Mark Doiron

If you're saying that you could plug a mic into something left in the Jeep and then remove the rest of the unit so you could talk between yourself on the trail and someone in the Jeep, I don't think the Midland will support that. That is certainly a valid need--but you really need a separate, handheld radio for that. I typically carry one in addition to a 75WXST. Not only is it useful for a spotter/photographer, but it serves as a back-up radio should someone have a problem on the trail (bear in mind that my trips are typically 3-10 day expeditions with no support other than what we're carrying).

JK-jeepit

Out of the ones on your list I have had two.
I would never recommend the 75wxst its junk, bad speaker, broke at about 14 months.
I have the pro 520XL and I am happy with it, although if like you state it doesn't have the weather channels.
I used the RR bracket placed above the rear view mirror. Hard to beat the price and quality of the 520XL radio

DJ1

I've had mine for almost 3 years

Mark Doiron

Over seven years here. Some folks do complain that the speaker isn't loud enough. It's never been an issue for me. Perhaps, having 4500 hours listening to multiple radios while flying EC-103E/ABCCC aircraft, I'm just used to listening to radio chatter with lots of background noise.

JK-jeepit

so the Cobra 75 was my first CB, and comparing it to my HAM radio's it lacks a lot to be desired IMO.. and maybe I'm in the minority but my review of the Cobra 75 is still giving it a low rating thus a poor choice. the pro 520xl on the other hand, IMO, is a better radio and for less cost the only drawback is it doesn't have the weather channels which is part of why the cost is lower.
if the weather channels are needed I would suggest one of the others if you have the spot to install it. The one nice thing with the cobra 75 is installation.. I would rate that very good.
I am glad you guys had better luck with the 75 then I did, but even with items that maybe good there is always a few bad ones and maybe I got one... I would still recommend the others over it.

here is the installation of the 520xl above the rear view mirror.
One thing if you want to remove it you will need to cut the power wires and install a molex connector so you can disconnect it.

trouty33

That's why I liked the midland... No effort installing and if it goes bad I was only out like $40. It does everything a weekend warrior needs and when an external antenna is used it does it well enough that I have yet to have a complaint... I know some guys use theirs much more but for a few trial rides a year and some highway trips it serves me well.

numbah1

I'm no CB expert (far from it) and have no need for all of the features of the Uniden 980SSB but I also like having options--- whether or not I'll ever use them is moot, really. Honestly with all the options you get with it the cost isn't that bad (roughly $110 on Amazon).

I'm considering the 980SSB.

bevan7170

I have had the midland 75-822 in for about 6 months now and it has been great. I have it hard wired with the antenna mounted at the third brake light. Decent coverage. I don't know about the rest but I would recommend this one especially if just starting.

dmwil

I paid only 15 bucks more for the 980 than the 880, and I love gadgets, so I figured I'd get at least my money's worth playing with it.

I liked my 75, but the connector problems were unacceptable. 90% of the time, the CB wasn't even connected. It was sitting in my console. When it was connected, there was no undue stress on the connector. I've got a new box, so I'm going to set it up with a cigarette lighter power cord and keep it as a back-up or to loan to Jeep friends. I've got an old magnetic antenna for that.

The 980 is night and day better, though. Its speaker is much more clear and loud, and weather channel reception is much better. The jury is out on the cb reception, as I've not had enough experience to gauge it. I'm betting though, that when properly tuned, it will be about the same.

Old Syko

I've no idea what is popular in your world and wouldn't claim to but you seem to be implying the 980 SSB can't be used to talk to other radios on one of the standard 40 cb channels which is ludicrous. Look around and you'll see more of these radios in operation all the time. There is a group of us here that use the sideband for a bit more privacy and range and it works well for that due to there being less traffic when used in that mode but on the center channels they work as good as any other radio and better than most. I've used SSB radios for 40 years to now discover they don't work because someone thinks they aren't popular enough.