Should I consider a NGP Antenna(gmrs)

[Grand_Seltzer 75]

So unfortunately, I'm asking this out of blind opinion due to the fact I've never connected this to a SWR meter nor do I have enough friends to do distance checks. But I've always been curious if this is a good scenario for a NGP antenna. 

While riding in a smaller group, I don't believe my signal is any issue but I want to make an improvement if it would be worthwhile. 

My current midland GMRS MTX275 antenna is mounted to an aluminum bracket attached to the body behind the rear pillar. The bracket is screwed directly into the body. 

But because it's on a small surface plane, along with being blocked by the body, I'm curious if going to a taller NGP antenna like this https://www.ruggedradios.com/collections/mobile-antennas/products/point5-gmrs-antenna Would be a reasonable upgrade to get a little more performance out of my Radio. 

 

Obviously, I'm not very radio savvy but just wanted to get a sanity check. I really don't like the idea of going to a magnetic antenna on top of the body out of personal preference. 

[theksmith 4,150]

i don't think that little 14-incher would make a ton of difference, not enough to warrant changing to it.

 

you really want to get at least some of the antenna above the metal body. something like the Midland 32" 6DB antenna should make a noticeable difference, more so with reception than transmission, though both would likely improve. it's certainly not as stealth as your current ghost antenna, but it does at least have a spring to help it survive tree limbs.

Edited September 21 by theksmith

[4WLNRN 558]

Midland does make a hood mount option that works great with those particular antennas.  You may want to look at that option.

 

Midland Universal NMO Lip mount

 

 

[Grand_Seltzer 75]

1 minute ago, 4WLNRN said:

Midland does make a hood mount option that works great with those particular antennas.  You may want to look at that option.

 

Midland Universal NMO Lip mount

 

 

I think I actually have this mount as it was included with the kit I originally bought. I'm just too proud of the current location to want to change it lol

[4WLNRN 558]

3 minutes ago, Grand_Seltzer said:

I think I actually have this mount as it was included with the kit I originally bought. I'm just too proud of the current location to want to change it lol

I totally get this.  I can't decide myself to use this mount or the one I bought that works with my roof rack

[gearhead 468]

I think @theksmith is correct......if you want to improve antenna performance you'll need some height.   I've had great luck with this Browning BR-180 antenna.  The performance is comparable to the Midland Antenna theksmith mentioned (both have approximately twice the dB gain of that stubby ghost antenna).   

 

I don't even see the dB gain spec listed for that Rugged Radio antenna on their web page....not a huge fan of Rugged Radio tbh.  Good luck!  🙂

Edited September 22 by gearhead

[Mick Bowers 178]

I have the same midland 275 and antenna. I got a good mag mount and put it on the roof. It does real well.  I expect its due to the big metal ground plain as you mentioned.  It still makes it into the garage and thru the car wash no problem. The coax fits through thru/under the back hatch fine. The roof rack protects it from branches.