CB antenna suggestions

[SteveAnsley]

Looking for antenna suggestions.



Just aquired a Cobra 25 I'm going to install in a 98 QC.

I'm planning on going w/ a single antenna attached with a Firestik Ram hood mount.

http://www.walcottcb.com/product_info.php?cPath=29_110&products_id=315



The main purpose of the radio is for monitoring traffic and weather conditions and for emergency situations - I don't imagine I'll need a tremendous amount of range.

I'm not wanting anything too obtrusive.



I'm Considering in this order:

3' Firestik II

http://www.walcottcb.com/product_info.php?cPath=28_95&products_id=901

4' steel Hustler

http://www.walcottcb.com/product_info.php?cPath=28_96&products_id=404

4' Firestik II

http://www.walcottcb.com/product_info.php?cPath=28_95&products_id=902



Opinions?

Is the Hustler any good?

How does a top-load vs center-load impact how I'll be using the radio?

 

[Fogie]

Keep in mind when installing an antenna with an electronic load, that the load needs to be above the highest surface..... or above the cab. Personally I would look at a Wilson 1000 magnetic mount (base load) and put it up top. Other choices would be drill the required mounting hole in the roof and install a roof mount. Primary objective is to have the best ground plane under the antenna for higher performance transmit and receive. Both antenna systems you showed have good reputations. They have been around for many many years. Keep in mind mounting in your planned location will work about equal for hustler and the 4' firestik. Just won't be as good as the roof mount.

 

[Spooled-up]

I love my Wilson 5000 roof mount. Lowest SWR I've had with any antenna. I can remove it and cap off the magnetic mount when I'm not using the CB locally. I'm really happy with it.

 

[sethAdams]

Personally the antenna ive found to work best is an antron 1600 i like it alot better than the wilsons and the firestick that i have

 

[Teacher]

I recently purchased(through E-bay,$40. 00) a Cobra A2000 Magnetic Mount, Super Corona tip(the largest available), handles upto 6000 watts antenna. It is 24 carat gold-plated for super conductivity and 8 gauge copper for power handling. It is a great annenna. I was able to talk with a friend for over a mile across trees, hill (and he was in his garage with the door shut!). The whip is unscrewable so you can easily take it off when not needed. I didn't have to do anything to tune it. It was right on.

 

[BigEasy]

Shy of a Monkey-Made , I haven't found anything that works any better than Wilsons.