I know I had the cheapest Cobra model (18WXTII) at Moab and it sucked for clarity and signal. I returned it and picked up a better model
(29 WX NW..)
http://cobra.com/index.cfm?fuseactio...category_ID=30
MUCH better with the ability to fine tune (not as hard as it sounds). Some would also suggest getting a better mike for it...

I also had a short 30" magnetic antennae and it is poor for range. I'm trying something bigger and see if the range gets better.

I really like Tom's (tomdietrying) one piece handheld. Not sure of model...

I found it tough to find a place to hardmount it so it's not in the way of anything or anyone. Best place I found would be just to the right of the shifter mounted pointing up in the passenger foot well - bolted to the plastic shifter trim piece...

Good Luck.