By: Jeremy Neisser
I recently picked up the Cobra HHRT50-Roadtrip handheld CB radio for a fun boys' weekend trip. Here is my review:
It's built for travel (hence the name). The HH RT 50 is jam-packed with an omnidirectional microphone, a magnetic mount for your car's roof, and a straightforward user interface. It's worth noting that it includes a dual-channel capability so you can listen to two pre-selected stations at once.
The Cobra HHRT50, like the HH 50 WX ST radio, includes the Cobra Soundtracker Noise Reduction System, which helps to minimize interference for a true transmission. It also comes with a 12-volt adapter for your car. It does include ten NOAA weather channels.
I like the look and feel of this sturdy, yet not overly clunky compared to other handheld CB radios
You'll find 40 channels of full CB radio, as well as a magnetic mount antenna for in-car use and 10 weather channels for up-to-the-minute forecasts.
Overall, a solid choose and my TOP choice for the Best Handheld CB Radio and one of the best CB radio overall.
Cobra HHRT50 – ROAD TRIP Review
Specs:
overall
Quality
Size
Ease of Use
Cost
- MAGNETIC MOUNT MOBILE ANTENNA - Allows mobile operation from your vehicle. Mount the magnetic antenna to the roof of your car and use your radio easily from inside your vehicle.
- SOUND TRACKER SYSTEM - Don’t miss any important information due to interference or static, with the Sound tracker system cutting 90% of the noise, you'll hear crystal clear communication
- 10 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS - Be the first to know of incoming hazards or changing weather w/ instant access to NOAA weather channels 24 hours a day and audible tone if an emergency or threatening weather is nearby while monitoring up to 3 channels at once
- DUAL WATCH - select two channels to constantly monitor simultaneously. Keep an ear open for incoming transmissions on multiple channels so you will hear alerts around you.
- 40 CHANNEL ACCESS - Navigate the complete range of 40 channels for full coverage of CB stations.
Cobra HHRT50 - ROAD TRIP Review- The Features:
- Soundtracker system - The soundtracker system technology reduces noise by 90%. You'll be able to communicate clearly without the static and interference that are typical with other handheld CB radios.
- NOAA Weather Channels - be the first to know of incoming hazards or big storms coming your way with instant access to NOAA weather channels.
- Channel Scan: The channel scan feature automatically determines which channel has the best signal. With 40 options to choose from, you'll never have to look for a powerful signal again.
- Dual Watch: Select two channels to continuously monitor simultaneously with this dual watch. Keep an ear open for incoming transmissions on multiple frequencies, so you'll be alerted if something interesting is going on in your area.
- Comes with the standard 40 CB channels and a high/low power switch. Switch to low power to talk with a friend close by and then raise the power level for a long-distance discussion.
What is the range of the Cobra HHRT50 - ROAD TRIP?
The Cobra HHRT50 comes with the standard rubber ducky antenna AND a magnetic antenna.
The rubber ducky will not get you far inside of your car but in an open field, you should get 100-200 yards.
The magnetic antenna is a little small but does the job.
I picked up 1.5-2.5 miles with the magnet mount antenna connected. In heavily populated area's expect anywhere from 1/2 to 1+ miles.
For improved range performance, consider connecting the HH50 roadtrip to a higher gain mobile mounted antenna like the Cobra HG1500
The LCD Display:
The LCD display has a lot of information in a small compact screen. The screen will tell you how many watts you are putting out, how much life you have left in your handheld CB radio, and what channel you are on.
I like that there is a backlight button so you can switch it on or off as you see fit.
Battery Life & Power:
The Cobra HHRT50 requires 9 AA batteries that are not included.
My recommendation is to pick up rechargeable AA batteries as they will last a lot longer than the standard-off-the-shelf brands and especially the "Amazon" brand AA batteries.
Try the EBL AA rechargeable batteries, I like these and use them in my HHRT 50 CB radio.
NOAA Weather/ Emergency Channel:
The 10 weather channels come standard on the HHRT50 and they provide the latest weather information from NOAA.
The handheld CB radio also has alerts if the weather turns terrible, for example, a hurricane, tornado, etc.
Dual watch:
Like other Cobra handheld CB radios, the HHRT50 can monitor two pre-selected channels at once, ensuring that you never miss a signal.
This is good for trips to areas you had never visited or potential weather issues.
Microphone:
The omnidirectional microphone picks up voice from all directions. It works great when I tested it with a friend.
Who is the Cobra HHRT50 - ROAD TRIP For?
The Cobra HHRT50 Roadtrip is great for off-roaders, road trips, and the daily commuter.
Keep an ear to the ground for possible road hazards or help other drivers in need with portable convenience.
Cobra HHRT50 - ROAD TRIP: What I like:
Cobra HHRT50 - ROAD TRIP: What I don't like:
- MAGNETIC MOUNT MOBILE ANTENNA - Allows mobile operation from your vehicle. Mount the magnetic antenna to the roof of your car and use your radio easily from inside your vehicle.
- SOUND TRACKER SYSTEM - Don’t miss any important information due to interference or static, with the Sound tracker system cutting 90% of the noise, you'll hear crystal clear communication
- 10 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS - Be the first to know of incoming hazards or changing weather w/ instant access to NOAA weather channels 24 hours a day and audible tone if an emergency or threatening weather is nearby while monitoring up to 3 channels at once
- DUAL WATCH - select two channels to constantly monitor simultaneously. Keep an ear open for incoming transmissions on multiple channels so you will hear alerts around you.
- 40 CHANNEL ACCESS - Navigate the complete range of 40 channels for full coverage of CB stations.
Cobra HHRT50 - ROAD TRIP Review - The Conclusion:
The Cobra HHRT50 is the best handheld CB radio I have used. The noise reduction system works really well, the battery life is sufficient but rechargeable batteries are definitely the way to go.
The range is not as extraordinary as some of the other handheld CB radio models but you are looking at 1 to 2 miles of pure range with the magnet mount antenna.
Overall, you will not be disappointed with this handheld CB radio.
- MAGNETIC MOUNT MOBILE ANTENNA - Allows mobile operation from your vehicle. Mount the magnetic antenna to the roof of your car and use your radio easily from inside your vehicle.
- SOUND TRACKER SYSTEM - Don’t miss any important information due to interference or static, with the Sound tracker system cutting 90% of the noise, you'll hear crystal clear communication
- 10 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS - Be the first to know of incoming hazards or changing weather w/ instant access to NOAA weather channels 24 hours a day and audible tone if an emergency or threatening weather is nearby while monitoring up to 3 channels at once
- DUAL WATCH - select two channels to constantly monitor simultaneously. Keep an ear open for incoming transmissions on multiple channels so you will hear alerts around you.
- 40 CHANNEL ACCESS - Navigate the complete range of 40 channels for full coverage of CB stations.
Hi & Welcome!
My name is Jeremy and I have been an avid car nut for many year. My first car was an 1987 Honda CRX. I put in my first Kenwood stereo, amp, 2 10" JLs and a CB Radio in it and have been an avid user of CBs and car radios for years. I'll do my best to share my tips, information and thoughts to help you with whatever question you might have, ABOUT ME
After I graduated from High School, I worked 5 years are Radio Shack and 3 years at Circuit City answering questions and helping customers with various electronics questions.
