I've read mixed reviews about these. Some say they are fine, others say they are only cosmetic and provide worse reception. I don't use Sirius, generally just listen to FM, and some online music e.g. Rhapsody, Pandora, etc. I'd like to get one, but also don't want the reception to be worse. Would appreciate any input on this. Thanks. Yes, tried searching for this here because I thought I saw something about shark fin antennas, but couldn't find any specific reviews.
I am out-of-date on it (ours is from 2006 ) but I think you have the right idea. Local driving we get all the stations strong as we want as we are pretty close to Wash DC. Where you might notice a difference is taking a trip your stations might fade away a bit sooner. I still have the OEM if we want to go back.
I have one from the priuschat store...link is in my build page on my signature. I have XM and have no problems with that or the FM radio.
There are lots of threads on the purchase and use of Shark Fin Antennas. I don't want to speak for everyone but the general consensus I would say is that some reception capability might be lost BUT for most people it is nearly unnoticeable or acceptable. Just look at the number of vehicles that DO have shark fin antennas, I would think if loss of reception was too horrible you simply wouldn't see as many as you do see. I'd stick to the bigger names...no knock offs..but if you want one, I wouldn't hesitate.
Electric Me hit it right on the money.......if they were as bad as some say, u wouldn't see as many as u do. None. It purely cosmetic VS980 4G ?
I'll say this. When I first got my Prius, a Shark Fin antenna was on my list as something I wanted. I think they look a lot better. Regular antenna looks too much like a radio controlled toy car. But I kept putting the purchase off, and putting it off, and now the desire has just kind of disappeared. I still might get one someday. But now I'm waiting for the OEM to either break or get stolen.
Appreciate the feedback. My only concern is if it's going to drastically affect FM. Have no use for Sirius, and get the rest of my music from online sources. I'll check 'em out. thanks!
Stub works for me! No difference in reception that I know of. Don't care for or like the looks of the shark fin.
I was looking at these, but didn't notice that they were made for a Prius. At least the ones I looked at on e-Bay. Where did you get yours?
One website might be helpful: Radio-Locator.com Radio-Locator You can put in your zip and see the station strengths and coverage pattern (click on "i" for infomation). I am thinking shark fin probably good for the first two circles (local+distant but probably not fringe). My minivan which has standard antenna does better than fringe, I can get WTOP 103.5 Wash DC almost to Breezewood PA. I lose the signal on the same hill every time.
To post 16, I'm going to say..... I "think" I'd go black to match the roof. Right now it looks like an iceberg floating in an Oil Spill. But I'd photo shop to perhaps get a better idea of what it may look like before doing anything perhaps not easily reversible.
Returning it! Tune to my usual station and static right off the bat. Connected the factory antenna back and clear again. Still need a replacement antenna because mine was damaged when I painted the roof. Want to avoid shark fins now.
