Firestick vs. Silver Load

[Jeffro115]

Each one of these antennas are pretty similar. Is one better than the other?

They are both fiberglass and tuneable I believe.


What are the pros and cons of each?


The application will be on a pickup truck. In that case, should I run two of them? I'd almost kind of prefer to, for symmetry. I don't know if 2 will really increase my signal over just running one.


Thank you!

[Ridgerunner665]

You won't be able to get them far enough apart (about 8 ft.) on a pickup truck...and that can wreak havoc on SWR's.

I have a set of Firesticks and in my opinion they are the best Fiberglass antenna there is, but I have never used a Silver Load either.

2 antennas does look (and receive) better...but 1 almost always "gets out" better. (even on big trucks)

[Rat]

I would steer clear of the longer 5 ft silverloads. I have three of them that all failed in short order. There is a manufacturing error in them that makes them fail quickly. They can be repaired fairly easily and made to not fail.

As far as one being better in performance. I ran the wilsons silverloads and another of our drivers runs the same size firesticks and using a box stock Cobra, we both perform about the same when stationary. When moving the firesticks don't tend to flex like the silverloads which gives them a slight edge while mobile. Bullhorn the Silverloads about 10 to 15 degrees to keep them from bending back too close to the cab and they work much better.

[FriedTater]

Not a fan of glass antennas because the break down with UV(sun light)
and just flat "break",hard to tune and never hold a low flat tune(1:1)
Spending the money on two or three glass replacements will buy
a Wilson 2K that is virtually indestructible. They can really take a beating and last for many years.