I was really hopeful when Uniden released the Bearcat CB Radio 980 SSB, especially since it had been several years since they introduced a new SSB model. The radio boasted some impressive features that made it seem like a promising addition to my setup. Unfortunately, my experience with this model has been less than stellar.
Initial Impressions and Features
At first glance, the Bearcat 980 SSB seemed like a solid choice. It’s packed with features that any CB enthusiast would appreciate, such as single sideband (SSB) capability, NOAA weather channels, and an easy-to-use interface. The radio is also fairly light, thanks to its surface mount technology (SMT), which simplifies the internal design by reducing the number of components that can potentially fail over time.
The Issues Begin
I went through two Bearcat 980 SSB units in about two to three years. The first one was primarily installed as a base station. Unfortunately, one of the finals inside the radio shorted out. While I suspect it might have been due to a lightning strike, I’m puzzled because nothing else in my setup was affected. Regardless, the radio was rendered useless, and I had to replace it.
The second unit was installed in my truck, and this is where the real disappointment set in. The LED display on this radio is extremely temperature-sensitive. When the weather gets hot, especially inside a vehicle exposed to the sun, the display becomes unreadable. This issue is compounded by the vibrations from driving, which seem to affect the radio’s performance even more. Despite the unit not being much lighter than a standard CB, these problems made it frustrating to use.
Build Quality Concerns
The longevity of the Bearcat 980 SSB is simply not there. This is surprising, given that SMT is supposed to enhance reliability by minimizing the number of components that can fail. However, when I opened up the radio’s shell, I found very few things to adjust or repair. There are some potentiometers for alignments, but unlike older CB models, there aren’t many capacitors or other components that you can replace to extend the radio’s life.
Final Thoughts
While the Bearcat 980 SSB has great features and a solid design concept, its execution falls short in terms of quality and durability. After my experience with two units failing within a relatively short period, I can’t recommend this radio. The poor LED display, especially its sensitivity to heat and vibration, was a significant issue for me. Given its current price, I would not buy another one. At this point, one of my radios is nothing more than a paperweight, and the other is nearly useless because the display stops working when the temperature rises.
If you’re considering the Bearcat 980 SSB, be aware of these potential issues. While it might look appealing on paper, the reality is that it may not stand up to the demands of regular use, especially in a mobile environment.
