Which antenna is right for me?Updated 3 months ago
With three antennas available for our 5 Watt Radio, choosing the best antenna for an activity will depend on a few factors. Range is highly dependent on terrain and the nature of your activity may dictate how long the antenna can be. If your activity allows you to use a long antenna and you’re frequently pushing the limits of your radio's range, utilizing a longer antenna can improve your experience!
It may seem basic but one of the biggest factors determining the best antenna for you is length. The antenna that ships attached to your radio is a great performer. It features a coiled wire inside the plastic sheath to produce an effective antenna in a small package. For sports like ice climbing or white water rafting, a short antenna can be crucial to permit body movement and avoid catching on gear or the environment.
Another factor is the type of terrain you’re in. In mountainous terrain and areas with minor obstructions like trees and foliage, you should notice the biggest improvement in signal quality. When hunting or riding enduros through the woods, a longer antenna could be exactly what you need to stay connected with your crew. On the other hand, when transmitting across a ridge line or in an urban environment, the improvement will be less. In this instance, a shorter antenna like the stock antenna or 17cm Antenna may be just as effective.
When transmitting, a longer antenna will focus the radiated power of your radio, but does not increase the radio's power output. Similar to when you press your thumb on a garden hose, the pressure behind your thumb is the same, but the water coming out is more focused and goes further. While the antenna is pointed toward the sky, less power will be radiated vertically and more will be radiated horizontally. This directionality is called gain and measured in dbi (decibels relative to isotropic). An isotropic antenna would radiate signal equally in all directions. The graphic below shows three green donuts representing your radio's signal propagation with each of our antennas.
The stock antenna will direct signal in a more multidirectional pattern, great for vertical pursuits! The 17cm Antenna keeps a relatively low profile and slightly focuses the signal horizontally. The Whip Antenna does the best job focusing the signal in one direction.
Reception also improves with antenna length. While our stock antenna is again a great performer, the 17cm Antenna is a bit longer and picks up incoming transmissions and the longer wavelength NOAA weather channels better. Our Whip Antenna is specifically tuned for GMRS frequencies (462-467 MHz) and has the best sensitivity in that portion of the spectrum.
Each antenna features a rubber o-ring to retain factory waterproofing, has gone through rigorous durability and range testing, and has individual strengths and compromises. If you're unsure which antenna makes the most sense for your activity, please don't hesitate to contact us!