Cobra 19DXIV Compact CB Radio Cobra 19DXIV Compact CB Radio

Pros: This CB is very good for the price. I find that the range is pretty good. The PA feature is very convinient and fun. I enjoy it alot. I have a 80 watt amp on it so its a little louder on my external speaker. It can deffinatly be heard.

Cons: Its on channel 1 everytime you turn it on.

Other Thoughts: Overall it a very good product.

Pros: I've been a CB user for years and sold my last CB with my old car. I wanted a modern-looking CB that wasn't too big to mount in my 2004 Impala, and I've always heard good things about Cobra, so I decided to purchase this one. I paired it with a Wilson Little Wil antenna (an Excellent antenna, BTW) to maximize performance.

Overall, receive quality was average. It definitely picked up a lot of static, but if the squelch was turned low enough, you could make out lots of conversations. However, it is difficult to find a squelch setting that picks up most conversations without having to listen to constant static. Somewhat annoying, but not a killer

Cons: Transmit was very weak with this set. Good quality transmissions were only about 1 mile. At 2 miles, it was mostly static. Transmissions were totally unintelligible at 3 miles. A 'good' CB should be able to double that range without any mods.

Microphone is HUGE! It's like holding a small mammal in your hands. I have large hands, and I found it difficult to find a comfortable position for holding it.

Aside from being so large, the mic is also very lightweight, giving the impression of a cheap plastic toy filled with air. Sound quality was OK when transmitting close distances.

Other Thoughts: Unless you want only the most basic functionality, try something different. For a few dollars more, the Uniden 520 is a great choice. I'm not sure about Midland, but they have an even cheaper CB that might be worth trying.

Pros: simple and cheap. install only requires a little bit of wiring, you do need to be comfortable messing with small pannels and fuse box type stuff.

Cons: you have to find a way to get the antenna wire to the outside of your car, and a place to mount it. i used a short little magnetic antenna. its nice and small but doesnt transmit or recieve very well.

Other Thoughts: i got mine just to kind of screw around with. ive just been listening to truckers as i drive around mostly. im hoping a friend might get one so we could screw around with em on the road. i pic up alot of static, but i dont know if its becuase of the short antenna or the transmit power of the radio. if you we're a serious user you might want to get a nicer unit with a longer antenna. overall: good for hobbyist.