Amateur radio
Nagoya CB-72 28-Inch CB Antenna Kit with Magnetic Mount & 18 ft Cable
Product description
This kit ships with a 28-inch metal whip, a 3.5-inch heavy-duty magnetic base, 18 feet of RG-58A/U coaxial cable terminated with a PL-259 connector, and an Allen wrench for assembly.
The magnetic base is designed to attach vertically to a clean, flat ferrous (steel) surface only; it will not adhere to aluminum, fiberglass, glass, plastic, or composite panels. The base provides a simple removable mount but relies on the vehicle’s metal for an adequate ground plane.
Cable is standard RG-58A/U, 18 feet long, ending in a PL-259 male plug to mate with radios using an SO-239 antenna jack. This is not a direct SMA fit for handhelds and does not include an SMA adapter.
The antenna is cut and intended for CB band frequencies (about 26–28 MHz) with a nominal 50-ohm impedance. Under suitable placement, cable routing, and tuning it can achieve VSWR values at or below 1.5; however actual performance depends heavily on installation, ground plane, and coax routing. The whip assembles in sections and requires tightening the small set screw supplied.
Pros
- Complete kit with whip, base, coax, and connector
- Good magnet and long cable for flexible placement
- Reasonable performance when properly tuned and grounded
Cons
- Must mount to steel surface — won’t stick to non-ferrous panels
- SWR and performance sensitive to routing and placement
- Quality control and mast durability can vary
VerdictA budget-friendly mobile CB antenna kit that delivers usable transmit and receive when installed on a proper steel ground plane and tuned. The hardware and included coax make it a convenient plug-and-play option for many vehicles, but expect to check and optimize SWR, watch for variable build quality, and remember it won't stick to non-ferrous panels. Good value for users who need a magnetic mount
Reviews
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Adri 4/5
Good starter antenna
No direct comparisons, but reception seems okay. Cable length is generous and the PL-259 fit my Radioddity head unit. Magnet held at highway speeds. Assembles in two pieces—don't lose the small screw and tighten it well.
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Luisa 2/5
Smaller than expected
Product is a bit smaller than described on the listing.
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Drew_And_Duckyz 5/5
Solid bargain
Strong magnet; antenna can lie flat and still pull in a solid signal.
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WB4LNG 5/5
SWR depends on cable routing
Initially got terrible SWR with the coax run through an open window. After routing the cable through the car frame and under the dash, SWR dropped to under 2:1 across the CB band. Proper routing makes a big difference.
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mark rose 5/5
Worked right away
Haven't used a CB in decades—this kit worked out of the box and was simple to install. Exactly what I needed.
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Allan H. 5/5
Smooth return process
I returned the antenna because I couldn't get a good SWR; the seller handled the return and refund quickly. My vehicle had minimal metal for a ground plane, so the trunk mounting option didn't work well.
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Michael Degen 5/5
Excellent value and responsive support
Whip was missing from my first shipment but customer support quickly sent a replacement. The antenna transmits and receives better than other mag mounts I've tried. Durable, tuneable, and a great option if you're on a budget.
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Joel Davis 3/5
Limited range for my use
With a cheap handheld CB and lighter power, range was only about 100 yards for me in hilly woods. Wire length and install were fine. For longer reliable range I switched to a taller fiberglass whip on a grounded mag mount and saw much better results.
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Manuel Roldan Lagunes 1/5
Missing top section
Antenna arrived without the top piece. Needs better packing checks before shipping.
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Frank M. 1/5
Arrived defective
The solder joint in the base was open out of the box and I had to re‑solder it. Mast felt too flimsy on the road and the top section wasn't adjustable for tuning. Appears to be poor assembly quality.
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Bernardo Ciudad Fernandez 5/5
Good quality
Solid CB antenna.
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