I have an 02 4runner, i have an 8 $ antenna now... i need a bigger one, im looking under 5 feet for one. I found two, either firestik firefly or wilson silver load flex, which one???

 

I have never had good luck with fiberglass antennae. They always end up broke on the trail after getting into a tree or rock.

A stainless mid-load antenna has survived MUCH better on my rig.
http://www.truckers-store.com/store-..._40189373.html

 

I have a Firestik mounted on my roof and I've been happy with it. I've never whacked it against rocks though.

 

i ran a firestick which i hated, switched to a k40 which i liked a hell of a lot better.
now i have a roof mount wilson 1000 that i couldn't be happier with!

 

I have a lil wil Wilson. I like it, but it can get moved around in heavy brush. also the little allen key bolt that holds the whip to the base got all rusty.

It is a good solution, I didn't like the idea of mounting a firestick on the hood on the tailgate. I like the removability for "Stealth" that the wilson provides

 

I've had good results with both a 4' and now 2' Firestik antenna on my '85. Key is to mount it on a spring base, stiff spring for the 4' and above, medium or soft spring on a 2' antenna. I like the heavy plastic heat shrink on the Firestik, it holds up well to scraping on trees, rocks and parking garage ceilings. I like the tuneable screw in the end as well:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri....shtml#Antenna

 

Stiff spring here too with a 4' Firestik II antenna.
I have ran Firestik II antennas for years with great luck.
Even with them flopping back and forth when off road.

 

I could never get an SWR worth a crap with the spring installed.

 

I got 1.2 SWR or less on both my Firestik antennas w/ base springs. That does make the effective length of the antenna a little longer so it'll need a little more adjustment than without the spring.

 

Me too, my SWR is usually around 1.2 or so, that it also with a quick disconnect on it.