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Reviews For: Radio Shack Chrome Plated Spring CB Antenna Mount. (Antenna spri

Category: Antennas: HF Mobile & Accessories

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Review Summary For : Radio Shack Chrome Plated Spring CB Antenna Mount. (Antenna spri
Reviews: 4MSRP: 17.99
Description:
Every antenna should have a spring. Springs protect the antenna, mount and vehicle.
* Fits most CB antenna whips and mounts with a 3/8" base
* Includes 3/8" mounting stud and lock washer
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062089&cp=&sr=1&origkw=CB&kw=cb&parentPage=search
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0042.8
KI4SDY Rating: 2007-10-28
Don't Buy This Piece of Junk! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.

First, you don't need this spring to protect the antenna. The stainless 102" whip is plenty flexible by itself. If you hit a tree limb going 60 mph the spring will not help. Your antenna will still be bent! Just remember that you have a long antenna and drive accordingly. Bend the antenna over and tie it down with an insulator to garage or for short range work.

Second, if your going to use a 102" whip for 10 meters, the spring adds length you don't want for low SWR. Without the spring, the antenna should work fine on both 10 and 11 meters, so why buy one? Try it first without!

Lastly, the Radio Shack spring quickly rusts causing power loss to the antenna. Using this spring is like committing slow signal suicide. It is a low quality piece of junk!

If you must use a spring to add length, say for 12 meters (yes, you can use a 102" whip for 10, 11 & 12 meters with good results), get a good Hustler stainless steel spring. It will last a lifetime and will not rust.
N3DG3 Rating: 2007-08-10
Rusts, Buy Stainless Steel Instead Time Owned: more than 12 months.
While this spring does the job, it certainly will and does rust, as it is only chrome plated.

I have been most satisfied with a Stainless Steel Spring from Hustler, which comes in two styles and sizes and costs just a few bucks more.

Why buy something that will pit and rust when you can have stainless steel forever for about the same price ???
KE5ICG Rating: 2007-08-10
a classic -- still getting it done Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I first had one of these back in the 70's for use with a mobile cb. That first one did rust, but not too bad.

For my latest mobile setup for 10 meters, I'm using the 102" whip with the spring. Have had this on my Explorer for almost a year with no rust issues, although it is pitting just a bit. Might need a shot of clear Krylon.

I give the spring a 4 because it is simply a good solid product that has been proven over a long time. You can still get it at almost any RS store, and the price is good too. This size spring is good to handle the 102" whip -- in most applications you really need a spring.

If you want to run 10 meters in a vehicle, you should put this spring with the big whip and DX on.

73 and good mobile ops -- Ray
DBHOST Rating: 2007-08-10
Great function, bad finish Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Does what you expect. Rust builds up between the coils in mere days. Would be better if made with Stainless Steel. Works much better at controlling the whipping of a 102" whip than slimmer designs. Function overrides aestetics for me, so I have this one.

I am on my 2nd one of these springs. The first one rusted to the stud so badly I couldn't get it off of the old Jeep.