Firestick vs. Silver Load

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Jeffro115, May 5, 2009.

  1. Jeffro115

    Jeffro115 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 11, 2008
    Pittsburgh PA
    0
    Each one of these antennas are pretty similar. Is one better than the other?

    They are both fiberglass and tuneable I believe.


    What are the pros and cons of each?


    The application will be on a pickup truck. In that case, should I run two of them? I'd almost kind of prefer to, for symmetry. I don't know if 2 will really increase my signal over just running one.


    Thank you!
     
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  3. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

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    Apr 27, 2009
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    You won't be able to get them far enough apart (about 8 ft.) on a pickup truck...and that can wreak havoc on SWR's.

    I have a set of Firesticks and in my opinion they are the best Fiberglass antenna there is, but I have never used a Silver Load either.

    2 antennas does look (and receive) better...but 1 almost always "gets out" better. (even on big trucks)
     
  4. Rat

    Rat Road Train Member

    I would steer clear of the longer 5 ft silverloads. I have three of them that all failed in short order. There is a manufacturing error in them that makes them fail quickly. They can be repaired fairly easily and made to not fail.

    As far as one being better in performance. I ran the wilsons silverloads and another of our drivers runs the same size firesticks and using a box stock Cobra, we both perform about the same when stationary. When moving the firesticks don't tend to flex like the silverloads which gives them a slight edge while mobile. Bullhorn the Silverloads about 10 to 15 degrees to keep them from bending back too close to the cab and they work much better.
     
  5. FriedTater

    FriedTater Keeper of The Snakes

    2,202
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    Mar 25, 2009
    United State of Texas
    0
    Not a fan of glass antennas because the break down with UV(sun light)
    and just flat "break",hard to tune and never hold a low flat tune(1:1)
    Spending the money on two or three glass replacements will buy
    a Wilson 2K that is virtually indestructible. They can really take a beating and last for many years.
     
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