There are, somewhere, some old threads on this. Most people report at least some loss of signal strength/quality with the stubby antennae...the shorter the greater the impact. If you're in an urban area or are always close to the stations you listen to it's probably a decent thing to consider. If you're rural or travel a lot and need good sensitivity I don't think this is something you'd want.
I bought one that is 5" and there is no loss in FM reception. I live on Long Island so we have a relatively strong signal to begin with. I think it looks MUCH better than the OEM antenna. I have XM, but on the rare times that I need to listen to the radio, this is fine. I have never seen the shorter ones. I bet they'll work fine too.
One of the PriusChat sponsors, <a href=\'http://sigmaautomotive.com/jdm/prius/prius0405.php\' target=\'_blank\'>Sigma Automotive</a> offers a variety of alternate antennae.
I have XM radio on my Prius and rarely, if ever, listen to regular radio now. Consequently, I replaced the stock antenna with a short black one. It receives OK but not as well as the stock one. Looks cool though....
Thanks Bill for bringing tat to my attention. I have been to that site many times and never saw those antennas. I just ordered #1.
Can you please point me to where the DMV says you won't get a ticket for not placing the stickers where they instruct you to? Don't get me wrong, I would much rather have the stickers wherever I choose to put them (if they ever come).
Maybe you're into stainless steel telescopic whips, etc. <img src=\'http://lib1.store.vip.sc5.yahoo.com/lib/buddipole/mwacloseupsmall.jpg\' border=\'0\' alt=\'user posted image\' />
I haven't noticed much interest in whips among Prius Posters, but I wouldn't be surprised. I have seen a couple asking about chains.
As for the commute lane sticker, the insturction sheet that comes withthe stickers says "please install...." it does not say "must". I did not want the rear one on the bumper because bumpers get hit all of the time and I do not want to have to keep re-ordering new ones from DMV. I placed mine where it is actually more visable to all. The front one is installed where it is suggested by DMV. I did not install the 2 large ones on the sides of the rear bumper. So far not a single problem, it is not like the Prius is not readily recognizable as a Hybrid. And, I hope that any police officer that sees it will see the rear one immediately.
For what it is worth, I too had placed my HOV sticker in the bottom window of the rear hatchback as I did not want to stick it to the rear bumper. Thought that would work fine, but also travel across the Bay Bridge every day and travel in the commute lane on I-80. Last night, I was following another Prius in the diamond lane after dark. I can tell you that no one would be able to see any stickers other than those on the bottom rear bumper. Headlights on thecar in front of you do not light up anything much higher and all the glass on the rear hatch is pitch black at night. I think I will have to relocate them to where the DMV requests, otherwise risk being pulled over.
just put 5" one on. We live in a dificult FM area. Reception was poor compared to OEM antenna. Back to OEM. Carl
