Radio Shack Discone
I will agree that Radio Shack Discones are cheaply made. The radials are Stainless Steel tubing and will break VERY easily. That being said, the antennas receive a very broad spectrum, everything between 25 mhz thru 1.3 ghz, and I have 2 of them sitting atop a 50 foot tower.
The 1st install was stock, out of the package. 2 weeks later, I've got radials laying all over the yard after a big wind. So, I bought enough 1/4 inch solid stainless rod to replace all the radials, cut them to size, threaded the ends, and installed them with blue Locktite.
Those 2 antenna have now been in the air for 3 years, have survived 75 mph winds combined with below 0 temps, and I would put them up against ANY antenna out there. Non standard? Yes, but worth it. I use them to supply the 13 scanners for the feeds I provide here.
Why did I do this? Diamond mades a good antenna but is overpriced.
My 2 cents worth.