Need help picking an antenna

[JohnnyBoy04]

I recently bought a Cobra 25, and had it tuned in a reputable local shop. Now I need to pick an antenna. I don't need the best antenna out there just looking for something that is decent and will yield a good swr. I have been thinking about the Wilson Lil Wil or one of the Wilson fiberglass antennas. I want something thats not too big but will still perform decent. Thanks

[BigBopper]

I don't know about wilson fiberglass antennas, but Wilson Lil Wil, just isn't much, but it is small, if in the budget I would jump to Wilsom 1000 mag mount they do talk good, antenna is the most important part of the setup....good luck and WELCOME to the Forum!!

[Gixxer]

Wilson 1000

[high_octan36]

well i bought a Wilson 5000 off eBay for like 80 bucks

[Phaze91460]

GREETINGS and welcome to the forum !


As far as an antenna. The Antenna is the MOST important part of a setup. Dont skimp there. If you spend a little more and get a great antenna you will get out further and have less problems.

Try to stay away from fiberglass. A wilson 1000 or 5000 would be good antennas or get a mount and buy a great antenna like the Preditor 10K

[JohnnyBoy04]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. The wilson 1000 and 5000 are just taller then what I want and need. I don't use the radio to talk very long distances.

[231]

I want something thats not too big but will still perform decent. Thanks

Decent to us is what was suggested. The Lil-Wil is a decent performer for what it is...a smaller magnet mount with a lighter duty loading coal, etc. When someone asks me for "decent performance, " That means to me they want better than average. Indeed, the Wilson 1k and 5k are better than average. The Lil-Wil, is in my opinion slightly at average or below in comparison. Things have to be taken in perspective here because you've not told us where you want to mount/locate it.

Mounting location to me is half of would determine what I would suggest. If you plan on using a magnet mount on the roof for instance, then the Lil-Wil would probably be fine (but still below average), but a 1k or 5k would be better. If you plan on mounting it on the hood or bumper, I'd probably say to use a top loaded antenna instead. Yielding a decent SWR doesn't mean you'll have decent performance.

More specific info' would be helpful...especially mounting location preferred, and/or size limitations.

Welcome to the forum by the way. :Peace!:

[JohnnyBoy04]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I am going to mount it to either the roof or the side of my toolbox. Can the 1000 and 5000 be mounted to the toolbox? Will it still out perform something like a top loaded fiberglass antenna? I was hoping for the antenna to only stick up about 3 feet over the roof of my truck.

[BobOstro61]

I'd put it on the roof if at all possible. As they say, height is might!

My Wilson 5000 is mag mounted to my roof. Its smacking trees all the time and doesn't budge an inch. It has a good strong magnet on it. I've talked to Texas and the Carolinas from the mobile using it.

[231]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I am going to mount it to either the roof or the side of my toolbox. Can the 1000 and 5000 be mounted to the toolbox? Will it still out perform something like a top loaded fiberglass antenna? I was hoping for the antenna to only stick up about 3 feet over the roof of my truck.

I agree with Bob. For the best performance on the roof is optimal. However, there are always trade offs. I personally think you'd be way better off with a top loaded [Please login or register to view this link] Tiger (Model SOTT-4' or 5') top loaded mounted on your tool box than a Lil-Wil mounted on the roof. I personally know that my Tigers way out perform the Wilson Trucker 1k & 2k's I have. Firestik and K40 top loads aren't even in the running by the way. Even the Tiger TSM SuperFlex series will way out perform them...or so my tests have concluded.

Lots of guys here don't care much for top loaded antennas. Myself though, I happen to like them. But part of the key to making one (or any antenna for that matter) work properly is sufficient RF ground of the mount. I'd also suggest considering a quick disconnect and/or an HD spring. Even though you'll be a few feet above the cab, you'll still hit stuff from time to time. And top loaded antennas (with the exception of the TSM series Tiger) weakest point is at the base of the antenna.

Hope that helps a little.

[Gixxer]

Roof

[JohnnyBoy04]

What about putting one of the Wilson trucker antennas on my toolbox. I would get one that puts the coil above the roof.

[231]

What about putting one of the Wilson trucker antennas on my toolbox. I would get one that puts the coil above the roof.

That would probably work. But I think the stinger might still be too tall for you. Most certainly it would work better than the Lil-Wil would. Good thinking though to consider that option.

I'd probably take a rough measurement attempting to get the loading coil above the roof line and check the shaft lengths available for the trucker series.

[JohnnyBoy04]

I went with the wilson 1000 mag mount. Thanks for the help guys

[231]

I went with the wilson 1000 mag mount. Thanks for the help guys

Good for you! A good choice for sure.

:Peace!:

[Mr RadioActive]

Good choice!
Just wanted to pop in (little late I know) you can always use Wilson 2000/5000 trucker antennas above metal, like a roof or tool box, but thats not what they are designed for and dont work nearly as well as they do on a mirror mount.
The 1000 mag was a great choice! 231 has had some decent results with the antennas he mentioned, but Ive always had the best results with Wilson Silver Loads for fiberglass antennas. Pointless at this point however, the 1000 mag is a great all round antenna...............ENJOY! WELCOME BY THE WAY!