cb radio

[larsen101]

I was wondering what is better a fiberglass or metal antenna for a cb radio. the fiber glass is 4ft and the metal is 3ft?

 

[Ilikemice]

I've only heard of fibreglass ones used in marine applications and if it's made for that it should have a built-in earth. This is only based on ones I've seen.

My friends and I use metal antennas and as long as you get a low SWR reading you're good to go. I use a 5ft whip on my Blazer which will probably go on my Explorer if I find somewhere to mount it.

Hope this helped

 

[Chris.S.]

This isn't going to help much but I manage a fleet of semi's and they all have fibreglass whips.

I think metal vs fibreglass doesn't make a huge difference but having a good quality (metal or fglass) antennae that is tuned properly does.

 

[larsen101]

ok cool thanks for the help.

 

[ArkieDave]

Keep as much metal mass underneath the antenna for best performance. Avoid magnet mounts. Steel whip will do fine.

If there's a loading coil in the middle of the antenna then try and get the coil above the roof line and surrounding metal.

If you'd like to go to the end all website for mobile antenna installs then check out k0bg.com. Overkill for CB but the ham radio principles are all rock solid. Lots of other good electrical advice there too.

CB is at the top of the HF ham bands, closest to 10 meter band so those gianormus antennas aren't needed but good mounting still counts.

 

[Scrambler82]

Metal will be shorter (36" stinger) and standup better than the fiberglass in the woods.
Metal Antennas are usually based loaded, they have a coil at the bottom to simulate a particular wave length.
Metal Antennas have come a long way, some are good and some are bad.
Other than the 102" Whip they are safe to use on the trail.
Metal Antenna can be mounted either with a magnet mount or a permanent mount.

Fiberglass Antennas come in different length, 2 to 7 feet and are inherent to noise canceling because they usually have a lot of wire wrapped on the fiberglass rod producing a noise canceling effect.
Fiberglass can break when hit by a tree, that is why 4' appears to be the norm.
Fiberglass is usually heavier and usually require a better mounting system.

No matter which antenna you chose it need to be tuned for lowest SWR for you system, every vehicle is different and requires the antenna be tuned.

Also, buy GOOD Coax, not Rat Shaq Coax something like Belden RG-8X, which can be purchased at a HAM Store or sometimes at a Truck Stop.

Now to answer your question which one... IMHO both the Metal and fiberglass are good antennas.

I prefer the Wilson Brand of CB Antennas for everyday use. The 1000 is a metal rod, bottom loaded and works great right out of the box (if needed) and has never failed to work both on and off the trail.
On the trail I like the shorter antenna so a fiberglass 2 or 3' works, magnet mounted w/ a large magnet, so if it take a hard hit the magnet will release not break the antenna.

Again the most important things:
Buy a Quality Antenna (NOT RAT SHAQ) FireStik, Wilson and others
Buy Quality Coax, (again above...) Belden RG-8X or Times Micro Wave 240
Make sure the antenna mount is grounded to the frame, not through hinges, rubber mounts or roof racks but with a braided strap attached to the frame.
Get the antenna tuned for low SWR

Oh ya, one more thing, stick to a 1/2 Wave Length Antenna (most are 5/8 Wave), require less of a ground plane to operate; it still needs a grounded mount but it can operate with less of a grounded area below it.

Sorry for the long winded response.

 

[JerseyBoy]

im big into CB's. it all is anout what your doing. id go with the fiberglass. there tunabel (most of them) and i think handel more power. plus hight is everything. the higher your antena the beter you get out and pic up. i have a few of them for sale if you want a real good one. let me know by a PM thanks

 

[drifterawh]

Dont forget K-40 electronics. Great ant. at a good price. Metal but I over the road truck.