My garage door has a low bar and the Prius antenna catches every time, causing it to BOING and probably hit the roof of the car...Anyway I've read the shark fin antennna is not a great solution because of loss of FM reception quality. Anyone in the San Fernando Valley/Los Angeles area with input on reception changes in this market? Any input one way or another? Or other ideas? Thanks!
You really shouldn't have any trouble in LA. I can pick up all the nearby stations out here in podunk Ozarks despite all the mountains and stuff. The range is less, but it does still work to some degree.
There is definitely some loss of reception - whether it is enough to keep you away from the shark fin is purely subjective. I live in San Diego and with the stock antenna could pick up our local PBS radio anywhere with no static, breakup or outright gaps. With the shark fin I do get skips and gaps in coverage during my daily commute which takes me perhaps 30 miles from the transmitter location. Nothing terrible, since while driving you really don't lose signal long enough for it to matter. However, get stopped at the wrong light and I strain to hear the radio until I get a green light and move to a better reception location. Personally I'm fine with this and perfectly willing to trade some inconvenience for the improved appearance and reduced potential for damage when driving through a car wash for a quick bath. Besides, I've noticed improved directional stability and increased mileage (kidding). Overall I am happy with the shark fin - your mileage may vary.
