PRESIDENT MCKINLEY USA AM/SSB 12/24V CB Radio

Curated from 105 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 7, 2025

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PRESIDENT MCKINLEY USA AM/SSB 12/24V CB Radio

Brand: President
Price: $157
Snoop Score:
7.0
Sentiment
6.7
Popularity
9.6
Technical
6.7
Buy on Amazon for $157See All Fixed Mount CB Radios Reviews
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Snoop's Take

The PRESIDENT MCKINLEY USA AM/SSB 12/24V CB Radio is a versatile communication device designed for both amateur radio enthusiasts and professionals. It features advanced capabilities such as SSB (Single Side Band) for long-distance communication, making it ideal for various situations including emergency channels and hands-free operation. Consumer sentiment surrounding the PRESIDENT MCKINLEY is generally positive, especially regarding its SSB feature, with users commenting, "Personally I would never have a CB that does not do SSB. Because that's where the more serious and cool operations take place." However, some users have expressed concerns about static noise, indicating that while the radio excels in certain areas, there may be challenges during operation. Overall, the PRESIDENT MCKINLEY USA AM/SSB CB Radio is recommended for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich CB radio, particularly for long-distance communication, despite some noted issues with static noise.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Fixed Mount CB Radios

The Electric State is somehow both punishingly obvious and completely incoherent.

Positive Feedback

Seems that all i can get is static from my cb.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.0
PRESIDENT MCKINLEY USA AM/SSB 12/24V CB Radio
Buy on Amazon for $157
Emergency Roadside Assistance
2 / 10
Off-Road Adventures
5 / 10
Fleet and Delivery Coordination
2 / 10
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Travel
2 / 10
See how this compares to all Fixed Mount CB Radios

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Includes SSB feature
“The Electric State is somehow both punishingly obvious and completely incoherent.”➕
“This megathread is about the ongoing dispute within HYBE and the management of sub-label ADOR.”➕
Includes SSB feature for long-distance communication
“Personally I would never have a CB that does not do ssb. Because that's where the more serious and cool operations take place.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Static noise during use
“Seems that all i can get is static from my cb.”➕

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Confusion about AM, FM, and SSB capabilities
“Honestly I didn't know cb had am fm and lsb.”➕
Discussion on antenna tuners and their necessity
“I know I can modify the President McKinley with external or internal linear amplifier if I wan't more output.”➕
“A tuner is only needed if your antenna is so far out-of-whack you risk damaging it by transmitting on it...”➕
“You shouldn't need a tuner just for cb.”➕
“I run a tuner in my semi so I can chat on cb 19 with other truckers, and when it’s dead I go to 28mhz and chat.”➕
Mention of SSB as an important feature
“SSB is a key element.”➕
Personal experiences in CB radio hobby
“I truly hope for you that it works because it's a beautifull hobby!!”➕
Importance of antenna mounting for performance
“The antenna and how it’s mounted will be the largest factor of performance.”➕
Discussion on upgrading antennas for better performance
“The McKinley is a very good and clean beginner SSB radio.”➕
“No clear channels during skip season. Except at night.”➕
Users discussing their experiences with CB radios
“Clean setup! I‘ve considered a mobile radio but I’ve heard zero highway traffic for months on my base.”➕
“Thanks, I'm in the LA area and there is usually someone on.”➕
Discussion on grounding for better performance
“Unfortunately a low SWR doesn't mean you'll get good performance. If it was as simple as that everyone's life would be a whole load easier.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Different setups and personal experiences shared
“I mainly just want one for nostalgia and to help with traffic and police warnings.”➕
“President makes a decent radio.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Recommendations for first-time CB radio buyers
“I want one that has distance but one that is GOOD.”➕
“Cobra 25/29 Classic Radio & Wilson Little Wil Antenna are my go-to first setup.”➕
“I'd like to get some CB radios to talk to the other person in another vehicle.”➕
“This setup will get you 10 miles city, county, woods, mountains, and 20 on a flat plane.”➕
Different radios suit different user needs
“There is not one size fits all really.”➕
“since i don't want to hard mount anything and it's my truck at work i went with a Midland 75-822.”➕
Recommendations for easy plug-and-play options
“If you're looking for a truly easy plug and play, the Midland 75-822 can't really be beat.”➕
Debate about preference for different radio brands
“Thanks everyone, just bought the Anytone 5555 II.”➕
“Good choice, Anytone are possibly some of the best radios out now in cb.”➕
“And i'm flabbergasted by the radio.”➕
“The front panel / interface isn't to everyone's taste I guess.”➕
Challenges of installing antennas in Switzerland
“I just want something relativly simple so I can dip my toes in but its hard making a desision.”➕
“I can at least dipp my toes in.”➕
“Great vieuws no qrm and height is might!!”➕
Advice on antenna types for CB radio
“Your antenna is your best amplifier....if you want dx a horizontal dipole does the job great.”➕
“Get a wire antenna.”➕
“The best omni directional base antenna is the Super Penetrator.”➕
“Is it even plausible to use a wire antenna and have it lying flat on the attic floor?”➕
Convenience of handhelds in specific situations
“It might be cumbersome to use a handheld attached to an external antenna while driving.”➕
Comparison of functionalities between handheld and hard-wired radios
“It will not have SSB capability like the McKinley, if that is important.”➕
Discussion on SWR adjustments and antenna setup
“got my cb and antenna installed yesterday, have high swr - 3.3 do I need to adjust my antenna or?”➕
“Don't use with a 3, may blow a component and kill the radio.”➕
“The finals can cost as much as a cheap radio.”➕
“It does work, was talking to someone yesterday on the other side of town about 6 miles away.”➕
Curiosity about SWR levels in installations
“Good looking install, whats the SWR?”➕
Advice on finding starter kits in Tennessee
“I'm unsure if it would be a money pit or just unnecessary due to where I live.”➕
“scour Craigslist and OfferUp for used CB stuff as a cheap starter.”➕
Recommendations for beginner resources
“You can learn a lot about CB radio here.”➕
“Right Channel Radios has a decent learning center that’s good for basic technical info.”➕
Advice on running the radio directly to the battery
“That brings my noise ground to about 1 and a half unit. Now if I start my truck all hell breaks loose with my LED headlights causing interference.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Stryker antennas have mixed reviews
“I see more speed traps warning on google maps gps over warnings on CB radio.”➕
“Has the stryker done it the whole time or it just started.”➕
“If that doesn't solve it might have to RMA the antenna.”➕
“I tightened it, and it has worked fine ever since.”➕
Discussions on reducing static noise
“How can I best reduce static on my cb radio?”➕
“Yes direct to battery will help.”➕
“Hard wiring to the battery is always ideal.”➕
“What you are hearing is called Skip.”➕
Personal experiences shared by users
“Ended up buying a Lincoln 2+ from them and couldn’t be happier.”➕
Limited range in mountainous areas
“In the mountains you will have limited range.”➕

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