I'm interested in the degree of loss of sensitivity (over the stock antenna) in both AM and FM reception with the Shark Fin Antenna. Would anyone care to comment on that? I don't want to install something that clobbers my reception. The best test would be at some distance, say 50 or 75 miles from the transmitter.
I doubt it is any worse than just removing the regular antenna. Unscrew the antenna and try getting the radio stations you want on your regular commute and see what happens. I unscrewed my antenna for a carwash a couple of years back and never put it back, because I can get the reception I need without it. I actually bought a sharkfin around that time, but never managed to install it. Anyone want to buy a salsa red sharkfin?
i just installed a sharkfin and i have noticed that the reception is quite a bit worse , more than a few stations i used to get are now completely gone, i live between 2 large upstate ny cities each approx 60 miles away. i looks great but the reception has taken a big hit.
I live in a hilly area with marginal reception. With the stock antenna, the FM reception was the worst of any car I have ever had. With the sharkfin, it is even worse. NPR is unlistenable, and the classical station is erratic.
I would say that you lose about 10-15 miles of range by use of a sharkfin as opposed to the stock antenna. That has been my experience with radio stations that I usually tune into from PA all the way to Virginia everyday. I guess it would differ based on your radio station and various land demographics.
For what its worth, my sharkfin works fine. The LA stations I listen to, fade out about the same with my other two cars as it does with the prius 'fin. Best thing is, install it temoporarily with duct tape or something, take a drive, and check it out. If you don't like it, return it, or ebay it. I bought it to make my car cover easier to fit, but have noticed no reception problems. It actually outperforms our Subarus stock antennas on KFWB AM.
I agree. I live in downtown Chicago. The reception with the whip was great even between large buildings. The reception with the Shark suffers with a little less volume and a little static. I am not happy about it but I rarely listen to the regular radio and I didn't like having to remove the whip going through a car wash or hoping the antenna would not get stolen. If you get a shark antenna the reception suffers slightly but in the long run, it might be a good purchase.
Well I was considering the SharkFin, but also was concerned as some reviews mentioned decreased reception. Now after reading this thread I'm gonna say no to this. Too bad, would have been a nice modification.
I purchased the shark fin antenna and installed it about two years ago. I paid particular attention to the quality of the connection with the roof-mounted antenna lug. I travel the NYS Thruway quite a bit so I know the point at which my favorite radio station would fade out even down to a small range of mile markers. With the shark fin I have the same range that I had with the bee-sting antenna...not one mile less! This modification has worked well for me. It's a direct, one for one substitute with superior looks. I purchased my shark fin on EBay from Visual Garage. It did take a fair amount of time for it to arrive after purchase. Perhaps that's because they paint them in Toyota factory paint codes as they receive orders. Ensuring good metal to metal contact is important. I'm also wondering if there's any variation in how/where the fractal antenna is positioned inside the shark fin. My placement could be optimal where another's might not be...just a thought...no evidence of this at all.
Any radio nut/propogation person will tell you ... General rule; big ugly antenna is GOOD. Think of the weirdo amateur radio operator down the street ... gawd awful 60' tower, the yagi hanging over, to the property boarder. He's talkin' to the geek on the other side of the world. tiny, cute antenna is BAD Think about your cel phone ... you often can't even see the antenna. Quick! ... run to the next room the call is dropping! You get the drill.
I'm guessing it depends where you live. I am near Providence, drive to Boston. Always had to switch stations during the commute. With the shark fin, I have to change at the same mile marker, so no change for me.
I have a couple of questions. I NEVER use the radio. Use the ipod connection almost always, or listen to cd/mp3 cds. Given that, I removed the ugly whip antenna and stored it away. I considered getting the shark antenna but see no reason to as I don't use the radio. Is there any risk to just leaving it as is without an antenna? If you recommend getting the shark fin antenna instead of leaving it bare, how will will this thing hold up (stick to the roof and stay there for years).
In that case I'd find a screw to go in the antenna hole to keep the dirt out and go for it, or find a shorty antenna. Shark fin will stay on as well as anything that is held on with double sided tape. (side mouldings etc.) That is, if it is prepared properly it will stay on for the life of the car.
