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AntennaX 13" Euro, Antenna Junk!

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by squint0241, Feb 21, 2014.

  1. Feb 21, 2014 at 5:58 PM
    #1
    squint0241

    squint0241 [OP] OVRLND

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    Gents,

    I know probably a lot of you either have or plan on purchasing a replacement antenna on your Tacoma. The darn thing is so long and sometimes bangs into things if your in the bush, entering your garage, car wash, etc..... Perhaps you have entertained the idea of a cool look in a compact form factor! I just wanted to let you know the AntennaX Euro (13") I purchased from their web site is junk and I don't mean that lightly. From a physical standpoint, it looks solid and has a nice build quality, but that's not the only reason I bought one. I still need good reception regardless! I installed the rubber coated 13" Euro version. Reception went to hell fast! The stations that were clear, immediately went into a crackling static mode. So....in a nut shell I just spent $16, plus shipping for a chance to toss it in the trash.

    https://antennax.com/p-3960-eurostyle-13-inch-antenna-1995-thru-2014-toyota-tacoma.aspx

    I'm not saying all their stuff is bad! Just this particular one...:)

    Before you ask:
    Yes...it was correctly mounted, checked and double checked
    Yes...I did a multiple side by side comparison w/multiple radio stations and the results were the same...shit:eek: stations that were clear all became static like I was headed into the desert.

    I just don't want you to waste your money as I did! I was the guinea pig, you the benefactor.. I know they make an assortment of other antennas to choose from, so that may not be the case with the other versions/types

    Enough said...:cool:

    P.S. If someone wants this one...pay me for shipping and it's yours free:D!
     
  2. Feb 21, 2014 at 7:53 PM
    #2
    Goose8651

    Goose8651 Well-Known Member

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    Same thing with me. It was the first aftermarket part I installed and was the first aftermarket part I removed almost immediately. The stations cutting in and out was terrible. Glad I kept the original antenna.

    I am like you. Someone else can have mine if they pay for shipping.
     
  3. Feb 21, 2014 at 8:07 PM
    #3
    rbeezy

    rbeezy Well-Known Member

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    If they're still around, I got mine from shorty antenna source. Reception was just as good as good as the factory antenna
     
  4. Feb 21, 2014 at 8:09 PM
    #4
    RadRed06

    RadRed06 Christ Follower

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    Thats odd, Ive had no issues whatsoever with mine.
     
  5. Feb 21, 2014 at 9:05 PM
    #5
    squint0241

    squint0241 [OP] OVRLND

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    Guys, it could be just the geography of Oahu, but regardless...there's a huge and significant difference unless you guys are in an area with a really strong signal. I swapped both the OEM and the antennaX back and forth and it was literally night and day. Like I said, if you live in an area with strong broadcast signals, you'll probably have no issues, but head outside the radio coverage and it will diminish faster than a hot pocket on the Biggest Loser...:D
     
  6. Feb 21, 2014 at 9:08 PM
    #6
    squint0241

    squint0241 [OP] OVRLND

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    Thanks Ron...I will have to check them out. I'm looking for a shorter solution obviously, but I won't sacrifice for a degraded signal. OEM antennae riding tall still gets my vote until I find a better solution.
     
  7. Feb 21, 2014 at 9:11 PM
    #7
    squint0241

    squint0241 [OP] OVRLND

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    Goose...maybe if I send you mine and you tape it end-to-end with yours, it will work!...LMAO!:D
     
  8. Feb 21, 2014 at 9:19 PM
    #8
    ZachMX

    ZachMX Well-Known Member

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  9. Feb 21, 2014 at 9:41 PM
    #9
    squint0241

    squint0241 [OP] OVRLND

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    Good point Door Ding. Regardless of the power of the local transmitters, the comparison of the 2 is dramatic. Don't get me wrong...the Euro Antennae does pick up the stations...it's just the quality degradation (If you compared the 2 side by side, with a weak station you would see my point). In the end...I am sticking with the OEM and besides...as one guy on here put it..."Why are you listening to the radio?"...lol True Dat! I think I stream bluetooth 95% of the time anyways.

    Sorry to drag this topic out...haha Perhaps we should move on to another, more interesting thread...:D
     
  10. Feb 21, 2014 at 9:42 PM
    #10
    squint0241

    squint0241 [OP] OVRLND

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  11. Feb 21, 2014 at 10:31 PM
    #11
    squint0241

    squint0241 [OP] OVRLND

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  12. Feb 22, 2014 at 2:27 AM
    #12
    adio

    adio Well-Known Member

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    HI
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    2015 INFERNO TRD PRO
    Modified a scion tC antenna. No lost in reception, and not as long as stock.

    DSC01421_zps3a11e62d_ca065e3809855087b51d8dab3483b1ab33a89e5f.jpg
     
  13. Feb 22, 2014 at 3:48 PM
    #13
    ZachMX

    ZachMX Well-Known Member

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    Haha. Been through my powerwashings, the touchless car wash and hasnt flopped yet, not to mention the 29 inches of snow weve had this year. I dont hear any whistling like in the cab or on the stereo? I live in the philly area, but no difference in my reception, still crystal clear as factory antenna. Really happy with it, got so tired of hitting the garage door with my lift and I tried just cutting my factory but couldnt get the little ball off on the top to re attach, wasnt worth the frustration so bought this puppy, no regrets. GLW your search.
     
  14. Feb 22, 2014 at 6:49 PM
    #14
    RearViewMirror

    RearViewMirror Saw things so much clearer once you... were in my

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    I've never understood why people "buy" a new shorter antenna. A dremel cut off wheel (or hacksaw) and your factory antenna is all you need. I cut mine to 14". Cut the ball off the top. Then epoxied the ball back on the antenna and painted it matte black. No change in reception (though I listen to XM and my MP3's on the USB stick mostly). That said.... I've never checked reception far away from the city. But while in the city it sounds exactly the same.

    Best part.... It's free. I've got plenty of paint and epoxy.
     
  15. Feb 22, 2014 at 6:55 PM
    #15
    jw1983

    jw1983 Well-Known Member

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    Mine hits shit when I go to the mall. I am stock height and I still manage to bang it. I don't mind the look of the stock ones, I just wished that they shortened them a little bit. The next time I go to the mall I am going to have to look and see how close my roof is to hitting where the antenna is.
     
  16. Feb 22, 2014 at 7:08 PM
    #16
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    I didn't even make it to the point of determining what the reception was like. I bought and installed one and hated the look. I ended up sending mine back.
     
  17. Feb 22, 2014 at 7:26 PM
    #17
    RearViewMirror

    RearViewMirror Saw things so much clearer once you... were in my

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    Gotcha! You might whack something on a trail. :p
     
  18. Feb 22, 2014 at 7:32 PM
    #18
    Skinny Rogers

    Skinny Rogers U know fish can hear u thinking just b4 u sneeze

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    I have a 7 and 14" billet from antennax with no issues whatsoever. No experience with the flimsy euro tho.
     
  19. May 26, 2014 at 6:24 AM
    #19
    AntennaX

    AntennaX Well-Known Member

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    I thought I would chime in here. With short antennas it all depends on location. And for anything shorter than 13 inches, reception drops off greatly. But if you just listen to sat radio only, most go with our 5 inch shorty because it looks great. Lastly, just shoot us a pm if you have any issues with our products.
     
  20. May 26, 2014 at 6:56 AM
    #20
    Hawksdenn2

    Hawksdenn2 Well-Known Member

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    I'm assuming, because your in Hawaii, with all those mountains it's probably causing you to get bad reception. Here in florida I have the antennax euro with no issue whatsoever.
     

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