Wilson or Firestik Antenna

[The Fox]

Hello everyone, I am looking for a permanent antenna setup on my truck. I am debating between a Wilson 5000 or a Firestik MK-DM18R with a 4' fiberglass antenna. Either will be center of the roof on my truck. I can get the Firestik for about $50 for both, and the Wilson for about $90 from a local shop. I am leaning towards the Firestik because I did loose 75% of my income, but if the the Wilson is better then I would not mind springing the extra few bucks. The CB I am using is a Cobra 148 GTL with no amp, but I do use side bands.

I was also wondering if I could get a piece of 2" PVC pipe to coil the coax around. I have a 1988 standard cab/ long bed Ranger so I wanted to mount it behind the seat and use the PCV to keep the wires from touching each others.

Nick

 

[6cylboy]

I had a Wilson 5000 on my old truck and it was a great antenna. However, the firestik is top loaded which is supposed to be better. But I can definitely recommend the Wilson it is a great antenna.

 

[Muddycowboy]

in my opinion firestik antennas are top of the line.

 

[Ozwynn]

I like the K40 60" fiberglass whip myself. Tunable and has a lifetime guarantee against breakage. my radio comes in chrystal clear for 10 miles with a stock out of the box cobra 29 and 9' of mini 8

 

[Jason]

I had a trucker 5000 on all my jeeps. Good antenna, good performance.

There is a bit of debate over this, but the most important feature of an antenna is length. All the other crap is merely marketing. You still can't beat an 8 or 10 ft stainless whip. At least that's what I have been told by a few radio shops when looking at and asking about various antennas.

 

[6cylboy]

Just got a 5' Wilson silver load (not wild about the name) antenna. I tuned it and got my SWR down around 1.2 on channel 1&40. I was picking up guys 30 miles away in the parking lot of my apartment complex (tall buildings surrounding). It seems to be a very good antenna so far, so at this point I would recommend it.

 

[Bubba Bob]

A properly tuned 5ft Wilson will beat the 10ft steel whips all day long. No reputable CB shop would ever claim otherwise

 

[Jason]

A properly tuned 5ft Wilson will beat the 10ft steel whips all day long. No reputable CB shop would ever claim otherwise

Quite a few have. But I am not an expert myself so, whatever.

 

[rickcdewitt]

i know a guy who used a wilson 1000 to talk to his brother in michocan,mexico from the states(taco truck to big rig).but that was with 10 times the legal amplification

 

[Rigrunner]

I use a 48" Francis.....best one i hae run across yet!