Yes... another stubby antenna thread... sorry..

I think we can all agree that the factory antenna looks like death eatin' crackers on these beeeautiful cars and there are lots of stubby options out there at reasonable prices...

I want to install one on my 08 Cooper S, but not at the expense of good reception...

Using the search feature I've found mixed reviews of these from people who listen primarily to FM... NOT Satellite radio... Even on the sites that sell the stubby antenna (like Craven), they post reviews from people who complain about poor reception... As I ONLY listen to FM.. no Sat, no IPod, No GPS needs, etc... I hate to trade off good reception just for better looks....

What I'm getting around to is a few questions from those who have installed the stubby antenna.

1. Some must be better than others... Any tips as to which brand gets the best reception?

2. If you've installed one... what brand did you get? and how is the reception as compared to stock? As good? Almost as good? Poor?

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Usually, eBay has some of the best stubby antennas for powered receivers.
Just need to sift through all of them and find a good one.
And even 'good' stubbies can be as cheap as $8-$10.

- Erik

 

I got the OEM short antenna the same day I drove the car home. It was 23 bucks and it comes with 4 different connecting "tips" to fit any possible situation. It took 30 seconds to install and I have experienced no noticeable reduction in reception quality for Sirius, HD radio, am/fm or Navi.

May be worth your 10 bucks to get the factory dealership part.

 

Honestly these stubbies are basically all the same bull$h!t. I've swapped out the antenna on my E36 M3 Vert/E46 M3 Vert/Z3 MCoupe so I've done the rounds on this thing. Depending on your OEM antenna you can cut it down to a more comfortable size and just put the little cap back on. You can unglue the little cap with just a heat gun or hair dryer. The only difference seems to be if the stubby is smaller than 2" and I noticed that one that was full metal was slightly better on some stations than the plastic ones. Regardless of the stubby antenna you will lose just a bit of reception but nothing you should be worried about. Its when you have no antenna that you will notice immediately. I believe the majority of them come in 3.5" which is a good size.

 

I went through a few, and the best one I ever found was the MINI Sport Shorty when they finally released it. Still running it today, and the reception seems no different than the stock RC car one.

http://www.minimotoringgear.com/#/pr...?CenterId=null

 

Actually, I disagree, I love the RC-type of antenna!

Sadly, I have no information on stubby antennas and cannot offer any help on the subject sorry

 

I bought my stubby antenna from OutMotoring for $20 and I get great reception. I listen to FM only on the radio and then a CD/MP3 whenever I want a change. I've never had a problem with crappy reception with my stubby. I've driven in the middle of nowhere with it and in the city and get great reception in both areas and everything in between.

 

The AM reception sucks in manhattan with the Alta 4" stubby

 

I got the Out Motoring 3.25" stubby. It was $20 & I haven't noticed any difference from the stock dune buggy whip antenna. FM, FMHD, & Sirius. I don't listen to AM or have factory nav.

 

I have the Craven stubbie. I get Detroit fm out almost to Jackson half way across the state.

Cheers!
Chris

 

Actually, your perspective DID help me, in a way. I never really notice / pay attention to the antenna until I come across one of these threads. And as I'm reading this very one for the second time, I'm tempted to go for a stubby. But after reading your post, I remembered that it's an odd, quirky little car, and that's part of what I love about it. The RC effect is part of the charm, and I should embrace that, not fight it. Kind of like the people with the "actual size" decals .

 

Haha, I'm glad I could help!

This car is unlike the rest, and that's why I love it so much

 

In case you change your mind, again, and want to go with a stubby antenna...
Believe it or not: http://www.stubbyantenna.com

 

Geezz.. thanks for the helpful post....

 

Have been to this place and they all look cool... but none offer reception as good as factory... as I said... I will not sacrifice reception for looks..

 

Got a link?

 

It helped someone, so yes, it was a helpful post.

 

Got mine from Graven and have no issues with reception at all. Even in the darkest regions of Texas.

 

+1 for the Outmotoring stubby. No problems here.

 

Outmotoring? Craven? Got links?

 

Outmotoring Mini Stubby Antenna

 

I've got the MINI stubby and haven't noticed any loss of FM reception as compared to the RC antenna. Don't have any information about AM or satellite.

 

Guess I should have also mentioned this in my first response:
I have an A-series from http://www.stubbyantenna.com/
Their claim is that reception for the A-series is 3 out of 5.
I’m guessing that the 5 represents OEM-antenna quality/strength.
I have not noticed any degradation in service in/around town using the A-series antenna.
Tried out the radio on a road trip and couldn’t tell that I lost the Jacksonville signals earlier or acquired Savannah any later than OEM.
The only thing about the A-series of which I was none too fond in the beginning was that it is a bit shorter (2.55”) than I’d initially wanted. Now, I like the length.
Should 3 out of 5 look on the low side, they do offer several that rate the reception as 4 out of 5.
Several are adjustable length so it could be used as a stubby in town and expended as needed for trips.

 

Thx, all.. Just ordered a stubby from stubbyantenna.com/

Chose the 4"-11" version B Series (with 4 out of 5 reception) thinking if I'm on the road and need better reception.. I'll just whip it out.. so to speak... $12.99 to my door...

Will post a follow up at some point....

 

Hello,

What is the stock lug size (2008 Clubman)?

Thanks,

Grady