top load vs center load antenna

AGREE !

It is a nice test however the information need to have a common base to give someone a real idea of what the gain or loss is ...

 

Assuming the correction factor varied by say 10 percent, and two models showed a 30 percent difference, one could assume the better signal was at least 20 percent better or more so therefore the signal was improved. For example no matter how bad the initial test conditions were I am positive a Wilson 5000 outperforms a coat hanger.

 

My results are from using different antennas on the truck I run. I have tried many different antennas to get the best performance. One thing is that tuning fiberglass sticks is not as easy as a whip style antenna and yes they have to be tuned also.

There is no such thing as a plug and play antenna. Fiberglass antennas usually require cutting the fiberglass along with cutting the wire. If you cut too much then you are buying a new antenna. Were a whip style it is not the case. The upper whip can be moved up and down to a degree. You might have to cut some of the upper whip off but you really have to cut alot off before you loose adjustment.


Ice buildup on whip styles will not harm them. Ice buildup on a fiberglass will cause it to snap off.


Now for performance. My wilson 5000 brings is more signal then any fiberglass I have used. Meaning I can hear people better with the Wilson. Also people can hear me better using the wilson even after spending alot of time tuning the fiberglass antennas.

 

I prefer my wilsons also. I just use the Francis because it works good enough and is cheap to replace. If you remember, I slip seat so I'm only concerned with "good enough". With these new trucks, it takes time to get an antenna "right", and I don't have that luxury.

 

It was not the first time when Wilson didn't win. Don't believe the ads. Fiberglass antennas are better in theory and practice.

 

So I guess the better test would be different antennae, but matched, grounded, mounted and calibrated equally as well?

Can Fiberglas handle amplifier heat as well as metal? What about flex factor in high winds.

I have stock Volvo antennae. Two. The black ones with the copper looking wire in them. Don't know anything about them. I hear well and get out strong with my east coast amp

 

I want to get one or a pair of antennae. With all the mixed reviews, I don't know what to get.

I have my eye on the black K40 6000 watt antenna... That, or the 5000 Wilson.

 

Fiberglass antennas have usually a lower power rating than steel whips. But anything over 500 Watts is useless anyway and most fiberglass antennas can take that.

I read somewhere that because fiberglass don't swing at high winds they perform better.