UHF antenna - steel or fibreglass?

Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Location: Sydney

I'm looking into installing my first UHF and am wondering what the difference between the steel and fibreglass antennas are?

I want to mount it on my roof bar (the one that runs down the length of the cabin, not across it) on a hinge so I can drive with it folded down when not in use and then flip it up when I need to use it. Would a steel antenna be better?

I think I would be looking at a 4.5dB or less antenna since it will be mounted high. It also needs to be very flexy since it'll definately get hit by tree branches.

I know having the antenna the more vertical (not flexy) the better for performance but it won't last very long being hit by branches though.

Cheers,
Ben

And yes I've serached.

Joined: 12 Dec 2002 Location: QLD

They both have good and bad points. Steel ones generally perform better and are more flexible, expecially when compared to the big wanker white fibreglass ones (like the one i've got Smile

). Fibreglass ones look prettier and stand out. Smile

I have a GME 4705 4.5db fibreglass on the front for my CB and a stainless steel Nagoya MAG-77EL-WH 4.3/6.8db dual bander for my amateur radio on the back. They're both ripper antennas but built for their purpose.

The GME performs well, it's big and bold and lets other hwy users out here see that i've got a cb and they can contact me on cb 40. From all reports it's tough as anything but it doesn't flex. I chose it for looks, then performance, then build quality.

The Nagoya on the other hand, was 1/2 the cost of the GME and will easily outperform it but that's mostly due to the fact that i'm not running normal cable, i'm running very low loss cable for that antenna. I chose it for performance over anything else.

I still use an RFI stainless steel elevated feed antenna on my other vehicles because i reckon they're the best performing antenna out there. They're only $80-$90 too! Wink

RFI make awesome antennas.

Joined: 07 Aug 2003 Location: Happyrock

i always used to use a GME stainless whip which worked brilliantly for years, but ended its life with metal fatigue from corrugations. Then switched to one of the big fibreglass ones which handle the corrugations very well, but really really dont like bending.

Point is, if you are going to be hitting any shrubbery with it get a steel whip. Fibreglass are best suited to bullbar mount where you can see the top of them to guide them between low branches. (yes even the smaller ones with springs)

funny, ive never seen a jeep in boonah...

Sam

Joined: 12 Dec 2002 Location: QLD

you'll have to start looking Wink