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Reviews For: Antenna Specialists 5/8 wave VHF mobile antenna

Category: Antennas: VHF/UHF+ Omnidirectional: verticals, mobile, etc

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Review Summary For : Antenna Specialists 5/8 wave VHF mobile antenna
Reviews: 3MSRP:
Description:
All brass inserts, black UV stabilized base, unique DURA-FLEX elastomer spring, NMO-style mount, max power 150w, Freq range 138-174 MHz, 3 dB gain
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.antenna.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0035
WB6CSH Rating: 2019-12-10
Very well made antenna! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I originally bought this antenna when I had a 156 Mhz two way radio telephone installed in my 1970 BMW. It served in that capacity very well until I sold the BMW in 1981.

Despite mostly being parked in the So. Calif. sunshine (L.A., then in the San Diego area), the base coil never showed any signs of "weather fatigue", which I have experienced with ALL LARSEN base coils - to the point of cracking then splitting open. The base coil is a smaller diameter than Larsen coils, probably ~3/4 inch in diameter.

I had purchased a new Larsen whip so this antenna could be used again as a base station antenna, but then a massive wildfire destroyed my home and all my ham gear too (2018 Nov.).

This antenna is currently made by PCTEL, if it's still manufactured! Very good and well-made coil, thus a great antenna!
W8AAZ Rating: 2011-03-19
Ideal 5/8 antenna Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used one of these off and on till recently when I donated it to a new ham for mobile use. Yes it is commercial grade and should last for a very long time. Also it appears that coax replacement is easy and accessable if you ever need to, due to damage. (I use a dual-band antenna now just due to need.) Could not tune to perfect flat SWR at midband but close enough. But alot of 5/8 mobiles I have had over the decades were not perfectly flat SWR. Most spec. to 1.5:1 or better, anyway. If you get a deal on this antenna don't pass it up for an inferior quality one. Good strong magnet base too. Performs as it should.
KD5ZZK Rating: 2006-06-24
Durable Works Great Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
This is one durable antenna. Designed for rugged commercial/public safety use, it is easily tuned for the 2 meter Amateur band. I have two of these and really like them. The base is much slimmer than comparable Antennex, Larsen, or Maxrad models. The whip is spring steel and the base is flexible rubber. No exposed metal spring base. Performance is as expected with a 5/8 wave antenna.