Good quality, long antenna. Works well

Just getting started in the radio hobby. This radio is just awesome.

Advanced amateur enthusiasts might consider the C. Crane CC Skywave an entry-level unit, one for consumers to dip their toe into listening to SE SSB and Air traffic. They'd be entirely correct. Have used this product for several weeks, and I am thoroughly pleased with performance, sound quality, battery life drain, accessories, compactness and general appearance.

AM-FM reception rivals any typical automobile radio. From the Chicago area, I receive Boston's WBZ; New York's WCBS; Philadelphia's KYW; Atlanta's WSB with ease every evening. FM stereo sound quality with my own earphones is superb. I have yet to use the supplied CCrane earbuds.

Also, the clip-on reel wire antenna for SW listening is reportedly the best in the business and outpaces Tecsun's plug-in version. With CCrane, I receive more SW stations. The single side band is fun to listen to, and its useful tuning function is invaluable for allowing voices to be heard clearly and comprehensively.

The Air band contains a squelch feature. Listeners most likely will be required to reside in urban areas where airports are nearby.

This radio's owner's manual is accurate and contains no ambiguities or confusing language. Keypad operations takes a few minutes to master, but repeated operations make procedures that much simpler.

All in all, a good investment for those who want to be entertained by OTA listening.

The size is perfect for packing into your carry on when traveling. Only small complaint I have is that the on/off switch is very easy to accidentally activate when packed into a bag or pocket. The quality and performance is outstanding for its size. Feature packed.

I really like this radio. It is packed with features and is easy to use for its small size. Great AM/FM, NOAA and Air reception, SW is another story. I had to return this radio because of its poor SW performance. Using the supplied wire antenna fully deployed I could no receive intelligible time signals regardless of time of day. I tried to get SW indoors and outdoors but could not. I decided to drive to this highest point in my area to see if that would improve reception. It did, but just a little bit. I am so disappointed because I thought I found a keeper. If CCrane offered this radio without SW and reduced the price I think this would be an excellent radio.

This is an update to my original review: I returned the original radio because of the poor SW performance but decided to try another in case the radio was defective, it was. The second radio has SW performance that equals the Tecsun 880 and the Eaton Elite Executive in side by side comparison with the same reel antenna attached. The Skywave SSB has NOAA but small radio sound. The Tecsun and Eaton both have better sound. I prefer the Skywave as I use this radio mainly for travel. Due to its size it is the perfect companion. Sound quality is equal with ear buds or headphones.