Best UHF Antenna

Best UHF Antenna for range, 2.1dBi VS 6.6dBI

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[glenniz]

A huge shout out to the both of you for taking the time to make this video Ronny! Your videos are a boatload of information for those of us who don't have the money to experiment with multiple, expensive items. I as well as many others who are involved with overlanding, look to you for help and guidance, regarding products, driving techniques and so much more. The bottom line is, your videos are extremely fun, informative and most of all, you emphasize the importance of safety. Good Job Mate!!

[harrybevan]

Hi guys, i have used the 2.1 d b for a long time at least 10 years overall i find it better even in the city it rules when near high buildings it is also a clear winner in hills, mine is only on the bullbar, good test guys

[fatmanaj]

This test confirms the test's I have done over the years. I have all 3 in the GME range, the 2.1, 6.6 and 9dBi antenna's. The beam pattern really plays a huge part in it as you said. So my everyday antenna is the 2.1dBi and I use it when the terrain gets undulation and can sometimes get better reception than the 6.6dBi, especially as you have found at that few km apart range. I use the 6.6dBi for my trips just for the extra distance when separated in convoy. My 9dBi is absolutely hopeless in convoy. it just fires the beam right across the top of the other vehicle antennas, its not until you are a good 6 or more km apart that you can start talking clearly with the other vehicles. So the 9dBi is fantastic for talking long distance over flat ground but that is absolutely it. Great vid guys, keep it up!

[ljaxxonmudgee]

Thanks Ronny for taking the time to make videos like these. This kind of stuff helps so many people like myself who are not sure how certain products work and perform. Your channel is helping to educate a lot of people in how to have fun and stay safe and be prepared when off road. Thank you :)

[wendy-ramsey]

Loved the video.
I am a Radio Tech by trade. In my setup i carry both antenna in my vehicles.
In urban and suburban areas i only use lower gain (hence height in simple terms) antenna as it's plenty usable.
I carry a higher gain antenna and primarily for emergency callouts where every metre of distance is vital.

Key factors peel back to the basics in use however, including
* Placement of antenna
* Ground plane of the chosen antenna style. I prefer dipole (which may be on the same stick or 2 separate) for this reason.
* Txn output power (you nailed that having identical radios)
" Atmospheric conditions (which can alter minute by minute)
* amongst other factors.

Your test did surprise me tho too as GME make decent gear, i run it myself on UHF CB.

I subscribed and look forward to more of your content 😊

[malcolmx]

I used to fly over rural NSW quite a bit. At altitude you can hear your mates almost out to the horizon. Downside is that you can hear anyone else on the same frequency at that range. Lots of people seem to use CB channels as if they were phones, meaning long, personal, sometimes painfully personal conversations, all playing in your ear, hours on end. There were many times when I'd have been happier with less antenna performance.

[gogaming_]

I chose the 2.1dbi, and went with medium duty because it was cheaper, absolutely love it, has never let me down once, great range on the highway, and can hear a mate loud and clear when we’re both at home, 5.6km as the crow flies, through hills, trees, buildings etc, best all rounder antenna I believe

[lauriew]

Do a test with the antenna comparison on the roof and bull bar.

[ciggie.]

You need to do a test in the hills next, metres of altitude 2db vs 6db

[larryfine]

I use my 6.6dBi on the bull bar as a height indicator for car parks. Dual use!

[danieloneill]

I use a 4.5 dbi ground plane dependant antenna mounted in the middle of the roof. It provides a good balance of range vs different terrains and it fits under carparks and other obstacles.

[gumbyenduroadventures]

When I was playing with drones (when you had to make them yourself rather than buy at JBHIFI) we had these little magic boxes that had a high gain antenna (usually a yagi) and a low gain whip connected, and it would seamlessly switch to the antenna with the highest signal quality. Someone smart should design a little magic box that does that for UHF stuff.

[Nashic]

Should test out the GME location services with the XRS units at range aswell. Good informative vids as usual Ronny & Torbs. 👍

[rhyskretschmer]

I would like to see a 2.1-2.1 test. Would definitely be interested in a bullbar vs rack mount test too

[angkolgboi]

I’m watching this for comparison, I’m definitely getting 2.1dbi! Thanks for the vlog! 💯

[WheelingInNSW]

Mate, that was very
I’ve got two aerials on my vehicle, one a short little stubby for hill work and a 6.6 dbi on a mast and it works antrrat.
We were up on top of a hill in the middle of nowhere and when asking for a radio check, picked up a 4x4 driving course convoy 26 k’s away. Obviously it worked because we were up quite high but yeah, I was super surprised to get a response from that far away.
Great video mate, thanks for sharing 👍👍

[downthetrackaustralia]

This is really well done. I'm getting the same UHF installed shortly and was looking for a decent comparison

[AdventuringPals]

Please do the roof vs bar test. I’m yet to install my uhf in my new rig and have been debating which way to go. Roof would mean I might have to take it off for day to day use.
But great vid at this stage I would go the shorter one in the roof. Love your work.

[muhammadtalha]

I will go for Short one, because its more clearer than the long one, only long one has a few kilometres extra range...
So 2.1dbi is my choice.

[jeremyh.pritchard]

I have a centrally drilled roof-mounted (iMax) no dbi short UHF whip. Ideal position, but obviously not suited to all install situations owing gear you carry.

Your 2.1db is fine. Great test.