FireStik vs. Francis vs. K40 mobile antenna

All the same animal. An adjustable fiberglass whip is the best design short of SS 102" whip. The only difference you might find is the mfg's warranty.

 

The longest you are willing to mount will provide the best receive.

 

I know the whips and Monkey Made type antennas are probably better, but I started running the Francis years ago after having run the Firesticks before that. I used to admire all the good sounding radios that the Roadway drivers used to run up I-81 and I got to looking and the biggest part of them were running the Francis, and I have since then. They don't have to be tuned, just make sure you run and change coax and mounts regularly.

 

Most of the freight haulers ran/run the Francis 5'5" antenna. It is a good performer because of its length. (I've got one I use also)

 

My father in law swears by the francis antenna's, he ran a 400 watt kicker with his and still to this day he swears by it!

 

use a 108" whip if possible. and there cheap. $14 in Temple, TX area. if those are too long tram makes a square coiled antenna $29 +- They work great on the west coast style mirrors. SWR checks should be free at a cb shop, also the New K40 fiberglass if they are 4ft or longer are good too. or get creative and use the exhaust stack as a j pole antenna it works..

 

I've always liked my firestiks

 

Try a wilson silver load whip they always work well and are durable will not use cheap ### firesticks and francis they good to junk after a year or two in bad weather