Help me decide on a radio

[tx213]

Hey guys, I am wanting another radio but I want one I can use in my car and bring it in to use as a base. I have been thinking about Superstar 158, RCI 2950, or maybe a Magnum S9. What are you thoughts about these? I live in a rural area so most of my talking right now is on AM but when the conditions open I will be spending time on SSB. Also I have been thinking about studying for my HAM license would that make a difference on the choice?

This hobby is getting kind of addictive.

Thanks, 213

[redneck330]

Magnum S-9 would be a good choice. Good all-round radio.

[drdx]

For ham use, forget about either of those superstar or magnum models. Their coverage and design don't cater to the 10 meter scene at all. You would want a 2950 for that at a minimum.

You mention you do a lot of am. Those rigs offer other frequencies and such, which are fine, but if you only do am, and only on the regular 40, you may be spending money features you'll rarely use. There are great ssb/am cb's out there, like the galaxie 949,959, rangers, like the 696,966, etc., that are cheaper and that savings could help fund a better antenna, coax, or amp. That said, the 2950 is an excellent rig that offers 10m, 11m, great output and simple operation. Unlike the others, it is a ham radio with cb capability more or less, while the others are the evolution of tricked out cb's that are channelized and don't transition well to the ham scene.

-drdx

[tx213]

OK so I would be better off just getting a Cobra 148 until I get my HAM if I do get it?

Whats the difference in the 148's? I have a friend that will sell me one but he has different ones. They are made in Philippines, Malaysia, and Taiwan. What is the difference? Is one better than the others? Should I stay away from any of them?

Thanks, sorry for all the questions.

[Grump]

all of them are better than the ones made in china today. I would get a phillipene made they are the best. from all that I've read

[treetall]

For ham use, forget about either of those superstar or magnum models. Their coverage and design don't cater to the 10 meter scene at all. You would want a 2950 for that at a minimum.

You mention you do a lot of am. Those rigs offer other frequencies and such, which are fine, but if you only do am, and only on the regular 40, you may be spending money features you'll rarely use. There are great ssb/am cb's out there, like the galaxie 949,959, rangers, like the 696,966, etc., that are cheaper and that savings could help fund a better antenna, coax, or amp. That said, the 2950 is an excellent rig that offers 10m, 11m, great output and simple operation. Unlike the others, it is a ham radio with cb capability more or less, while the others are the evolution of tricked out cb's that are channelized and don't transition well to the ham scene.

-drdx

yep what drdx said. exactly. i would go with the 2950 if you plan on spending much time on ssb.

[Mr510inFl]

Yeppers go with the 2950.

[385]

Go with the 2950, They are very hard to beat on SSB. I run one in my Freightliner on Am and everybody says that its about the best sounding radio around. Maybe not the loudest but very clean and smooth,and when the skip rolls in and I'm still working... BAM... I got clean,clear SSB. BTW, I also run a RK56 Mic on it as well. I love my 2950. Hope this helps.385