brockeverly
New member
My CravenSpeed stubby antenna does just fine on a non touchless carwash.
Ideas for a shorter antenna?
- Thread starter lebowski_c6
- Start date
The Stubby by CravenSpeed
Sorry to post the downner but, I recieved the Stubby from CravenSpeed yesterday and was super impressed at the fit, finnish, packaging....
The reception is horrible compared to the factory antenna. I sat in my driveway (35 mi from Washington DC) and did an A /B comparison. Very poor results with the stubby. I left it on 'cause it looks great, drove to work this am and still the reception is horrible.
Conclusion: If you don't use the radio OR you live in a strong reception area OR your into good looking stuff that really doesn't improve the Function, this is the replacement antenna for you.
PS, The service at CravenSpeed was fantastic.
Sorry to post the downner but, I recieved the Stubby from CravenSpeed yesterday and was super impressed at the fit, finnish, packaging....
The reception is horrible compared to the factory antenna. I sat in my driveway (35 mi from Washington DC) and did an A /B comparison. Very poor results with the stubby. I left it on 'cause it looks great, drove to work this am and still the reception is horrible.
Conclusion: If you don't use the radio OR you live in a strong reception area OR your into good looking stuff that really doesn't improve the Function, this is the replacement antenna for you.
PS, The service at CravenSpeed was fantastic.
phillyd2
Senior Member
I too tried the Stubby from CravenSpeed and found that the reception really sucked. I live in the woods about 1 hour north of Philly and when scanning picked up only 1 or 2 stations. While I rarely listen to the radio I did want better performance.
I went with the "Bmw Z3 Z4 318 Black Carbon Fiber Retractable 4.5 - 8" Inch Antenna" from Amazon.
Amazon.com: Bmw Z3 Z4 318 Black Carbon Fiber Retractable 4.5 - 8" Inch Antenna: Automotive
Even down it picked up many more stations than the Stubby. Up, very impressive! It came with a few adaptors - one of them fit perfectly.
I went with the "Bmw Z3 Z4 318 Black Carbon Fiber Retractable 4.5 - 8" Inch Antenna" from Amazon.
Amazon.com: Bmw Z3 Z4 318 Black Carbon Fiber Retractable 4.5 - 8" Inch Antenna: Automotive
Even down it picked up many more stations than the Stubby. Up, very impressive! It came with a few adaptors - one of them fit perfectly.
rickwol
New member
Thanks for the above post Phillyd2, I've tried a few stubbies, all with dissapointing results. I ended up trimming the original by about 3 inches and remounting the little ball on the end so that it looks completely original and that gets me into my garage avoiding any obstructions. I did lose a very small but what I think is an acceptable amount of reception for my area, making it still superior to any stubby but I'm always looking for something to try so I am going to order the one you have.
phillyd2
Senior Member
Just a side note / warning. I tested the BMW antenna against the Stubby NOT against the OEM. I sat in a open parking lot comparing the reception of a few known stations to come up with my results. I'm sure the OEM would have performed much better with I wanted shorter and so far this is the best I found.
rickwol
New member
Thanks, any chance you could test the BMW one against the OEM?
Thought I'd chime in here for any Canadian's looking at the Mangowalk antenna. There is no Auto Zone in Canada so the simple fix for the lack of proper antenna adapter that other poster's have mentioned is not an option. I looked into having one shipped from Auto Zone...also not possible. I could've just ordered the Craven antenna, but I liked the extra inch on the Mangowalk.
After a little searching though, I found that Canadian Tire carries a replacement antenna that has the proper hardware that fits both the Mangowalk and the 4runner. It's called the E2 Rubber Replacement Mast Product # 35-0095-2 for $9.95.
Hope this saves someone all the time I've wasted the past two days
Thank you crenkas, it is really helpful. But how is recep?
Tried 2 and went back to stock
I tried both the "Stubby" and the BMW type antennas and the reception was NOT even close to the stock antenna. At least not in the Washington DC area.
I will say that both were good lookin and well made, they just can't compete with a correct antenna.
I tried both the "Stubby" and the BMW type antennas and the reception was NOT even close to the stock antenna. At least not in the Washington DC area.
I will say that both were good lookin and well made, they just can't compete with a correct antenna.
Damn, that just leaves the Pepboys antenna.....anyone in the DC area try that one yet?
Sputnik
New member
I bought the BMW one because someone on this forum posted it better then stock. Thats a big FALSE. Stock picks up more channels, and the channels are clearer.
I still kept on the BMW one, because it looks better, btw they are only $13 on amazon!
rickwol
New member
Ha, that's an old thread but thanks for responding to it. I bought the BMW one also and still haven't tried it (still sitting on my workbench) but I'll get around to it one of these days.
phillyd2
Senior Member
Not sure anybody compared it to stock. Of course stock is going to give the best results but that is now what is being discussed here.
rickwol
New member
Can't say that with absolute certaintly ! That statement assumes that nothing out there could compare favorably or in a superior way to the stock. It's probable, but one of these days someone here is going to discover one that exceeds stock performance.
DannyLlama
Elite Member
I used to have an 02 GTS
& had that antena.Man, that was a fun car to drive. Had it for 8 years :driving:
phillyd2
Senior Member
Of course not much can be said with absolute certaintly but its pretty safe to say that with FM / AM size matters, no matter how much she swears to the contary
I'll just say that my test was between the BMW and Craven.
