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Is the Shark Fin Antenna worth getting?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by macmaster05, Sep 17, 2010.

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  1. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    I’ve been contemplating whether I should buy the shark fin antenna since I bought the car, almost for a year now. The reasonable side in me always wins. Here is where I’m torn.

    Pros
    - Looks ultra cool
    - would end this year-long hankering to buy it
    - Easy enough for me to install

    Cons
    - Unknown loss of radio quality - I use my radio every time I drive
    - Potential warranty issues/resell value (although I don’t plan to resell)

    Please help me!
     
    #1 macmaster05, Sep 17, 2010
  2. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    I didn't notice a drop in radio performance but I only use FM.
    If the looks are worth the cash to you, buy it.
     
    #2 patsparks, Sep 17, 2010
  3. roverguy78

    roverguy78 Elite Lurking Member

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    I think a good compromise is putting a 3rd gen antenna on a 2nd gen. Direct swap and looks quite nice.
     
    #3 roverguy78, Sep 17, 2010
  4. Supreme

    Supreme Hypebeast

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    How much is it?
     
    #4 Supreme, Sep 17, 2010
  5. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    We put the shark fin on, and I noticed a serious drop in radio reception in rural areas.
    If you drive any sort of distance, where you aren't close to your favorite station, you might find it a bit annoying.
     
    #5 Rae Vynn, Sep 17, 2010
  6. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    With shipping it's $78 on PriusChat, and $81 from Visual Garage directly. Also $81 from VG's eBay shop. Thats another thing, where should I buy it from? I've heard some complaints of customer service from the PriusChat store.
     
    #6 macmaster05, Sep 17, 2010
  7. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I've been considering a shark fin.

    I think they look a lot nicer than standard attenae.

    But almost everyone admits to at least a slight decline in radio reception. So I'm torn.

    You know, we can fake putting a man on the moon...you'd think they could design a shark fin attenae that actually improved reception....
     
    #7 The Electric Me, Sep 17, 2010
  8. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    I know, but putting a man on the moon didn't cost $80. I'm still so torn. I feel like if I put it on then I'll have a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. At the same time, I'll lambast myself for continuing to throw money at my car, especially if the radio is noticibly worse.
     
    #8 macmaster05, Sep 17, 2010
  9. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Can we get a Group Discount going?
     
    #9 macmaster05, Sep 17, 2010
  10. Supreme

    Supreme Hypebeast

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    #10 Supreme, Sep 17, 2010
  11. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Thanks Sup, but I'd much rather stick to the Visual Garage product. You can't beat their style, rapport, and custom painted match.
     
    #11 macmaster05, Sep 17, 2010
  12. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    I have installed a shark fin. It is solely for the looks. It'll cost you
    ~$80 to look cool. You pays your money, and takes your chances. :cool:

    Nobody has ever posted that they expect the shark fin to give better
    reception. Good thing too, because it has never happened... yet. :rolleyes:

    IIRC, posters in the SFran Bay area report little loss of reception right
    around the bay itself. Once beyond the nearby mountains/hills, its was
    a function of the power of the station's transmitter and tower height
    and location.

    Although I live in a metropolitan area, I have experienced some FM
    reception loss. In my situation it is noticeable by less range at the
    perimeter of reception, a drop from say 40 miles to ~30.

    This is no big deal to me as I don't usually listen to the radio.
    I prefer my own music or books-on-disc from my iPod. But mostly
    I'm trying to stay out of the way of the retards, bimbos, bozos, and
    losers who are driving with a cell phone glued to their ear or texting.

    I would be skeptical that the fin in post #10 will work. It is a VW item.
    I've never been able to find info on direct VW to Prius connectibility.

    The shark fin is easly mounted. It connects to and covers the OEM Gen
    II conical base. It attaches to the roof with double sided tape. It should
    be easily removed, just like "debadging." Reinstallation of the OEM unit
    at resale should not be a problem. Although there may be a patch of
    paint mismatch where the shark fin-covered paint was shielded from
    UV rays -- darker under the fin.

    That, I believe, is the long and the short of it. However, as always...

    YMMV. :)

    Additional interesting reading:
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...fin-question-can-i-add-copper.html#post542051
     
    #12 Rokeby, Sep 17, 2010
  13. deltron3030

    deltron3030 New Member

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    I have it (I'm in the orange county and LA areas of southern California, and haven't really noticed much of anything substantial in terms of negatives. Actually I'm rarely reminded about the reception quality....more often I see other cars with similar shark fins and remark to myself that they look very good.
     
    #13 deltron3030, Sep 17, 2010
  14. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Thanks all. I'm leaning favorably towards biting the bullet and ordering, once again. Although I would really like to get a group discount if that is at all possible.

    On a Mazda forum I saw they do group discounts a couple times every year. Apparently you enter the coupon SHARKFINGB and get 20% off. What I don't know is if I can get in on their MAZDA deal by ordering a PRIUS sharkfin. And I don't mind the 4-5 week wait from the group buy, heck I've waited 1 year already. I can wait a couple extra weeks.

    Thanks for the advice.
     
    #14 macmaster05, Sep 17, 2010
  15. zonie911

    zonie911 Member

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    Rae Vynn, reception might be limited in some areas, but it is a trade-off-- because that sharkfin sure looks good....

    Stylin' and profilin' :rockon:

    I'm dying to get one!!
     
    #15 zonie911, Sep 18, 2010
  16. dbcassidy

    dbcassidy Toyota Hybrid Nation, 8 Million Strong

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    My shark fin makes me able to go faster!!!(or at least it looks faster). Anyway I noticed no decrease in radio reception with the shark fin over the OEM antenna, plus the shark fin looks way COOLER!!!

    dbcassidy
     
    #16 dbcassidy, Sep 18, 2010
  17. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Does it matter if I buy it directly from VG or the PriusChat Store? Like, is there a place thats more likely to sell faulty products.

    Could some of you who have had a good experience with the Shark Fin please tell me where you purchased it?

    Thanks!!
     
    #17 macmaster05, Sep 19, 2010
  18. cameljok

    cameljok New Member

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    I thought that some of the shark fins on other cars double as FM radio and Satellite radio. That would take care of the reception issue if we can get one that doubles. When FM radio reception is poor then switch to Satellite. I would be down for a group discount.
     
    #18 cameljok, Sep 19, 2010
  19. savrip

    savrip Junior Member

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    I'd be in for a group discount too.
     
    #19 savrip, Sep 20, 2010
  20. jcool10181

    jcool10181 New Member

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    Just ordered one from PC. Is there a DIY guide for the shark fin antenna? Please help!
     
    #20 jcool10181, Sep 20, 2010
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