Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio

Name: Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio
Price: 157.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 6 (21 reviews)

Curated from 21 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: January 23, 2025

Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio

Brand: Uniden

Price: $157

Snoop Score:

6.0

Sentiment

6.0

Popularity

5.5

Technical

5.6

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Snoop's Take

The Uniden BEARCAT 980 is a 40-channel SSB CB radio designed for reliable communication, especially during long drives. It features a noise-canceling microphone and a large, easy-to-read display, making it an ideal choice for both casual users and those needing clarity on the road. Consumer feedback highlights the effectiveness of the noise-canceling microphone, with users noting improvements in communication clarity, stating, "just listening to static is giving me a headache lol." Many users prefer the Uniden 980-SSB for its superior performance, appreciating its compact and modern design. However, some users have expressed challenges with calibrating SWR readings, indicating a steep learning curve for installation and setup. Overall, the Uniden BEARCAT 980 is highly recommended within its category based on user reviews and sentiment. Its advanced features and user-friendly design make it a strong contender for those seeking a reliable CB radio.

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

just listening to static is giving me a headache lol (need chatter to adjust what TIL is called squelch).
Positive Feedback

I’m not getting a SWR reading when I went to calibrate my CB I drive a Peterbilt 389 day cab and it’s got 2 antenna studs one on each mirror and I’ve got an antenna on each mirror any tips
Negative Feedback

6.0

Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio

Buy on Amazon for $157

Emergency Roadside Assistance

10 / 10

Off-Road Adventures

7 / 10

Fleet and Delivery Coordination

3 / 10

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Travel

10 / 10

See how this compares to all Fixed Mount CB Radios

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Noise cancelling microphone enhances communication clarity

“just listening to static is giving me a headache lol (need chatter to adjust what TIL is called squelch).”➕

Users prefer Uniden 980-SSB for its performance

“They work, but I would opt for a Uniden 980-SSB instead.”➕

Compact modern design is appreciated

“which may be another strike against the vintage GE, because uniden makes some really compact modern ones.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Difficulty in calibrating SWR readings

“I’m not getting a SWR reading when I went to calibrate my CB I drive a Peterbilt 389 day cab and it’s got 2 antenna studs one on each mirror and I’ve got an antenna on each mirror any tips”➕

“Help me fix my high SWR I have a background in electronics, but I'm new to radios and CB, and I'm having a hard time with my first install.”➕

“I really need help with my install. I picked up a 102" whip antenna, a ball mount, 18ft of COAX cable, and a Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB and was hoping for a relatively "plug and play" setup, which didn't happen.”➕

“One other thing to check: is your swr meter calibrated and functioning correctly?”➕

Vintage radios may have display issues

“I had two radios of that exact model many eons ago that were given to me which I was told came out of police cars at some auction to sell off the towns old police departments stuff.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Retevis MB3A 40-Channel Fixed-Mount CB Radio	$79	8.6	Details	Buy
Uniden PC78LTX 40-Channel CB Radio	$106	7.1	Details	Buy
PRESIDENT MCKINLEY USA AM/SSB 12/24V CB Radio	$157	7.0	Details	Buy
Cobra 19 DX IV Professional CB Radio	$59	6.6	Details	Buy
Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio	$157	6.0	Details	Buy
Cobra 29 LTD Classic AM/FM Professional CB Radio	$119	2.6	Details	Buy

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

CB radio installation issues are common

“Move the antenna mount to the roof if possible.”➕

“The picture of the coax connection to the antenna is a bit blurry.”➕

“A short somewhere can give a high SWR.”➕

“Overall your installation and workmanship looks great, and I'm sure you'll figure it out whatever the issue is.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

CB radio conversations can vary widely.

“What you talk about on CB radio I imagine it’s mostly “move the fuck out the way” sort of talk.”➕

“It’s what you make of it. Channel 19, driver coming from where you are going to…you can ask them about road conditions, is the scale open, ask about detours if you need one, Smokey Bear report, and other general questions.”➕

Safety communication on highways is emphasized.

“Staying safe on the highways and by ways and keeping the airwaves clear.”➕

Personal experiences and frustrations with CB radios.

“My radio broke over a year ago, and that guy is the reason I haven't gotten it fixed.”➕

“Mud duck. The reason I don't use mine much anymore.”➕

Difficulty in understanding CB radio settings

“I can't understand barley anyone on this.”➕

“Look up a tutorial on Youtube, once you get it settled make sure to get a radio check by moaning into the mic.”➕

General interest in learning about CB radios

“Most of the radios on there are 'vintage', including several from GE.”➕

Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio

Curated from 21 real Reddit conversations

Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio

Snoop's Take

Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio

Emergency Roadside Assistance

Off-Road Adventures

Fleet and Delivery Coordination

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Travel

What it does well!

Where it needs some work!

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

Cautionary Callouts

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