Need help on new mobile antenna

[chanerz]

I currently have SpectrumForce Wideband Antenna with Mag Mount and BNC. Is it worth upgrading to Austin Spectra Mobile Antenna? I monitor CHP and my county which is Contra Costa CA.

 

[ridgescan]

After googling your current antenna I say yes go for the better one if mount and money allow it plus it will look better IMO

 

[ka3jjz]

We should consider performance more, not appearance, IMHO (OK, not so humble)...As neither antenna is really tall enough to be efficient on VHF lo freqs, where CHIP stuff is often found, it's really a tossup in that department.

I use the Spectra, and can say that it works very well on VHF hi and UHF...however whether the gain in these areas is worth a compromise on VHF lo, is something no one can judge but for yourself. 73 Mike

 

[prcguy]

If your looking for VHF lo-band performance you want to tune the antenna to your specific frequency. I recently tested an Austin Spectra against two other antennas and it works ok at its factory shipped 33MHz frequency but go up 10MHz without retuning and signals drop almost 20dB.
prcguy