LP3 in the mountains in Colorado?

anyone have experience with this? I keep seeing comments that the reception is worse on a LP3 than with a normal phone. I would really like to switch but already dont have great reception. I get 4 bars at home and right in town, 3 at work, and none if I'm out mountain biking. I would at least like to be able to make calls at home, I can use wifi calling at work.