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Went out of production, a run from circa 2014 to maybe 2021. 10-year guarantee.
Might be some NOS or used come up for sale.
83.46” tall (6.95-feet).
Two versions were extant: EU used SO-239 base (second & last) and American version the standard 3/8-24 stud (first)
Whip is two-piece in stainless. Past a connector is a highly flexible portion able to take 90-MPH strikes without damage. (Test lab video by manufacturer). My take is that it’s the final two feet nearest tip (at/above 5’) and really it’s the last foot.
One will see mangled Wilson and SIRIO detachable whips if he’s diligent in spotting. Having 1-2 replacements is always a good initial order purchase for design type.
I saw good to very good reports online and grabbed one as production end was announced. (I’ll admit to a prejudice for all things President).
The single comparison video (side by side) used an adaptor to roof and it’s my feeling that may not have been ideal (although others done same).
(390 Wagonmaster).
The WILSON 5000 and SIRIO PERFORMER 5000 are the price/performance competition via base load/whip design.
Brand-new the AM range is likeliest quite similar. SSB is where it’ll start to differ. Total 10-12M coverage is another (how far into each one will reach given tuning center is 27.205 MHz). Wide vs Narrow Banded. Weather Channel also.
Over time is the real test. Assuming one hasn’t had significant whip damage, how good are any of them versus internal corrosion comes into play. With the mid-coil Wilson’s we learned to drill two small holes opposite each other on the underside.
There’s a very good initial purchase vid on the SIRIO to discuss and take TLC precautions past a coax-upgrade. (Fine Tune Radio)
The Texas I’d say is better than WILSON and probably par with SIRIO, generally, in this. (None of these as good as LAIRD/ANTENEX/LARSEN; by report).
High Performance is antenna height. Total length plus highest reach. 7’ defines a niche that works well. On my 6’ tall pickup it’s right at 13’. Flex stinger means it’s a more terrain-versatile choice than a top-load 7’ Skipshooter (that may otherwise out-perform it somewhat).
I have no room for error with the latter. The Texas I can probably get away with hitting 10’ at city speed and 11’ at highway without damage. This is the second appealing characteristic of base load: total height followed by flexible whip at tip.
IMO, this design type is permanent antenna, roof-center-mount best.
This brand and model a good choice should you come across one as 7’ is where a 9’ quarter-wave alternative exists.
The mid-coil or rare top hat design (then Fiberglas) are more prone to damage (meaning a stout mount is required), but may also be better performers.
My choice of thread subject antenna is that it’s to be the GP choice for my pickup. With a half-dozen other antennas I’ve collected over the years as more-specific choices per demand.
On my pickup:
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This mount not required. Some of the other antennas have a much higher wind loading. I wanted to be able to use anything. Primary job for mine is getting above travel trailer, and 7’ does that with several feet.
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My in-town only antenna is a PRO-COMM 4.5’.
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