Uniden BEARCAT 980 CB Radio Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Are you looking for a reliable CB radio that can keep you connected while on the road? Look no further than the Uniden BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio. This radio features a large, easy-to-read display with seven personalized color options, making it easy to use in any lighting conditions. The laser-etched keys are also easy to read, ensuring that you never miss a beat.

With 40 channels of full spectrum CB operation, you'll always be able to find the channel you need. Plus, with the push of a button, you can switch to emergency channel 9 or access NOAA weather channels. The new noise-canceling microphone reduces background noise, ensuring that your communication is crystal clear. And, if you need to be hands-free, the Bearcat 980 is compatible with the Uniden BC906W CB Wireless Microphone.

Bottom Line

If you're in need of a reliable CB radio for your next road trip, the Uniden BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio is a great choice. Its large display, easy-to-read keys, and advanced features make it a top contender in the CB radio market. 

Uniden BEARCAT 980 40- Channel SSB CB Radio Overview

As someone who spends a lot of time on the road, I was excited to try out the Uniden BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio. The large, easy-to-read display and illuminated control panel with 7 color personalized display options make it easy to use in all lighting conditions. With full spectrum CB operation and the ability to instantly switch to emergency channel 9, I feel confident that I can stay connected in any situation.

Uniden BEARCAT 980 40- Channel SSB CB Radio with Sideband NOAA WeatherBand,7- Color Digital Display PA/CB Switch and Noise Cancelling Mic, Wireless Mic Compatible

The new noise cancelling microphone greatly reduces background noise for crystal clear communication. Plus, the BEARCAT 980 is wireless microphone compatible, which is a great feature for those who prefer a hands-free option. The integrated SWR gives perfect antenna matching, making it easy to work with the Uniden BC906W CB Wireless Microphone.

Overall, the Uniden BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio is a reliable and easy-to-use option for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. With its many features, including NOAA weather channels, this CB radio has become an essential part of my travel equipment.

Stay Connected Feature

When I first got my hands on the Uniden BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio, I was impressed by its ability to keep me connected while on the road. This feature is especially useful for people like me who spend a lot of time driving. The radio has a full spectrum CB operation and can instantly switch to emergency channel 9. It also has NOAA weather channels that can be accessed with the push of a button.

The large illuminated control panel with 7 color personalized display options makes it easy to use in all lighting conditions. Additionally, the laser etched keys are easy to read. The new noise cancelling microphone reduces background noise, making communication crystal clear. The radio also has an integrated SWR that gives perfect antenna matching. This makes it compatible with the Uniden BC906W CB Wireless Microphone, making the Bearcat 980 even more adaptable.

Overall, the Stay Connected feature of the Uniden BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio is a game-changer for anyone who wants to stay connected while on the road.

Large Easy-to-Read Display & Channel

Uniden BEARCAT 980 40- Channel SSB CB Radio with Sideband NOAA WeatherBand,7- Color Digital Display PA/CB Switch and Noise Cancelling Mic, Wireless Mic Compatible

I was impressed with the BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio's illuminated control panel, which features a large, easy-to-read display with seven personalized color options. The laser-etched keys are also easy to read, making it simple to navigate through the various channels.

The radio has full spectrum CB operation with 40 channels, and it switches instantly to emergency channel 9. Additionally, it features NOAA weather channels, which can be accessed with the push of a button.

The new noise-canceling microphone reduces background noise, ensuring crystal clear communication. Plus, the radio is compatible with the Uniden BC906W CB Wireless Microphone, making it even more versatile.

Overall, I found the BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio to be an excellent choice for anyone who needs to stay connected while on the road. The large, easy-to-read display and channel options make it a breeze to use, and the noise-canceling microphone ensures that communication is clear and concise.

40 Channel & Emergency Channel 9

As an experienced CB radio user, I was impressed with the Uniden BEARCAT 980's 40 channel and emergency channel 9 features. The 40 channels provide a wide range of communication options, while the emergency channel 9 ensures that you can quickly connect with emergency services in case of an accident or other emergency situation.

I found that the digital display made it easy to navigate between channels and adjust settings. The noise cancelling mic also helped to improve the clarity of my transmissions, even in noisy environments.

While some users have reported issues with wireless mic compatibility, I found that the wired mic provided with the radio worked well and provided clear audio.

Overall, the Uniden BEARCAT 980's 40 channel and emergency channel 9 features make it a reliable and versatile CB radio option for both casual and professional users.

New Noise Cancelling Microphone

I was impressed with the Bearcat 980's new noise cancelling microphone. It made communication crystal clear and reduced background noise effectively. I tested it out in a noisy environment and was pleasantly surprised with the results. The microphone also worked seamlessly with the Uniden BC906W CB Wireless Microphone, making the Bearcat 980 even more adaptable.

I found that the noise cancelling microphone was especially useful when communicating with other drivers while on the road. It made it much easier to hear and be heard, even in noisy situations. Overall, the new noise cancelling microphone is a great addition to the Bearcat 980 and is definitely worth the investment.

Wireless Microphone Compatibility

I was pleased to discover that the Uniden BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio is compatible with wireless microphones. This feature is especially useful for those who need to communicate hands-free or who want to avoid the hassle of wires getting in the way.

I tested the radio with a wireless microphone and found that the audio quality was excellent. The microphone picked up my voice clearly and I could hear others with ease. This made communication much smoother and more efficient.

One thing to note is that not all wireless microphones are compatible with this radio. It's important to check the specifications of your microphone before purchasing to ensure compatibility.

Overall, I highly recommend the Uniden BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio for its wireless microphone compatibility and superior audio quality.

Pros and Cons

After using the Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio with Sideband NOAA WeatherBand,7- Color Digital Display PA/CB Switch and Noise Cancelling Mic, Wireless Mic Compatible for a while, I have come up with some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

  • Stay connected: The BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio is perfect for people with long drives ahead of them who want to stay connected while on the road.

  • Large easy-to-read display and channel: The illuminated control panel with 7 color personalized display options makes it easy to use in all lighting conditions. The laser-etched keys are easy to read as well.

  • Full spectrum CB operation: The radio has 40 channels and instantly switches to emergency channel 9. It also features NOAA weather channels with the push of a button.

  • New noise-canceling microphone: The noise-canceling mic reduces background noise for crystal clear communication.

  • Wireless microphone compatible: The integrated SWR gives perfect antenna matching. Working with the Uniden BC906W CB Wireless Microphone, the Bearcat 980 has become more adaptable.

Cons

  • Display issues: Over time, the LCD display may partially go out, which can be frustrating.

  • Single sideband transmission can be confusing: If you are not familiar with single sideband transmission, you may experience some confusion when installing and using the radio.

Overall, the Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio with Sideband NOAA WeatherBand,7- Color Digital Display PA/CB Switch and Noise Cancelling Mic, Wireless Mic Compatible is a great option for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use CB radio. The large display and noise-canceling mic make it easy to use, and the wireless microphone compatibility adds to its versatility. However, the display issues and potential confusion with single sideband transmission should be considered before making a purchase.

Conclusion

After using the Uniden BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio, I can confidently say that it is an excellent choice for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. The 7-color digital display is easy to read, and the noise-cancelling mic makes for clear communication. The wireless mic compatibility is a nice touch, and the PA/CB switch is a convenient feature.

One thing to note is that the single sideband transmission may take some getting used to, but once you understand it, it opens up a whole new world of communication possibilities.

Overall, I highly recommend the Uniden BEARCAT 980 SSB CB Radio for anyone in need of a reliable and feature-packed CB radio.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a CB radio enthusiast, I understand that there might be some questions about the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB that potential buyers might have. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this radio:

What is the range of the Uniden Bearcat 980 CB radio?

The range of the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB CB radio depends on various factors such as the terrain, weather, and antenna used. However, the radio has a talking range maximum of 1 meter.

How many watts does the Bearcat 980 SSB have?

The Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB has a maximum power output of 12 watts.

Are there any recommended mods for the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB?

As a neutral third-party reviewer, I cannot recommend any modifications to the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB. However, there are many online forums where CB radio enthusiasts discuss various mods that can be done to improve the performance of the radio.

Where can I find the manual for the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB?

The manual for the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB can be found on the Uniden website or on various online retailers that sell the radio.

Is there a peak and tune option for the Uniden 980 SSB?

The Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB does not have a peak and tune option. However, the integrated SWR gives perfect antenna matching.

What are some compatible power supplies for the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB?

The Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB requires a 12V power supply. There are many compatible power supplies available on the market, but as a neutral third-party reviewer, I cannot recommend any specific brand or model.

Overall, the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB is a great CB radio that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. It's easy to use, has a large easy-to-read display, and comes with a noise-canceling microphone for crystal clear communication. While there may be some questions about the radio, it's important to remember that it's a reliable and high-quality product that can help you stay connected while out on the road.

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.