Install Shark Fin on 2010 Prius?

I've been wondering the same thing... in particular, if there's a different antenna I can use to improve the XM reception. Anyone have any experience with alternate antennas?

 

Not yet...they don't have all of the 2010 colors. As soon as they offer one in Blizzard Pearl, I'll order it and report back.

 

If you get impatient, Sigma Automotive seems to list the 2010 colors now:

Toyota Prius 2010+ ZVW30 Exterior Accessories :: Sigma Automotive

Looking forward to your report!

 

There's a thread somewhere else that said the reception was worse with the shark fin.

 

There are a lot of threads and posts elsewhere saying that on the Gen II, the radio reception with the shark fin is noticeably worse than with the Gen II whip antenna.

I would expect the same on the Gen III (unless the reception on the Gen III is similarly weaker anyway because of its semi-stubby antenna which is a lot shorter than the Gen II's antenna).

Notwithstanding its weaker reception, I'm keeping my shark fin antenna on my Gen II. I got it for its looks. But if I ever move out of New York City, I'll probably put the OEM whip antenna back on.

 

I'm going to put one on mine. It looks nasty cool. Hopefully the reception isn't THAT bad.

 

I've heard this as well, but I wonder what non-shark-fin alternatives can do reception wise? I realize its a bit off-topic, but are there high power whip antennas that will actually improve reception?

 

Cassandra,

If you're going to put one on, I have installation suggestions as I found the Visual Garage instructions to be a little lame and arguably wrong.

I would suggest that after you've centered the shark fin, that you measure and mark the spots where the two rear corners should touch down -- the two corners should be exactly the same distance away from the crevice formed by the roof and hatch.

Then, after you've removed the paper from the adhesive tape, I would start by lining up and pressing down the rear corners first, i.e., work from back to front and not front to back as the Visual Garage instructions say. If you follow the Visual Garage instructions and stick down the pointy front first, you can easily end up with a shark fin that's at least slightly crooked.

 

Tom, Do you find the FM alot weaker with the shark fin? We live in Brooklyn and am just wondering.

 

nevermind, I found my answer

 

Using shark fin allows you to use a roof rack and carry large loads like skis & ski boxes. Sat antenna sits above windshield on the left or right side and usually gets good reception.

 

Post deleted, I figured out the answer.