumper mounted Firestik? After reading some articles on the Firestik website, I am somewhat surprised that you get such a good reading. As you might guess, I am about to install my Cobra 75 and Firestik II. I would prefer the FII mounted on the bumper b/c mounting it inside the hood channel (w/ bracket) would not allow me to clear my garage door.

In anycase, a pic of your mount would be great if you could post it.

Thanks,
Bob

 

This only one I have with the antenna, and not a very good one at that. Sorry, I don't have any close-ups yet of the mount. Guess I'll have to work on that. I too was very surprised about the good reading! Hopefully, some of the Toyota locals here will get together for a group ride this weekend and I can test this thing for myself.

 

I have a better match now on my bumper than I did on the fender mount.

I have about 1.1 or better across all 40 channels.

That is a nice setup you have Darren.

 

Hey Bob,

A quick disconnect would allow you to use a hood mount...you'd still have to hop out to take down the antenna before pulling in to the garage, but it would only take about half a second to pop the antenna off.

And wouldn't you know it, I have a new quick disconnect that I don't need (no garage for me to worry about). Let me know if you're interested!

 

Tom,

I'll take you up on your offer. I'll send you some postage funds. Do you have paypal? Send me an email at bobkim@4runners.org.

Thanks!
Bob

 

I just got a Cobra 18 WX ST II a bit ago. I have yet to install it, and need to order the hood channel mount. I got it mainly because it would fit in my 1 din slot. I also have a 4' fire stick II antanna. I ordered the CB from 1stopelectronics like Cebby is. The one I got doesn't have the hopped up stuff though. Shipping was about a week or longer than what the guy said, but that may have been becuase being around Christmas time. I dunno. I'm hoping to get it installed soon.

Well, have fun.
DH6twinotter

BTW, totally off topic and probably a bit of a dumb question. What is that thing that says "passenger" on it in the photo Darren posted of his interior. Is that a passenger cup holder? If so, then does the driver have his/her own on the left side of the steering wheel? Sorry, but curiousity was getting the best of me. Probably a really stupid qustion though. :rolleyes:

 

You're right. That is a dumb question! Just kidding!

That is a passenger seat ejection confirmation light. It works great!

Oh, okay. I guess you know that couldn't be what it is. It is actually a light that will come on if the passenger doesn't have their seat belt on. You can kind of see the outline of the symbol just to the right of the text.

 

im thinkin of getting a cb soon. i was lookin at the cobra 18 WX ST II I like it coz its sleek looking and its small. but it doesnt have the RF GAIN control. Do i really need that? i kno thats to control the gain when signals are weak.

so i was also thinking of the Cobra 29 WX NW ST coz it has the rf and lots of other goodies. but its big and bulky, and the 18 looks better

wat do you guys thinK?

 

What, you don't like the 29
Yes, it is big.

Does the 18 have a PA/external speaker jacks on it?

A PA function is a must for me.