antenna length question

Short answer, they'll work about the same and are more than adequate for your needs. They are different lengths to fit your application (size you can install) rather than optimal antenna length. The distance you can transmit depends more on power output and line of sight than the antenna.

Have it installed and tuned up by a professional and it will work fine.

 

If you are referring to Francis fiberglass antennas, they are not tunable. The longer the better they will perform, I ran 5 1/2 footers for years and was extremely happy with them. Ran a 250 Texas star got out real well. Tried 4 1/2 footers on the W900 I drive now, not too happy with them, so I went to a Wilson 2000, love it.

 

*Any* antenna is tuneable. You might need a hacksaw, but it can be tuned...

 

Yep...They can be tuned, if too long you just need to pull the cap off the top, pull out a little of the wire and snip it off...If too short, just add a spring.

Between the 4' and the 4.5' antenna, there's not enough difference in height to make a noticeable difference one way or another....

 

I second the Wilson 2000. You might find them to be better than the 4 foot or 4.5 foot antennas you're looking at.

When it comes to "getting out" and "picking up", the antenna plays a vital role. Height is might.