Is there a stubby antenna available that doesn't suck?!

[MasterMahan67]

I've tried three different manufacturers and lengths. All of them have a very noticeable deterioration in radio reception quality over the stock antenna.

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[jbehrn]

If you find one let me know… I haven’t found one either!

 

[arjeeper]

As someone who is well trained in radio and antenna design, I’ll say what you’re looking for doesn’t exist.

Antenna size and shape are directly correlated to performance.

The OEM antennas were the size they were because it was effective.

“Stubby“ antennas are only ok if you don’t care how the FM radio works.

 

[Mr._Bill]

This one provides acceptable performance, for me. I am in a metro area, and the signals are strong.
CravenSpeed Stubby Antenna Compatible with Jeep Wrangler (JK/JL) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) 2007-2022 | 3.2 inches https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B007PV1Z42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_i_GJTBM4JMKJ5G0WNFQZFA

 

[MasterMahan67]

Has anyone had any issues with OEM antenna breakage out on trails? That is what I'm most concerned about.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

There should be a whole thread with many pages that gives members' personal experiences with all sorts of various antenna. However, a point was made earlier that depending where you live or DRIVE, any shorter antenna will have a difference in performance. there's a reason, not for looks or to be cheap, that antennas are the length and design they are.
Some are better than others, but still, it's give and take.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Has anyone had any issues with OEM antenna breakage out on trails? That is what I'm most concerned about.

I've not had mine in that sort of environment yet but can say at a car wash I have had a hose catch mine and take it nearly straight back - it sprang right back to upright.
They are very springy.
If concerned, keep a small wrench in the glove box..........

 

[mtudb24]

This one has worked well for me both both AM / FM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075K1TF8Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[2010JK]

I've genuinely got better reception in my JK with a stubby antenna from Rugged Ridge

 

[Wbrook24]

If your in a rural area you will want a longer antenna. Metro area drivers don't notice much deterioration with a stubby. Haven't seen one break on a trail but have seen one go through a car wash and get pushed against the windshield frame and rub paint off. It's easy to pull off in either situation with a wrench as shadow mentioned but would be surprised to see one break off road.

 

[Blade1668]

The factory one has 2 purposes signal and if it hits your Jeep don't fit.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Has anyone had any issues with OEM antenna breakage out on trails? That is what I'm most concerned about.

No but there have been issues with them getting hung up on a limb and slapping back and cracking a windshield. It actually happened to me on my JKU once and I know of at least 3 other people who have had it happen.

I used one from advance as a stubby, same one I had on my JKU. There is a aluminum or metal version and a rubber version. The rubber one sucks but the metal one gets close to OEM reception in my JT and did the same in the JKU. I lost maybe 30 miles of range guessing when we were driving to the beach with the stubby compared to factory.

Local driving and within 120 miles of the house no affect at all though.

 

[saintpauljeff]

I've genuinely got better reception in my JK with a stubby antenna from Rugged Ridge

My Rugged Ridge has been great, ran it on both of my Gladiators

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DX9J98I/

 

[Kindafearless]

I still run my OEM antenna since its a great solution to help test for low hanging obstacles. It's been beat up by branches, low hanging pipes/signs in garages, and garage doors. It hasn't broke yet.

 

[Silvertruck]

I had good luck with this one and suggest adding a quick disconnect too.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/16-stubby-antenna-jeep-wrangler-jk-jl

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