Cobra 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.

This CB radio has all the basic functions that you would expect from a good CB radio. Cobra radios are longlasting and performing. I would recomend this radio to any person that would like a good radio without the need of SSB. The radio has also some things that are not as good. Please pay atention to the place it was made, the best ones are the old ones.
The newer cobras are made in china and the traditional long lasting radio has come to an end.
Also be concerned that since it is well build you can get a good used radio for less than half the price than a new one, and most of the times the old used radios last longer.
To identify the newer ones from the old ones is easy. The old ones have the mic connector on the side while the new ones on the front.
Hope this helps new buyers.

I first purchased a Cobra 29 about 20 years ago when I needed a good solid radio for working over the road. I had to retire it a few years ago, after several over the road trucks and a bunch of pickups. I have since purchased three or four on ebay for both myself and a few of my friends who drive locally but still want a good, reliable radio. The Cobra 29 is the best bang for the buck as far as I'm concerned. I have a couple that are tweaked and tuned and I like the way they work. They are consistantly good talkers and take the abuse of a concrete mixer, dump, and concrete pump truck. Michael

I had this radio for about a year, and i would say I am almost satisfied with it. sometimes i get some noise, but usually it works fine. I had Uniden before this one and I would have to say that cobra is a lot better. Especially when you can buy almost new or brand new unit on Ebay for less than $80.


Would recommend