This is a discussion about different types of CB radio antennas and their performance.

The first comment suggests that the only way to improve antenna setup is height and good quality coax. The commenter argues that there is no difference in performance between any of the 5/8 wave antennas with decent size radials, as they all have the same db gain. However, the commenter notes that the only vertical CB antenna that will have a difference is the vector 4000 types, which work differently as they are J pole antennas. The commenter suggests that for more gain, a beam type antenna is best but may not be suitable for local chatter.

Another commenter, Francis ZB, shares their experience of working the world on a 5/1 balan with a 5mt wire on a Carbon Fibre fishing rod, only 3m high from the ground. They also provide an image of the sky and body of water.

Richardo Lewis shares their experience of using a home-made T2lt antenna that runs vertically up their flat wall to an air vent outside. Being ground floor, it is the best they can do, and they suffer badly from noise s5 in the daytime, rising to s9 at night. However, being limited on where they can place antennas outside, the T2lt is the best one they have tried. They suggest that new users of CB radio should experiment and find the best antenna that works for them given their location and possible limitations for placing antennas.

Guillermo Martinez shares their experience of studying technical medium in electronics and specializing in communications, including radio and TV transmission, cable telephony, and radio. They worked in the military and then started working in the antenna factory in Santa Clara, Cuba, where they build antennas to improve TV and digital signal and professional antennas for radio amateurs and companies by order. They have suffered from an electric shock that affected their 40-meter equipment, and they now go out with 2 meters, but they are Cl6 GMP in the Cuban Amateur Radio Federation.

Orlando Piferrer Roig shares their experience of experimenting with antenna building despite limited resources.

Ray Walsh talks about a full wave vertical antenna made by JoGunn for the President of the NeedleBenders. Although he has not put it up yet, he has a phenomenal set of beams. Walsh gets 5-7 dB from not quite a full side. He is waiting for the rainy season to end before putting it up. Walsh plans to build on the highest point on his property and install a 6-element cross up 76′. He is still pricing LS400 to run from the antenna to the junction box and then 70′ to the house.

Francis ZB shares their experience of using a Sirio 5000 Performar mobile antenna and having an A99 at their QTH.

JDubya Adams offers to share their findings from participating in the radio hobby since 1974. They suggest that for mobiles, if there is no height limitation, a 102″ SS whip is the best there is, anything shorter is a compromise. When Propagation is open, any antenna will allow you contacts, but when skips not going on, the Quarter wave whip will get you the longest range, generally. For Base Op’s, most operators start off with an Omni directional 1/2 wave or 5/8 wave on at least. https://www.facebook.com/groups/592488125685238/