VHF Antenna Options

[peterb]

One of my boat VHF radios is an ICOM M127. It had a Shakespears 5206-C 8' antenna. Unfortunately, it got bent this winter. I have read that Shakespeare makes better antenna's for the same setup.

Does anyone have any personal experience that they can share?

Peter

[Tarpun]

Digital Antenna would be my first choice followed closely by Shakespeare 5225. Either will do a good job. Both about $125 retail. Just about every marine supply will have the Shakespeare, you may have to hunt a little for the Digital.

[peterb]

Thanks for the feedback. I have read great things about the digital. However, due to simplicity, I will probably take the Shakespeare route (the 5225).

[warthog5]

There have been many report's over the year's that people have replaced their Shaky Speer with a Digital and got better, clearer reception.

$109 from Jim @ By Owner.
http://www.byownerelectronics.com/st...cat=280&page=1

Call him today and I bet you get it on Monday.

Here are pix's of the connector that Digital use's.

Be very carefull of the packaging. In one end or the other of the tube the antenna come's in, there are foam disc's in the end of the tube. Remove both of those and a little bag with the connector will fall out.
No crimping or souldering is required with a Digital antenna.

[RS]

There have been many report's over the year's that people have replaced their Shaky Speer with a Digital and got better, clearer reception.

Also lots of reports of Digitals snapping in rough water. Point is not to take regurgitated Internet reports too seriously. Common sense also says that you can't compare a $130 digital to a $30 Shakespeare - but you can compare it to a $130 Shakespeare.

FWIW, I understand that digital achieves a higher gain (which they are happy to boast about), but at the expense of a better radiation/reception pattern (which they don't tell you).

I'm pretty sure though that in real life you won't be able to tell the difference between the two brands.

[ScottM]

Peter,
I have the 8-foot Shakespeare 5225XT connected to an ICOM M402 and it works very well.

[peterb]

I bought the Shakespeare 5225XT (it has to be better than my old 6206-C). I got it because, I could buy it around the corner and put it on (hopefully) tomorrow.

[Tarpun]

The 5225 is a very good antenna. I think you'll find it performs far better than your old antenna. I've seen some of the internet reports of Digitals breaking but thats the only place I've heard of the problems. The main thing is to have quality communications. Years ago when I used to sell marine electronics I had a customer buy 1st rate fishfinders and nav,. equipment but balk at a premium antenna, because " I only need it (the radio) for emergencys". True story. Go figure.