Radio Shack 102" Whip & Predator Freedom Antennas Test!

[uglytothebone5]

to me it was close i run the 102" thanks

[HabibAlby]

Wow, I have the 2018 mic as well, I LOVE that mic! The truckers don't but it's a blast. I actually shot DX from N. California to Indianapolis Indiana to a gentleman that was using a 102" whip in his driveway which is pretty impressive!

[kc8ntp]

There is no way an antenna can make a difference in PEP like you are trying to indicate. Yes, SWR and RF getting back into the radio can, but not the antenna, per se! This is very misrepresented. And don't tell me I don't know, since I have 3 degrees in Engineering. Plus, I would like to add, there is no loaded mobile antenna that can match the efficiency of a 102" whip, period! 5000ft of wire on a 5ft form is still a 5ft antenna!

[BLUZUMR]

@kc8ntp Hello kc8ntp! Thank you for your input. In this case there was a slight difference. Unfortunately the resolution on YouTube is not so great. I have done many comparision tests and for some reason the Freedom DX-K was slightly better. If you have some time go on Facebook - Predator Freedom DX-K Mobile Antenna, Quarter Wave Killer. I am not claiming gain numbers or anything outragious except this antenna is just another alternative to an all stainless steel whip, Bulldog.

[125or200px]

Here in England the steel whips are around £15,and the Predator needs importing,and prices range from around $85 just for the antenna.

With so much difference in price i would expect a VERY HUMONGESTLY HUGE difference in performance,but in this test the result is hardly noticable.

I think ill go with the long whip,but will it need cutting to use on the triple 5???

[BLUZUMR]

@125or200px I sent you a message.

[XxClemsonTigersXx]

hey is the radio shack 102 whip the same whip that everyone was on there 4x4 trucks?

[BLUZUMR]

@XxClemsonTigersXx Most likely, thanks for wtahing.

[XxClemsonTigersXx]

@BLUZUMR ok, thanks!

[XxClemsonTigersXx]

@BLUZUMR One more thing. Im going to be getting one of these 102 whips from radio shack and i was wondering if it is one antennae or is it broken down? And what bracket would you recommend to mount it to a tool box?

[BLUZUMR]

@XxClemsonTigersXx One solid whip and a good rugged bracket. Your tool box needs to have a good ground with your vehicle. Limited performance and high swr with a poor ground. For the antenna to perform at its peak you will need a heavy duty spring or 6 inch riser to make it 108 inches. I have a 102" with a stainless steel riser and upgraded antenna tip from Gunny 626 Pucks - gunnypucks You go to his site and under installs is my truck...Bulldog

[dbbigdaddy]

@XxClemsonTigersXx yes it is and it's the same one that he modded and used on a predator base load shaft...not really seeing the point except the 102 is still way cheaper and works just as well as a predator base with a 102 whip stuck in it.

[nashvilleoutlaw]

@dbbigdaddy The thing about the predator antennas is they are a little better than the old 102's and about 2 and a half feet shorter, so less smacking trees with it and the roof of my carport

[BLUZUMR]

@nashvilleoutlaw You are thinking of other Predator Antennas. This one is a full length 108" non-coil antenna! Heck this think can be as long as 138" or as short as 38"! You can tune this antenna for the band needed to communicate and it is broadbanded too!

[nashvilleoutlaw]

@BLUZUMR True I was thinking of the Predator 10k with 9" shaft I've been running for over 10 years. I switched from a radioshack 102 mounted on the back bumper to the Predator mounted in the middle of the bed by the back window. The 102 on the bumper acted more like a beam than a ground plain where the Predator 9" by the cab gave better all around performance. Just something for the new cb people to think about. The best antenna in the world is junk if you cant mount it how it needs to be

[prd185]

looks the same to me on both antennas

[BLUZUMR]

I have had this antenna for a while now and does great! Also I found a guy out in California that makes a 6" riser for the 102" which brings it up to a 108" The 102" will perform better at that length. Both 102" and Predator Freedom are now dressed up with a new light weight aluminum corona ball all from Gunny 626 Pucks. Take these tests with a grain of salt. Radios change and the air waves are different from time period to time period. Your results may differ, thanks for watching Bulldog.

[sbeer6er]

i'm a 102" fan

[BLUZUMR]

I run my antennas without a spring. On the 102" SS I used a radial kit and the metal did not give extra performance but it did give the extra length for the best SWR. Did try a 102" with a Radio Shack spring and to floppy! I bet if you find the right spring that is kind of stiff and a stainless steel made it should provide years of good service!

[funnyman1972]

@BLUZUMR need this setup for my truck. How much for the shaft?

[BLUZUMR]

Depending on what you want in a set up. Single coil Predator 10-K is a longer antenna and the double coil makes it a shorter antenna. Anybody interested in any of the Predator Antennas are encouraged to call Kale, Cowtown Antennas at 1-817-790-6239.

[OneFabFisher]

I just picked up the radio shack 102" whip (metal). I have not yet installed it for my new little cb set up. Should I take it back? All I have is the mount, which is grounded awaiting the antenna- my coax, which is grounded and of course my little cb radio that is also grounded and powered from the fuse box. I did not detect too much of a difference between the two in this test but, I know less than little on this stuff, it is my first cb as an adult.

[BLUZUMR]

@OneFabFisher The choice is yours! Everyone should experience a 102" whip.

[skipshooter782342]

The Predator is no doubt a great antenna. I own 2 of them. After my own tests I have to go with the 102 inch SS whip. At 3 miles away its tuff to decide better at 20 miles away. So many cber's are worried about their transmit but the real test to how well an antenna is designed is how well they receive and to me you just can't beat the 102 inch whip. You have a very well setup install and I would love to see your TX and RX results at 20 miles or more.

[somdshootnet]

Don't knock the 102...

[ToughLuckMobile]

man i was switchin the video back and forth on the deadkey and basicially no difference, same with audio, both workin good

[BLUZUMR]

I posted Quick Time Player video snap shots of the dead key and peaks of both antennas on the message forums.