Review on Top-Performing Eightwood Dual Band VHF UHF Ham Mobile Radio Antenna PL259: Boost Your Ham Radio Transmitting Range with Magnetic Base & 5M Cable! by Susan Rolfs

Okay I wasn't expecting impressive performance from this flat antenna. I was fine with that, but the SWR on the American amateur 2m band isn't very good. According to my antenna analyzer, it drops in the 144.5-145MHz range, but in the 147MHz range it exceeds 3:1. The SWR is much higher on both sides just outside the amateur range. The lowest SWR I could get was around 1.5:1 and I could live with that. If the midpoint was closer to 146MHz, it would be almost fine. For those who are interested, I first tested the antenna on a baking sheet in the laboratory. I thought he might need more floor space. I tested it on the roof of a car, in the middle of a 4x4 inch sheet of steel. The results were almost the same. The only thing I didn't do was ground the coax cable to the car's chassis. This can help, but with an antenna analyzer I don't usually do this and get excellent results from other antennas in the same configuration. I will say the magnetic mount is decent, not much light for my liking but will probably hold this antenna. Spring. The felt on the bottom doesn't scratch the paint at first, but it's not the best material for long-term outdoor use. If you use it I would remove the antenna and clean it regularly to keep dirt from getting underneath and scratching it. I might as well replace it with better material. The coax looks well made, I give them high marks for the coax look, but looks can be deceiving as to actual quality and other components. The coax seems fine.