lets not get side bands mixed up with upper and lower chanels here, most of the big radios come with upper and lower channels. a radio like a cobra 148gtl has side band channels and they will not match up with a gallexy or connex channels!
I run a connex 4300hp, peaked and tuned and hits 81 watts last time in the shop!!! i also have a 3300 hp that hits 50 watts and a 29 in the wifes car that runs at 27 watts, and no matter what kind of power you have it all comes down to the antenna.
Remember this you can receive with a coat hanger but it takes a real antenna to get out, and thats what seperates the men from the boys!
My self i use k40 antennas, i have 1 24" superflex on my left front cowl. And the wifes car has a k40 magnet mount. IMO the K40 Mag. Mount is the best antenna out there, it is easily adjustable, handles lots of ower, and you can put in the center of your roof where it will work the best with the least interferance.
Also you guys runnig amps i hope you have the power output of you radio turned down or atleats stock because if not you will hurt the radio and the amp, but most of all it will sound like Sh!t unless you have the mic gain turned all the way down!
Happy trucking
Caleb