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Reviews For: Smiley 2m HT 5/8 Slim Duck monobander (220 and 440 monobanders a

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

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Review Summary For : Smiley 2m HT 5/8 Slim Duck monobander (220 and 440 monobanders a
Reviews: 13MSRP: 20
Description:
5/8 Slim Duck 3 to 7 db gain flexible base loaded antenna, manufactured tough enough for the military and aesthetically pleasing for the consumer. Available in VHF and UHF frequencies, utilizing the Tuned Antenna's one piece MPQ-2000 Space Age covering system. Available from 136 - 174 MHz This new flex coil matching network provides at band center low SWR as well as a +or - 5 MHz band center. (Example an antenna tuned at 146 as the band center, the antenna will perform the same between 141-151 MHz.) For custom frequency call 1-800-527-5439 or email sales@smileyantenna.com. 12"
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.smileyantenna.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00134.8
KF0EKF Rating: 2021-08-14
My best 2M HT antenna Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Compared to all my other HT antennas, this is pulling in stations with greater clarity both hand held and on the shelf (eg not held in hand). Receives multiple NWS stations (vs. 1 for the Nagoya 701 and 771) while also enabling clean reception on local, more distant repeaters. I am now using this antenna as my go-to antenna on 2M, while using the Super Stick II (which has a slight edge on reception and transmission) when I am less worried about breaking the antenna.
N8IB Rating: 2021-04-27
Best on my testing. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Bought this antenna years ago. 150 mhz version so rated for 145 to 155 mhz. I used this antenna occasionally and then it just wound up at the bottom of my gadget go bag. The other day I finally decided to do a compare test. I used my Kenwood THF-6A on 147.57 mhz on medium power with a field strength meter about 10 feet away. First I tried my Diamond SRH77CA. On the scale of 1 to 10 it registered 5.25. Next I put the smiley antenna on. It registered 7.5. Quite an improvement on radiated power.
KV4AN Rating: 2018-04-30
Not as good as I thought it would be Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I'm usually very satisfied with purchases that I have made because I carefully research the options. However, the Smiley 5/8 Duck is not as good as I thought it would be. The antenna is very well built, but the performance seems to be about the same as the supplied antenna - certainly no better. I was hoping for more. To make matters worse, it does not screw all the way down to the top of the radio (Icom ID-31A) leaving 3/16" of the radio connector threads showing. I'm going to need to go to the hardware store and get a gasket or nylon washer or something to fill it in.
NC5P Rating: 2015-07-27
2m version fantastic performance Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I installed the 2m version on a Motorola XTS2500. I ordered the "Motorola" SMA connector but it was too short to fit down into the radio's connector. Smiley sent me a replacement that was longer and it fits perfectly. I can get into repeaters full quieting inside a stucco condo, something that's quite a feat. This condo is pretty well shielded! It's only 3" longer than the stock WB antenna. They sell the connectors as well so you can use the same antenna on different radios.
AC0X Rating: 2014-05-08
Beats std duck @ nice price Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Got the 220 version of a UV1DP I use just for 220. Nice price, well built, beats the standard duck for performance, and they'll put almost any connector you need on it for any hand held.
K7KEY Rating: 2013-04-08
Nice Improvement Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Installed on a pair of Yaesu FT250 HT, this antenna is a nice improvement over the stock Yaesu HT antenna. The Smiley people are also very good to work with. Questions are answered very fast, and shipping charges are very low.
N4UED Rating: 2013-02-20
Perfect single band antenna . Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used these for 440 and 220 . They are solid antennas . I like the fact you can change the bottom adaptor from a BNC to a SMA . No other company does this . I use one on my 220 HT and it is outstanding . I just got one for my ICOM ID31A . It works great . They are priced right as well . Buy one you will not be disappointed . Chuck N4UED
K5ND Rating: 2012-12-01
Nicely Built Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Nice antenna. Works very well. I use it with an Icom ID-31A in the 440 MHz version with SMA connector. Very nicely done and I love that it is tuned exactly for 440 MHz.
W9CLL Rating: 2011-03-24
Excellent build and performance Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just received one of these for my 440 HT. It is replacing a Nagoya NA-771. Excellent build quality and I noticed a marked improvement over the original antenna and the Nagoya. I am now able to bring up local repeaters sitting in my living room that I was unable to even hear on the Nagoya. I will be ordering one for my 2 meter HT soon.
N1KSN Rating: 2010-09-01
Excellent duck Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned this antenna for both 2m and 70cm for some time now and have noticed their good performance. I have recently done a study of HT antenna matching, and this Smiley model is very well matched. I was glad for this, because many of my other HT antennas (including some expensive name brands) were surprisingly poorly matched, especially on two meters. Other Smiley models that I tested were also quite good.