Best base antenna for under 100 dolls

[binrat]

Having just read both manuals for the SPT-500 and the V5/8, my honest recommendation would be the Super Penetrator. Adjusting the swr for it is pretty well straight forward compared to the Maco, which is alittle less straight forward. Only downfall is that it is alittle over the budget.

 

[HomerBB]

I built a rickety model of the ring tuned 5/8 like the V5/8 or workman.
My recommendation is that you get an antenna that fits your budget, and performs the best for your money spent. I may be labeled a proCBer, but risking that, I will say there have been times when I have had more frustration getting an A99 tuned than I had tuning the workman type ring tapped 5/8 I built.
It is harder putting together a swing set, or a grill than the antenna mentioned, and much harder getting a good steak than tuning the antenna. But it is worth it on both counts.

I say get the Workman 5/8. If you want it in the air within 10 minutes of getting it, get the A99.

 

[AudioShockwav]

However, I have read and studied the instructions over time and I was confused at times, so I asked questions and never got the answer, only arguments.

Regarding Eddies Post, I went back to this thread.

http://www.worldwidedx.com/cb-antennas/25935-im-confused-v5-8-a.html

I had a Maco years ago, but it has been too long to remember any details.


73
Jeff

 

[Beetle]

For a hundred bucks you could build half a dozen dipoles and have change for a beer!

 

[binrat]

For a hundred bucks you could build half a dozen dipoles and have change for a beer!

Beer, sonmeone said beer?? Dipole it is

 

[Needle Bender]

hmmm, i think i need a beer

 

[Straightshooter58]

Lifes Too Short to Drink Cheap Beer..the same goes for a antenna! Go out and Buy the Best Antennas that You Can Afford..Don't be a Cheap A$$...

 

[CB590]

I did the A99 for $80 it's at 40' to the tip now. Got contacts NY to Missouri, to Louisiana, to FL, to Bahamas, to Iowa to KY, etc... so far so good for me..

but the v58 sounds cool. For where I used to live in HOA type mobile home park I had to paint my A99 gray and hide in trees and only 36' to tip..

Up here in NY state I got little to no RF noise and it seems to 'hear' better..

 

[Eldorado828]

Similar to the a99 I own a tram 1498 and I have to say it performs and the quality is amazing compared to so many others out there. I owned the v58 and it did great, just couldn't handle the panhandle of Texas high winds. Just my own opinion

 

[tba02]

"Best base antenna for under 100 dolls"

I'd go with a Sirio M400 "Starduster". When comparing an A99 to the Starduster at the same height and location, I found the Starduster as good if not slightly better performance wise and a much lower "urban" noise floor.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

X2 on the Starduster. At $73 you will have money left over for beer.

 

[hotrod]

for simple =workman bandit w2
sirio m400
workman 5/8

 

[Rick330man]

I had four of the early Workman Bandits - the version with no rings. Their performance was essentially identical to my A99. However, the build quality was substandard.

One delaminated so badly after barely two years of use that it found a home in the local land fill. On the second one, the middle section actually buckled. It caved in on itself. It could not support the weight of the top section and itself.

The third one I gave to a friend as a gift. The fourth one is sitting in my garage, but I use it with a tripod as quick set up antenna for when I'm camping. It has been great for that.

Spend a little extra money and buy an antenna that will last you.

 

[Dr_DX]

If you don't have much wind or freezing rain, then Palco has a Workman W-58 listed for $89, which IMO is the best performance per $ for under $100. But if you have high wind and/or freezing rain, don't waste your $$$; it won't last. My 2nd & 3rd Maco\Workman.



YMMV