I picked up this antenna to improve the reception in my truck, instead of having to rely on the 800MHz antenna I've been using with my GRE PSR 500.
Install was pretty straightforward. I took off the high-mount tail light and routed the cable into the cab and through the roof liner. Here's where I found a problem with the antenna: it's not long enough for my application, even though my truck is only a king cab. That just means that I had to route the cable under the driver's seat instead of behind the console and then between the front seats.
As for reception, it's certainly better than the rubber ducky. While an 800MHz-dedicated antenna would likely do better, for the small sum of money needed to purchase this antenna, it's worth it. The magnet is small and unobtrusive (unlike the old RS wide-band antenna I used to use), and that makes it stand out less.
Overall, I'd recommend this antenna as an affordable alternative to the smaller antenna that comes with portable radios.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Mediocre antenna
November 15, 2012
Reviewer:
P M
from CA
Pros: -Small magnet sticks good -Small profile and flexible if you hit trees
Cons: -Connection inside base of antenna where coax cable is split into center pin/sheild is not well made -Flexibility creates fluttering signal reception noticable in audio if signal isn't local
If you feel the antenna isn't working well, it might not be the design; the connections inside may have gotten twisted/loose/torn/etc. Mine became weak at first but continued to function, then gradually got worse until antenna did not work at all and had to throw it away. This antenna is not good for installing/removing from a vehicle as this is what causes the broken connections. Defeats the purpose of having a mag mount. By the way, I take VERY good care of my belongings.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Great Antenna
October 30, 2012
Reviewer:
Emanuel Gerakios
from Cullowhee, NC United States
Bought this antenna a few months ago my scanner is picking up frequencies 50 miles from home,well worth the price!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Great for the price.
September 25, 2012
Reviewer:
Chris
from Clifton, NJ United States
I'm sure this antenna is bested by many others, but for the price, this antenna is great. It seems as if frequencies I've listened to while on-the-go with just a rubber ducky have improved a couple of notches...nothing too extravagant, but hey, the antenna is $20.
The antenna length, in my opinion, is a few feet too short. 12' didn't cut it for the install in my VW Jetta. Routing all the wires from the trunk to the front of the car while hiding/tucking the wires came short at the front passenger seat. Also, the wire is a RG178, which is a thin coaxial wire that is hard to find in local stores. Ordered extra wire from another website.
The magnet is very misleading. It looks tiny and weak, but on the contrary...the antenna sticks strongly to my car, tested at 65+MPH.
Other than that, the antenna is great.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
This antenna is small but pulls in TONS of signal
September 18, 2012
Reviewer:
Derick Gray
from Greenville, NC United States
This antenna is not as large as most of the others out there on the market... but it really does the job for me listening with it on the road.. I have a Home Patrol and it does great!! I would really recommend this one! I know it pulls in for over 20 miles!
So far, great antenna 
Mediocre antenna 
Great for the price. 
