Difference between thick Kenwood antenna vs thin ones

[eteves]

Is there a difference between the thin, flexible Kenwood handheld radio antennas (left image, the one antenna photo) VS the thick non-flexible ones (right side, 5 pack)?
I've only really seen these thick antennas on Kenwood radios, none on any other manufacturer that I've come across.
I'm not even exactly sure that the thick ones aren't flexible but they look like they would be.
Is one a higher gain antenna or something of that nature?
If I am correct about the thick ones only pertaining to Kenwood, then if you've come across both of these types, I'm sure you know what I'm trying to explain here.
You can compare better in the bottom image between the two. Focus on the bigger radios in the back. Don't mind the small ones. You can see the one on the left with the thin and the two on the right with the thick.

See photos--

Thanks!

 

[ohiohonda]

The thin antenna is probable UHF (KRA-27M) and the thicker antenna is VHF(KRA-26M).

 

[mmckenna]

The thicker antennas are often helically wound VHF antennas. The thinner antennas are often UHF or 700/800/900MHz whips.

If you are looking at purchasing after market antennas for your radio...
-Antennas are frequency dependent, as I'm sure you know. Make sure you get the correct ones for your radios.
-There are a -lot- of people selling "Kenwood" antennas on sites like Amazon, E-Bay, etc. that are NOT Kenwood antennas. Knock off antennas seem to be a big business. Under testing, they'll often show that they are not resonate where the seller claims they are.
-The knock-off antennas can look identical to the factory OEM antennas.

While I understand the desire to save some money, buying knock off antennas can really be an issue. It's really worth the money to buy them direct from your dealer to make sure you are getting the right ones.

Kenwood does NOT sell "5 packs" of antennas. They are sold individually.

 

[W5lz]

The diameter of an antenna makes little difference as to what they can 'hear'. It can make a very large difference in how they 'talk'. That typically applies to length, not diameter, which depends on the 'type' of antenna (loaded or not). Length concerns resonance, which with a scanner antenna is just not a factor (like tasting a cow-pie or horse apples, you know?). Diameter usually deals with 'shortening' an antenna, strength, or convenience, not performance