Cobra Electronics 29 LTD 40-Channels Base CB Radio

The Cobra 29 LTD has, literally, always been The Trucker's Choice in Mobile CB Radios - and this Trucker has owned several over his career. The 29 LTD is a heavy-duty unit, built to take the punishment of the trucking environment. It is not a Base unit, as it comes out of the box, although many people do couple a power supply with it and use it as a base station.

The 29 LTD has been around since the 1970's, in various incarnations - originally known as just the 29, and later 29 LTD. Other variations on the basic radio usually involve additional features, and added letters in the model designation - such as WX for Weather Radio reception, NW for NightWatch (backlit faceplate), and ST for SoundTracker (static reduction technology) - with the ultimate model being the 29 LTD WX NW ST (both a mouth full and a faceplate full) combining all these technologies.

One key to the 29 LTD's continuing success, is the space available inside the case for aftermarket add-ons, of which there are plenty (available at CB shops across the country). Among the most popular are an Echo/Reverb board (commonly called a Connex Board) which allows adjustable improvements in the sound of your voice - and Talkback, allowing you to hear your output level through the speaker, much like the feedback you get in the earpiece of a traditional telephone.

In addition to those two add-ons, I recommend a premium Noise-Cancelling Microphone, such as the Telex/Turner Road King 56 (another Trucker's Favorite) - and a high-quality Extension Speaker, such as the Barjan PROnouncer, or Cobra's own S100/S300/S500 series. (The S500 allows you to have the Talkback feature without having internal work done on the radio).

It is possible, with the 29 LTD as a starting point, to spend a fortune on add-ons and modifications - some legal and some illegal. Having tried many of those myself over the years, I do NOT recommend many of them, especially the illegal power boost mods that many CB shops peddle. The package that I have laid out - 29 LTD, Echo/Reverb board, Talkback, Telex mic, and good Extension Speaker, plus a good quality Antenna and Coax - will set you back a total of $200-$250, and makes a solid performing package that will serve you well for many years to come.