Cobra 19 MINI Radio Review: Best CB Radio for Travelers?

By: Jeremy Neisser

Looking for a compact and reliable CB radio for your next road trip or off-road adventure? Look no further than the Cobra 19 MINI Recreational CB Radio.

As a CB radio enthusiast, I was impressed by the 19 MINI's ultra-compact design, which easily fits in the palm of your hand. Despite its small size, this radio packs a punch with full 4 Watts RF output power and 40 channels for clear communication.

The 19 MINI is easy to mount and operate, making it perfect for use in any type of vehicle, including recreational side-by-sides or other off-roading vehicles where space is limited. Plus, the instant channels 9/19 feature allows you to quickly switch to emergency or information channels with just one push.

One of the standout features of the 19 MINI is the VOX hands-free usage, which enables automatic transmission when you speak, keeping you safe on the road. Additionally, the adjustable receiver sensitivity allows you to easily filter out any unwanted noise from your speaker for the best signal.

Bottom Line

If you're in need of a compact and reliable CB radio for your next adventure, the Cobra 19 MINI Recreational CB Radio is an excellent choice. Its clear communication, easy operation, and hands-free usage make it a standout option. 

Product Overview: Cobra 19 MINI Recreational CB Radio

As someone who has used the Cobra 19 MINI Recreational CB Radio, I can confidently say that it is a great addition to any off-road vehicle or truck. Despite its ultra-compact design, this CB radio is packed with features that make communication on the road easy and efficient.

With 40 channels and a full 4 Watts RF output power, the Cobra 19 MINI ensures that you'll always have clear communication with your team or other truckers on the road. The heavy-duty mic is also a great addition, ensuring that your voice is always heard loud and clear.

One of the best features of the Cobra 19 MINI is its easy-to-mount design, which is perfect for recreational side-by-sides or other off-roading vehicles where space is limited. The intuitive controls make it easy to use in any type of vehicle, and the instant channel 9/19 feature allows you to switch to emergency or information channels with just one push.

The VOX hands-free usage is also a great feature, allowing you to stay safe on the road and keep your hands on the wheel. Additionally, the adjustable receiver sensitivity allows you to easily adjust the RF gain sensitivity or squelch background noise for the best signal.

Overall, the Cobra 19 MINI Recreational CB Radio is a great investment for anyone who wants to stay connected on the road. Its compact design, clear communication, and easy-to-use features make it a must-have for any off-road enthusiast or truck driver.

Key Features

When it comes to CB radios, the Cobra 19 MINI Radio is a standout choice for both recreational and professional use. In this section, I will cover the key features of this ultra-compact CB radio.

Ultra Compact Design

One of the best things about the Cobra 19 MINI Radio is its ultra-compact design. It easily fits in the palm of your hand, making it perfect for off-roading or road trips where space is limited. Despite its small size, this full-featured CB radio packs a punch with 40 channels and a full 4 watts RF output power.

Clear Communication

The Cobra 19 MINI Radio is equipped with a heavy-duty mic that guarantees loud and clear sound. This feature is especially useful for construction and delivery drivers who need an effective way to coordinate with their team. With 40 channels, you can easily communicate with other truckers and keep them informed of the road ahead, whether it's regarding road construction, accidents, or possible speed traps.

Easy to Mount & Operate

The intuitive controls of the Cobra 19 MINI Radio make it easy to use in any type of vehicle. Its ultra-compact design fits into tight spaces, making it perfect for recreational side-by-sides or other off-roading vehicles. The easy-to-mount bracket ensures that the radio stays securely in place, even on bumpy terrain.

Instant Channels 9/19

In case of an emergency, the Cobra 19 MINI Radio allows you to instantly switch to emergency channel 9 or information channel 19 with just one push of a button. This feature is especially useful for those who want to keep other truckers informed of the road ahead.

Vox Hands-Free Usage

The hands-free CB operation of the Cobra 19 MINI Radio is a lifesaver for those who want to stay safe on the road. With this feature, the radio will automatically transmit when you speak, so you never have to take your hands off the wheel. This feature is especially useful for those who drive long distances or work in loud environments.

Adjustable Receiver Sensitivity

The Cobra 19 MINI Radio allows you to easily adjust RF gain sensitivity or squelch background noise for the best signal and to filter out any unwanted noise from your speaker. This feature is perfect for loud vehicles or construction site settings.

In summary, the Cobra 19 MINI Radio is an excellent choice for those who want a full-featured CB radio that is easy to use and ultra-compact. With its clear communication, easy mounting, and instant channels, this radio is perfect for both recreational and professional use.

Pros and Cons

When it comes to the Cobra 19 MINI Recreational CB Radio, there are definitely some pros and cons to consider before making a purchase. Here's what I found during my testing:

Pros

• Ultra-compact design: The small size of this radio makes it perfect for use in vehicles with limited space, like recreational side-by-sides or off-road vehicles.

• Instant Channels 9/19: The ability to instantly switch to emergency channel 9 or information channel 19 with one push is a great feature that can help keep you informed of road conditions and potential hazards.

• VOX Hands-Free Usage: This feature allows you to keep your hands on the wheel while still being able to transmit, making it a safer option for use while driving.

• Adjustable Receiver Sensitivity: The ability to adjust the RF gain sensitivity or squelch background noise ensures that you'll always have the best signal and won't have to deal with unwanted noise from your speaker.

• Easy to Mount & Operate: The intuitive controls make it easy to use in any type of vehicle, and the compact design allows it to fit into tight spaces.

Cons

• Limited range: Some users have reported that the recommended antenna has a short range, which can limit the usefulness of this radio in certain situations.

• Limited chatter: While this radio is perfect for communicating with other drivers on the road, there may not always be a lot of chatter on the CB channels.

Overall, the Cobra 19 MINI Recreational CB Radio is a great option for those looking for a compact and easy-to-use CB radio. While there are some limitations to consider, the pros definitely outweigh the cons in my opinion.

Customer Reviews

After using the Cobra 19 MINI Recreational CB Radio for a while, I decided to check out what other customers thought of the product. Overall, the reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.3 stars out of 5.

Many customers appreciate the radio's small size and easy-to-use features, such as the auto squelch and scan function. Some also found the AM/FM function and volume controls on the top of the mike to be useful additions.

However, a few customers noted that there isn't a lot of chatter on CB and that the recommended antenna has a short range. One customer even experienced some distortion in the received audio.

Despite these minor issues, the majority of customers seem to be satisfied with their purchase and find the Cobra 19 MINI to be a reliable and convenient CB radio option.

Conclusion

After using the Cobra 19 MINI Recreational CB Radio, I can confidently say that this is a great product for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use CB radio. The 40 channels and instant channel 9/19 feature make it easy to find and communicate with other drivers on the road. The auto squelch and auto power features are also very helpful, ensuring that the radio is always functioning optimally.

One downside is that the recommended antenna has a short range, but with a good antenna, the reception is amazing. The small size and 12v plug make it easy to move from car to car. The volume controls on the top of the mike are also a nice feature, as is the AM/FM function and scan feature.

Overall, I highly recommend the Cobra 19 MINI Recreational CB Radio for anyone in need of a reliable and easy-to-use CB radio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the Cobra 19 mini radio?

As per my experience, the Cobra 19 mini radio has a range of up to 4 miles in open areas. However, the range may vary depending on the terrain and other environmental factors.

Is Cobra a good brand for CB radios?

Yes, Cobra is a well-known and reliable brand for CB radios. They have been producing CB radios for many years and have a good reputation among truckers and off-road enthusiasts.

Do I need an antenna for my Cobra 19 radio?

Yes, you will need an antenna for your Cobra 19 radio to receive and transmit signals. The radio comes with a transceiver bracket and microphone bracket, but you will have to purchase an antenna separately.

Who manufactures Cobra radios?

Cobra radios are manufactured by Cedar Electronics, a company based in Chicago, Illinois. Cedar Electronics is a leading manufacturer of communication and navigation products for the automotive, marine, and consumer markets.

What are the installation requirements for the Cobra 19 Ultra V?

The installation of the Cobra 19 Ultra V is straightforward and easy. You will need a 12-volt power source, a suitable antenna, and a mounting location for the radio. The radio comes with a transceiver bracket and microphone bracket for easy installation.

What are some popular mods for the Cobra 19 Ultra V?

Some popular mods for the Cobra 19 Ultra V include adding an external speaker for better sound quality, installing a noise filter to reduce background noise, and upgrading the antenna for better range and signal clarity. However, it is important to note that any modifications made to the radio may void the warranty.

Overall, the Cobra 19 mini radio is a great choice for those looking for a compact and reliable CB radio. With its easy-to-use controls, clear communication, and hands-free operation, it is perfect for both recreational and professional use. Just make sure to purchase a suitable antenna and follow the installation instructions carefully.