I've been a radio operator for over 20 years now, and carry a radio with me or in my vehicles always. Found the Rocky Talkie 5 WATT when searching for a new GMRS handheld. Read the reviews, and could hardly wait to get my hands on it. Bought it with all available extras (except a spare battery, that's soon).

Then this longer whip antenna came out! I ordered it within minutes of finding out it existed! Your radio wattage output is a factor to be sure, but your antenna can make or break your setup. I had already done a survey of repeaters in my area from my back deck and out front of my house using the longer 'rubber duck' antenna which came with the 5 Watt. I was able to hit one of 6 repeaters solidly enough for others to understand me, but it was kinda sketchy, static, few cut outs and words missed.

I received the whip antenna and immediately saw they care about us and only put their name on solidly built products. This is built better than most of my Comet or Diamond whips I've had. The whip antenna is a nice bright color, matching more the power and +/- key colors, easy to find! Looking at the base where it connects to the radio, shows a good weatherseal gasket, and even an identifier for what frequencies it's intended - good to be able to differentiate between whips if they were off their respective radios. The base is solid, durable plastic, larger than the usual whips bases, providing a much better grip and a more solid feel. There was no goofing when attaching…