A 67" tall dual band VHF/UHF mobile antenna?

[Turbo T]

I want to replace my 36 inch tall tram 1180 dual bander with a taller antenna so i can get out further with my Yaesu FT7900R.

I did some research and found a 5/8 wave 2 M is roughly 50.55" tall and a 5/8 on 70 CM is roughly 16.78" tall.

I've looked at several dual band mobiles and the closest one I have found is a CSB-790A which is 62", but I have been advised by my local ham radio shop, they're not sturdy for taking whackings.

This is going on my 4X4 truck which will see some off road use from time to time.

This ham radio shop advised I'd be better off with a sturdier antenna like a Larsen NMO 270 which uses a metal coil as opposed to whatever material is used like on the CSB-790A, and my Tram 1180 which the center looks to be made of a plastic.

Anyways, I'm curious as to if anyone makes a tall antenna that runs on 2 CM/70 CM that's tough as nails? I'm not afraid of a little height.

Thanks in advance.

 

[W5LZ]

Your radio shop is more right than wrong. That antenna will not withstand a lot of abuse, such as 'off-road' stuff typically is.
I had one that I used on a pickup's bed side. Seemed to catch every low branch in town. Went back to a shorter dual-band antenna and couldn't tell any difference in performance. Finally gave the thing away. I'm not saying it didn't do exactly what's claimed for it! I just didn't want to put up with 'trimming trees'.
- 'Doc

 

[Turbo T]

Hey Doc....yeah that's my only issue...is that I don't mind a tall antenna (used to run a 102 whip when I was a die hard CB'er) plus I'm a firm believer in the "more antenna in the air = better TX/RX" thing....yet all of the dual band mobiles, except for the one I posted, were roughly 40" give or take a few inches; one antenna (I forgot) is like 55" but had those plastic center loads.

I've read the Larsen NMO 270 is a good dual band mobile but it's about the same height as my 1180 but more robust because it has the metal curly coil.

Would be nice to find a solid all metal antenna that was 5/8 wave on 2 and 70...