[ncb76]

Any brand better than the other? I'm looking for a 3 ft. antenna, almost exclusive trail use, but I occassionally use it on the highway during traffic jams or long road trips (mostly listening). I like the ideas of the flexibles, but I don't want to sacrifice quality or the ability to use the antenna to hold a flag.

Here are the ones I'm looking at:

http://www.walcottcb.com/wilson-flexible-fiberglass-antennas-p-542.html
http://www.walcottcb.com/wilson-fgt-fiberglass-antennas-foot-lengths-p-913.html

http://www.walcottcb.com/k40-t350-3ft-power-whip-cb-antenna-p-774.html
http://www.walcottcb.com/k40-sf300-3ft-superflex-cb-whip-antenna-p-772.html

http://www.walcottcb.com/firestik-ii-fs-hand-tune-antennas-foot-lengths-p-901.html
http://www.walcottcb.com/firestik-firefly-foot-flexable-antenna-p-897.html

Also, anyone know where to find a decent priced replacement 4-pin mike. Some a**hole stole mine. I'd order a stock Uniden replacemnent, but they are on back-order right now. I was looking at this Cobra one:

http://www.walcottcb.com/cobra-hgm75-power-cb-microphone-with-4pin-connector-p-754.html

I checked ebay but they are either cheap junk or too much. I'm seriously thinking about buying a new CB, it wouldn't be much more than what I'd be paying for a replacement mic. Any suggestions?

[Raybz]

I use a 4foot Firestick II
No complaints

[Scrambler82]

If you get ten replies you will get ten different answers.

I prefer the Wilson Brand; the Flex-i-whip comes in a number of lengths.

Also, I believe that most are using the 4 foot antennas so that you can some above the roof line. Not really necessary for fiberglass but with CB the higher the antenna the better.

Luck,

[newjeeperguy]

Out of those choices go with the Wilson hands down.

I have not had a K40 in many years though so I have no idea what they are like now days.

As far as Firestiks, truckers (and people who use the cb all the time) call them friecrap for a reason. Because that is exactly what they are.

Then again if your just going to use it for limited range and for TRAIL ONLY then the extremely limited firecrap would work ok.

Go with the Wilson or an Everhardt Super Tiger for better range on the trail or on the highway and be done with it would be my opinion.

[ncb76]

If I go with the flexible Wilson can I leave off the spring. I have a ratshack 4' now and with the spring, it's a little too big for me (I have problems with parking garages, etc.). It wouldn't be too bad without the spring.

Also, anyone have any experience with Firestik's coax? I'm looking at this:
http://www.walcottcb.com/firestik-mu8r18-2piece-18ft-ezinstall-single-coax-p-581.html
with matching stud mount. I like the idea of being able to use a smaller hole to route the cable. I'd use the 9' length, but I measured and it will be too short.

Thanks for the replies. I re-doing my set-up and want to get it right.

[Jerry Bransford]

I have had great experiences with all three of the Firestik antennas I've owned, and they get out just fine.

[GSW]

Sounds like I'm at the same point as you, trying to pick out an antenna/mount/coax. I'm leaning towards the Wilson flex 3 footer with the Firestik quick disco stud mount. I'll probably use the pass. tail light mount for now.

Any more opinions?

[TJ-n-Oregon]

Out of those choices Wilson would have my vote. We used to call K40's (their old flex version) curb finders...because that was all they were good for. Firestiks work, but not as well as others out there of similar design. I'd have to agree with newjeepguy on the Tiger vs them all. But Walcott doesn't sell Tigers. I suspose not enough profit when you (the end user) can buy directly from Everhardt.

I personally think the FS Fire-Ring is a POS too. I prefer the RG8x mini 8 over any of the RG58U coax. The Belden being one of the better brands with the most shielding for the buck.

Good luck

[anebrich]

Out of those listed I would go with the Wilson FGT, but like Jerry said the Firesticks work good enough.

As far as the mic. goes I think I have a factory Cobra one laying around my garage but I won't know until I get home on Friday afternoon, if you want it just PM me and I'll send it your way...

[ncb76]

Originally Posted by newjeeperguy

Go with the Wilson or an Everhardt Super Tiger for better range on the trail or on the highway and be done with it would be my opinion.

Any idea of price on the Everhardt antenna? There is nothing listed on the website.

EDIT: nevermind, I Googled it...the first site I looked at has them for $17.95.

[Linda or Greg]

My Firestick II works great!

[mp3coupe]

Originally Posted by ncb76

Any idea of price on the Everhardt antenna? There is nothing listed on the website.

EDIT: nevermind, I Googled it...the first site I looked at has them for $17.95.

I just ordered an everhardt SST-4 48" it was 21.12 orders over 25 free shipping. When I called it in the nice lady said possible 3 weeks. It came in 2 weeks. My thoughts on the antenna.....
The super tiger is a stiff antenna. For trails might be better off with the tiger.
Tuning -- With my SWR meter I was able to get 1.1:1
Without a doubt the antenna performs

[Scrambler82]

Originally Posted by ncb76

Also, anyone have any experience with Firestik's coax? I'm looking at this:

AS TJ-n-O mentioned teh FireStik Fire Ring isn't a good setup.

The Fire Ring on the end of the Coax is the problem, stick to a piece of RG-8X, you can buy some with the CB end PL259 already in place(or not).

To keep the hole small - Get a Stud mount that used Ring Lugs to attach the Coax to the Antenna Mount; (that is a standard electrical connector type of Ring Lug).
The Ring Lugs can be attached after the Coax is run to the rear of the Vehicle so the hole in the body will be small. The Ring Lugs also are easier to work with and are a better match that a standard PL259 Connector (the screw on type). Use Heat Shrink on the connectors, get the type with glue in it and the connections will be a little more water tight.

Make sure you run the Braided Shield of the Coax to the Mount using External Star Lock Washers to secure the bolt and run an additional Braid from the mount to the Frame of the Vehicle.
Get to bare metal before attaching the braid at the mount and at the frame.

[ncb76]

Between the two which would be better?
http://www.walcottcb.com/18s8xc29-rg8x-18ft-clear-coax-made-in-usa-p-209.html
http://www.walcottcb.com/rg8x-coax-cable-18-foot-length-most-popular-p-729.html
Or do you know somewhere else I could order from. There is nowhere close that carries a good selection of products.

Now I can just cut off one of the connectors and attach Ring Lugs? One lug for the outside braid and one lug for the center strand? How do they attach to the stud mount?

[newjeeperguy]

Originally Posted by ncb76

Now I can just cut off one of the connectors and attach Ring Lugs? One lug for the outside braid and one lug for the center strand? How do they attach to the stud mount?

Yup, that is all there is too it. Here is a picture to make it easier. I stole it from somebody around here