PL259 CB Coax Cable 60ft RG8 UHF Male to Male - Low Loss Long Run

In this review of the PL259 CB Coax Cable 60ft RG8, the bottom line is straightforward: this cable is aimed at radio hobbyists and installers who need a long, low-loss feedline for CB, ham, VHF and HF setups. The reviewer found the most compelling reason to buy is its construction that balances low signal loss over distance with durable connectors and moisture-sealing shrink tubing, making it a solid choice for permanent antenna runs and marine or outdoor use.

Key Features

• Low loss performance: Measured loss at 450MHz is under 1.76dB and an SWR near 1.25, which helps preserve signal strength on longer runs.
• Robust conductor design: The inner copper clad aluminum conductor plus aluminum foil and tinned copper braid combine to protect the signal over distance.
• Secure connector termination: Each UHF male connector is overlaid with a 2.2in adhesive-lined heat shrink and a clamp design to reduce the chance of the connector separating from the cable.
• Outdoor durability: A thick PVC jacket and copper nickel plated shells resist moisture and corrosion for exterior antenna installations.
• Wide compatibility: Suited for CB, ham radio, VHF marine, SWR meters and antenna analyzers thanks to PL259 male to PL259 male terminations.

Who It's For

The PL259 60ft RG8 cable is best for amateur radio operators, CB users, and boat owners who need a reliable, long coax run with better performance than thinner hobby cables. Installers doing permanent setups will appreciate the heavy-duty connectors and extended heat shrink for a more weatherproof joint.

Those who need extreme flexibility for tight routing or the absolute lowest possible loss for very long high-frequency links should compare to foam-dielectric specialty cables, but for most HF/VHF/UHF and marine uses this cable offers a practical balance of loss, durability, and cost.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low measured loss at common VHF/UHF frequencies preserves signal on a 60ft run.
• Sturdy construction with tinned braid and foil shielding for consistent performance.
• Longer heat shrink and clamp-style connectors reduce the risk of separation and moisture ingress.
• Durable PVC jacket and plated shells make it suitable for outdoor and marine environments.

Cons

• Some users may find the cable thicker and less flexible than lighter coax, which can make tight routing harder.

Specifications

Length	60ft
Cable type	RG8 (equivalent to LMR400/RG8U)
Connector	PL259 UHF male to PL259 UHF male
Loss at 450MHz	< 1.76dB
SWR	Approximately 1.25
Inner conductor	Copper clad aluminum
Outer shield	Aluminum foil and tinned copper braid

Our Verdict

The PL259 CB Coax Cable 60ft RG8 is a dependable, value-oriented choice for CB and amateur radio operators who need a low-loss, weather-resistant feedline for permanent or semi-permanent installs. Its thicker jacket, solid shielding and reinforced connector transitions make it a practical option when durability and signal retention matter more than extreme flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable suitable for marine VHF use?
Yes, the PVC jacket and copper nickel plated shells provide corrosion resistance and the cable is usable for marine VHF installations.

Will this cable fit common SWR meters and antenna analyzers?
Yes, the PL259 male to PL259 male terminations are compatible with many SWR meters, analyzers and typical CB/ham radio equipment.

How does this RG8 compare to thinner coax like RG58?
This RG8 equivalent cable has lower loss and better shielding than thinner cables, at the cost of greater stiffness and diameter, making it better for longer runs.