Hi, After a lot of time invested I would like to share my experience on how to choose a good CB radio station that meats your needs. First you would have to ask yourself how much you would like to invest in the radio and the antenna.

You have to place in consideration if you would like to make some DX (far away communications) or not. So lets see the main points you will need if you would like some long communications. First you will need a good antenna. Don't waste your time in reading all the specs that some antennas offer you with incredible db gains that most of the times are completely false. Look to get the biggest antenna that would fit in your roof.

I can tell you this most of the 5/8 wavelength antennas offer a good performance. I personally can recomend you the Vector 4000 vertical antenna. It is a 7/8 wavelength, and it is the only one made like that. It is a superb performer in DX and local communications. I personally have it and I have tested it in any possible way and each and every time I have superb signals.

On the radio is more of a personal choice, just be concerned that if you are looking to make some DX you will need a radio that gives you the option to go on USB (Upper sided band) and LSB (Lower Sided Band). Power is an issue but not a so relevant one since you could always get yourself a separate amplifier. There are many radio brands out there I personally have a RCI 2970 and I am super happy with it. You could buy yourself any good radio that you like and that can meat your demands, just keep in mind that if you have a limited radio with the 40 channels only it would be hard for you to find someone to make DX with since most of this communications are on the Upper 40 or Lower 40.

One important thing that many people leave behind is a good microphone. You don't have to go on and spend a fortune on a mic but I can assure you that it will improve your communications. I have a Astatic D104 Amplified mic and I can assure you that it is the best mike that money can buy. I am not the only one that thinks this way many many ham radio operators feel the same way.

Hope all this helps build yourself a good station and saves you some time in searching.