Buy the right radio the first time and decide if you like it.

When you first decide that a CB radio, or CB radios may be the route that you and your family decide to take, the task can be overwhelming at first deciding what you need and what features you may want. There are so many different options available in a CB radio and not all of them may be needed buy a consumer. Doing a Google search can be extremely overwhelming.

The first thing i would consider when buying a new CB radio for the first time is what are your basic needs. These can be just about anything with a CB. If you are buying for the first time I would recommend looking at the cost and the ease of use more than anything else.

Most of these radios that are sold online are high end ham radio's

that have been modified.

All CB radios come with the basic volume control and squelch which are the most used controls on a radio. Other things to consider are just how these controls are situated on the front panel. Remember that you are going to be controlling a vehicle at the same time that you are using the CB.

Another consideration is the channel display. Just how easy is the channel display to read at certain angles. What does it look like when the sun is glaring off of it. How easy is it to turn when switching channels. Does it turn too easy.

Most CB radios are AM until you start getting into the more expensive CB's that are usually AM/SSB. I wouldn't recommend one of these types of units until you are sure that you really want to use CB radios for communications. Although SSB increases your distance that you can talk as well as your output power to 12 watts it can be tricky to use . The sound of SSB takes some getting used too and can be tricky to use.

I would also not recommend any of the specialty CB shops that are found through a search engine. Most of these radios that are sold online are high end ham radio's that have been modified or are easily modified for use on the Citizens band. This is illegal in the United States and will get the Federal Communications Commission (F.C.C) after you in short order. These radios transmit anywhere from 25MHZ to 30MHZ and are not type accepted for use in the CB radio band. They also include modes of transmission that are not legal as well.

OK i hope that helps a little bit. Here is a recap of the most important points to consider when deciding which radio to pick.

1. Ease of use

2. Where you buy it.

3. Type of radio

4. Expense

There are other considerations that I haven't covered yet, but these points should get you started when deciding which CB radio is right for you as well as your pocketbook.

Thanks for reading and hope to see you on the airwaves soon.