Stubby Antenna

[Ej Gumaer]

I have read a handful of post about the stubby and don't want to clog the threads with another. But I am wondering if anyone has any opinions on the Stubby or if there is another brand/type you like? Or is there some cooler types that express more than your basic black short antenna?

 

[FriedDumpling]

Looks great, reception sucks. Not worth it.


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[Ej Gumaer]

Looks great, reception sucks. Not worth it.


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so as someone who doesn't really listen to the radio, or even uses my phone apps that has radio capabilities it would be nice?

 

[FriedDumpling]

Nice looking yes.

I have satellite so I don’t really need a mast antenna. A few days ago posted to see of there is alt brand that would offer better reception. There doesn’t seem to be, and consensus is factory works best, as ugly and hated as it is.

I guess I would like the option of some AM/FM reception which you’ll lose, and I can’t see giving the function away...and paying $25. Plus, always worried someone’s gonna take if off my truck for their own purposes.




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[appzattak]

This is the one to get. I get great reception everywhere (i travel a lot) and it looks cool.

Ram Pickup Ultra High End
THE ORIGINAL 6 3/4 " Rubber Antenna Mast

https://www.theantennasource.com/DODGE/RAM PICKUP/2009-2019 Ram 1500.html#1C



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[appzattak]

Nice looking yes.

I have satellite so I don’t really need a mast antenna. A few days ago posted to see of there is alt brand that would offer better reception. There doesn’t seem to be, and consensus is factory works best, as ugly and hated as it is.

I guess I would like the option of some AM/FM reception which you’ll lose, and I can’t see giving the function away...and paying $25. Plus, always worried someone’s gonna take if off my truck for their own purposes.




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Check what I just posted, I still get an AM station from LA in Idaho, which I did with stock. I've had it over a year and it gets great reception, just as good as stock.


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[Black W900]

I have never used the am or FM radio in my truck, Not once in 117,000 miles.
Pandora or USB stick is all that I use

I can't stand the chatter and commercials on the radio and I am not gonna pay for satellite radio so I can listen to their commercials either.

I still have the original antenna on my truck but I may just put a buttonhead Allen screw in there one of these days.

 

[Pull Ya]

Most people get reduced reception and a few people report a whistling sound similar to a window air leak.
Jay

 

[TigreST]

Check what I just posted, I still get an AM station from LA in Idaho, which I did with stock. I've had it over a year and it gets great reception, just as good as stock.

How's the FM reception please? If you still have the OEM unit..dial in an FM station, then change to the OEM antenna and see if you notice a better signal/sound etc. Then dial in a weak FM station with the OEM 31" antenna installed. Then, without touching the tuner, change to your short antenna unit and see how it pulls in that weak FM station. Let us know what you find please.

We all are looking for the "Holy Grail" of short antennas.


T.

 

[thade]

so as someone who doesn't really listen to the radio, or even uses my phone apps that has radio capabilities it would be nice?

I am that someone. I couldn't care less about the radio, or sattelite version, as I use a usb drive exclusively. I put a 4" or so black aluminum version on my truck a few days after I drove it home from the dealer. I noticed it was picking up stations in my garage when I was swapping head units, but which ones or how well probably depends on your location.

If you're looking at it for reception then you're probably looking at it for the wrong reason. If you want it for the looks mainly, then I say go for it.

 

[appzattak]

I'll have to see if I could find my original, but I did do that when I first got it and there was absolutely no difference. if I find it I'll make a video and post it.



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[Quick_Shifter]

I have read a handful of post about the stubby and don't want to clog the threads with another. But I am wondering if anyone has any opinions on the Stubby or if there is another brand/type you like? Or is there some cooler types that express more than your basic black short antenna?

How's the FM reception please? If you still have the OEM unit..dial in an FM station, then change to the OEM antenna and see if you notice a better signal/sound etc. Then dial in a weak FM station with the OEM 31" antenna installed. Then, without touching the tuner, change to your short antenna unit and see how it pulls in that weak FM station. Let us know what you find please.

We all are looking for the "Holy Grail" of short antennas.


T.

The holy grail comes factory just needs a trim. It’s an old trick that I learned in the early 90’s cassette tape days. As long as you keep it at minimum of 12” the reception doesn’t suck. We used to cut these to be even with the roof line. But you can do what you want. The best part is it’s free and you retain an/fm radio. If you want cool buy a cool one and use lock tight when you install it but say goodbye to radio stations

 

[jasonw]

This is the one to get. I get great reception everywhere (i travel a lot) and it looks cool.

Ram Pickup Ultra High End
THE ORIGINAL 6 3/4 " Rubber Antenna Mast

https://www.theantennasource.com/DODGE/RAM PICKUP/2009-2019 Ram 1500.html#1C

I am glad you like it, but their description made me laugh.
"...40% more than aluminum, and 85% more conductive than Metal..."

What Metal? I think there was something lost in translation there.

 

[TigreST]

The holy grail comes factory just needs a trim. It’s an old trick that I learned in the early 90’s cassette tape days. As long as you keep it at minimum of 12” the reception doesn’t suck. We used to cut these to be even with the roof line. But you can do what you want. The best part is it’s free and you retain an/fm radio. If you want cool buy a cool one and use lock tight when you install it but say goodbye to radio stations
View attachment 166318

Quick Shift,
I know we're beating this topic up big time but.... Yes it's about reception, but it's also about flex-ablity. If we can find one that has good reception and the flex and happens to be shorter then it's a win win. I'll for sure try the OEM custom cut I think.. Almost bought one yesterday but ran out of time to make the parts connection. I like having the stock one (full size) as a spare/back-up, whatever you want to call it.

T.

 

[Mbrigh3]

I had one... it broke I went back to the long antenna. I use it now as a beacon... if my antenna hits then my truck might be a bit to close to the ceiling!

 

[appzattak]

Quick Shift,
I know we're beating this topic up big time but.... Yes it's about reception, but it's also about flex-ablity. If we can find one that has good reception and the flex and happens to be shorter then it's a win win. I'll for sure try the OEM custom cut I think.. Almost bought one yesterday but ran out of time to make the parts connection. I like having the stock one (full size) as a spare/back-up, whatever you want to call it.

T.

The one I posted about flexes just enough...car washes dont phase it.

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[appzattak]

Here is a vid comparison I made, I did not edit it at all so sorry for it being a tad long.

 

[TigreST]

appzattak,

Thank you for the video! Your a very "receptive" guy! I think I'll order one of the flex unit in your link. Also gonna cut a stocker down and play with that, (it arrives tomorrow at my dealer). Lots of variables in this quest for sure. Still like the idea of the short(er) flexible unit if the reception doesn't suffer to much. Cheers brotha!

T.

 

[Midnight Storm]

I use Bluetooth and XM radio only so I have a gold Bullet with carbon fiber look vinyl. It came on the truck from the original owner and people seem to get a kick out of it if they notice it.

 

[JohnnyMac]

Frequencies have wavelengths and antennas are cut to the wavelengths they are supposed to receive, so shortening them will always make them less effective. I had a CravenSpeed antenna on my last truck and there was very little loss of signal. The cheap Chinese antennas look good and are inexpensive, but they are just pieces of metal sticking up and certainly will have reduced receive levels. The good ones like CravenSpeed have impedance/frequency matching circuitry built into the antennas to compensate for the shorter physical length. I would suggest you don't skimp on price unless you are just going for looks.