The RCI 2995 have a lot of RF power output. A radio like the RCI 2980 isn't shabby either. You will pay an extra price for the case and the meters as Mole said.
I have found that running a power supply, a great export radio, a meter bridge, a decent mic, and a decent antenna will get you talking everywhere - when skip conditions are in. If you add the cost of of the first four mentioned - it will be roughly equivalent to a new base station. It is a bit more modular this way; if the radio should take a dump - then all you need to do is to put another in line while the other is getting fixed.
I have few radios that I can put in just to change my sound a bit:
Grant XL, Cobra 148GTL, Cobra 29GTL, Ranger AR-3500, Ranger TR-696FD1, Galaxy 95t2, Uniden 'Honest Abe'.
I think a lot of guys like the modular scenario - which allows them to run a dedicated power supply and meter bridge.
The mic you pick will also lend greatly as to who you are to others. I prefer the Astatic D-104/TUP9. But there is an inexpensive and excellent choice is the handheld version of this mic - the Astatic D-104/M6 'MinuteMan'. They sound almost every bit as good as their big brother D-104/TUP9 - and only cost about ~$40 new. You simply cannot go wrong with that choice.
Power supplies are relatively cheap - unless you get a monster - then it is expensive. A 25 amp supply is overkill for just a radio w/o a linear amp - and can be had used for $50 or so.
A meter bridge can cost ~$20 for a used Radio Shack unit. Or ~$60 for a ParaDynamics meter bridge. I have a Dosy; but I think the Para's are better - IMO.
I chose the Magnum OmegaForce because it has all of the possible features that one would want - and the performance is sublime - IMO. It is the radio I use 90% of the time. Great AM modulation (hard to beat - really), great SSB, FM is also very nice. It also has the roger beep function; although I don't use it. The echo is the best available - true digital quality - very clean! The 'Top Gun' feature make the modulation super-fine; so many people tell me from the other end. Talkback for adjusting echo works very well. Other features like scan and variable power adjust; the list seems endlees. Really nice rig. If I had to get another one - I centainly would. For $250 - it was a steal!
BTW - the company that makes Magnum radios also make the RCI's - I believe...