Firestik FS4 or Hustler IC100

[803Patriot]

Hi all,

I am trying to decide which antenna to run on my 2004 F150. I have a Lincoln II Plus radio which is currently utilizing a 4ft Firestik antenna mounted to the drivers’ side of my toolbox. I talk on 27.185, 26.905 and LSB on 27.420 and 27.450. Sideband has been extremely quiet so I’ve mostly been on AM 19. My SWR readings are good. 1.7 or lower on every channel I talk on with 19 being the best at 1.1

If I use the Hustler mag mount, on top of my cab, I get 1.4 or lower on all my channels with 19 being flat.

My receive seems stronger and less noisy with the big stick, and I’ve talked to operators almost 12 miles away on both antennas with good reports...so I guess my question is this. All things considered, am I benefiting more from either of these options, or am I splitting hairs at this point? To me, the toolbox location should not be doing as well as it is SWR wise. But if my SWR readings are good, am I losing any transmit power from lack of ground plane?

Thanks in advance for any advice and opinions.

[MDYoungblood]

It looks like either antenna will do, but my opinion is the Hustler is a better position, the FireStik has the cab in the way. The IC-100 can be moved around on the roof to find it's "sweet spot" for best SWR, the center is not always it. Hope you removed the FireStik while doing this so the it is not seen by the Hustler. To me, both are too short for the frequency spread it looks like you want to run so my guess is you will be looking for a longer antenna in your future.

3's

Greg

[803Patriot]

Well, it didn’t take long lol. I now am running a Stryker SRA10, roof mounted , with a TS350. I am officially broke

[MDYoungblood]

I am officially broke!

Join the crowd.

3's

Greg

[Aviator]

Don't mean to dig up an old post but how's that Stryker treating you?

[warlock35po]

Hello 803 Patriot,short answer is yes, if SWR is really under 2 leave it alone, you or anyone you are talking to will not see ANY appreciable difference.Regards.warlock35p

[MDYoungblood]

The Stryker comes with a rather long stinger (whip) so trimming it will bring the SWR down. I would recommend using an analyzer to make the adjustment.

3’s

Greg