I've got a uniden pro520xl with a 3' firestik mounted to the side of my truck box. I can hear people clearly from about a mile away, maybe less. But they can't hear me past 100 yards. I need a couple mile range at least. Any pointers? I was thinking about getting a tunable 5' firestik tomorrow. I don't have an swr meter so I can't really test it.

 

Was the coax a pre-made piece or did you put the ends on it ? cheap coax can cause different problems.The antenna and radio should work fine for what you want. If atmospheric conditions are wrong or skip as it is called will cut the range a lot.

 

It's the pre-made coax. You just screw it in.

 

When people can hear you up close is your voice strong or weak ? It might be a mic issue.