the 980ssb is a great radio for what it is,, its dead on freq on sideband and gets out just fine for a low power radio, it sounds great with the stock mic, it looks good, its small, if more power is needed just hook it to an amp, the low output will work great with most amps. i was talking skip on friday on my lunch break with it and 2 different contacts remarked on how good it sounded and dead on freq.
i would luv to see a channel mod come out, if it does , great, if not it is still a good radio especially when most people are getting them for less than $150 shipped