malas15

What's the best stubby antenna? And where is it the cheapest?

gDMJoe

Have "TheStubby" radio antenna (3") that was purchased from CravenSpeed (lowest price, great service) - have not had any reception issues, though only have local experience. i.e. no long trips trying to pick-up remote stations.

HAD 2 versions of Antenna-X - 14" and 17". Both had ~ the same reception that I have with "TheStubby", HOWEVER ... At highway speed both had an annoying whistle. Dumped 'em for "TheStubby".

NOTE: A shorter antenna was born out of necessity - low clearance garage door.
.

RLXXI

I have the 13" antenna x with no issues at all. No wind noise or loss of reception. YMMV depending where you are, I'm in a metro/burb area.

malas15

Thanks guys. I just got myself a 2012 FX4 EB and just really noticed today how tall the stock antenna is and how ugly it looks. On my 06 I had the 14" I believe and think this time I want to get the smallest one

CreepinDeth

Keep in mind, anytime you reduce an Antenna's size, you almost always reduce it's reception capabilities. Experiences will vary GREATLY based on reception distances between various users never being the same. Someone who lives in a metro / burb area might not notice the lower reception ability of a smaller antenna because they're much closer to the transmitting towers.

23 years experience in TX/RX telecommunications, military & civilian sector.

BlueFlameMetallicFX4

Just be aware that if it's not made out of stainless steel, the threads will rust in the factory mount if it's not sealed. I went to the junk yard and cut a black factory antenna and placed a plastic end cap on it to give it a factory look.

Good luck

SoJerZee

Here is another antenna thread:
https://www.f150forum.com/f38/need-s...advice-297795/

I just did the $6 solution along with a little Loctite. I had no problems pulling in the local stations, although USB, Sirius and bluetooth phone are what I actually listen to in the truck. Purely cosmetic and doesn't clank when pulling in the garage.

Corylax18

Ive had "The Stubby" from Cravenspeed for about 3 years. I only really use the XM so I can't speak to the reception quality. I take it out every time I go to the car wash because I'm afraid its gunna get broken off. I haven't noticed any corrosion in the thread area when I do this.

zacharyz

I threw mine in the garbage can. Horrible reception. I've had 3 different ones. Stick with cutting the stock one