Comet CSB750A - time to replace an antenna

[targa88]

I have been running the Comet CSB750A fold down (dual band) antenna for two years. NMO mount on my tube bumper. Never had any impact. However, snapped from vibration (just above the second connector on the mast). Almost looked like a vertical sigmoid wave before it snapped. Mount was solid.

Wondering if there is a different or better solution available (since I bought this a couple of years ago for my FT8800)...

 

[gary in ohio]

Not sure how functional a bumper mounted u/vhf antenna would be. I would look to get it as high as possible. What vehicle?

 

[SP Jon M3]

Look at the Diamond NR770HBNMO or the Commet SBB-5NMO. I have the Diamond HR770HB (the uhf connector version) and it's withstood all sorts of trees and parking structures. It's a very solid antenna.

 

[BigJimCruising]

Dump the Commet and Diamond antennas. I've destroyed nearly all of them at some point. They just can't take the vibration for any significant off roading and the moment you hit a tree or even tall brush you're off the air.

The best I've found for all around use and abuse is the Larson NMO 2/70 if you need dual band. If not look at the single band antennas of the same design. I've beat mine way beyond anything the others could take and they still keep on working! (I say "they" since I run multiple radios)

 

[targa88]

Not sure how functional a bumper mounted u/vhf antenna would be. I would look to get it as high as possible. What vehicle?

Front bumper - Toyota FJC

Like the fold-down variety

That being said open to suggestions....

In terms of the Larsen (2/70 SH, 2/70B 2/70C)

 

[BigJimCruising]

Get the one with the open coil in the middle, about 3 feet tall? Can't recall which exact model number. You won't need to worry about folding it down, it's flexible. Plus it won't hurt it to bang it a little once in a while! I do it all the time! lol!

 

[BigJimCruising]

Forgot to mention: I get mine in black since one of the antennas is in front of the windshield. I don't like it reflecting flashes of light at me when I'm driving on a sunny day. But all chrome antennas will do that. Also since they aren't that expensive I keep a spare with me, anything can fail although I'm still waiting for that to happen. But since I consider my ham radio as a piece of emergency gear I want to keep it up and running as much as possible.

 

[Eshu Elegua]

i have the Comet 2x4SR on my FJ-40 front ARB bumper,almost like 6 years on 2 dif 4x4, its tall but i can't complain,lots of trees and limbs in Florida Forest,but if i choose another location will be the roof rack with a smaller dual band with spring but will use the 2x4 until felt apart. Also have -use a Austin Spectra NMO sometimes, no gain but good for RX in 4 bands. Many others have a good hi gain for convoy-city use and a small for trail use.

 

[rambrush]

I am running both the diamond and comet antennas, diamond is dualband comet is the tri band both have put up with abuse up on top of mine. just finished up a 2 week vacation in Montana where they got a severe workout with trees and they still function just fine.

But there is a covert/ undercover police kind of website that sells some unique solutions. though they may not be a solution way out in the booneys somewhere.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Another vote for Larson antennas.
I've destroyed every Comet antenna I ever owned except the SBB-1 rubber duck I use in brushy country. The two Larson units have stood up great.