Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack Review - Best Mono Band Mini Mobile Vertical Antennas
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack! If you're a radio enthusiast or amateur ham operator, you know the importance of having a reliable and efficient antenna setup. The Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack is a fantastic solution that offers five mono band mini mobile vertical antennas in one convenient package. With coverage for 10m, 15m, 20m, 40m, and 75m bands, these antennas provide excellent performance and versatility. In this review, we'll dive deep into the features, performance, and customer feedback to help you make an informed decision before adding these antennas to your setup. Let's get started!
Product Description
The Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack is a must-have for all radio enthusiasts. This pack includes five individual mono band Shark Hamsticks, each covering a different band: 10m, 15m, 20m, 40m, and 75m. Whether you are a seasoned ham radio operator or a beginner looking to explore the world of amateur radio, these antennas are designed to enhance your radio experience.
Each Shark HamStick in this pack features a fiberglass mast measuring 24" for the 10m, 15m, and 20m bands, and 36" for the 40m and 75m bands. The mast includes an integral coil and an adjustable stainless steel whip, allowing for optimal flexibility and performance. With a solid black wrap, these antennas not only deliver exceptional functionality but also look sleek and professional.
One of the standout features of these antennas is their power rating. All of the Shark HamSticks in this pack are rated for a maximum power of 250W. This means that you can transmit with confidence, knowing that these antennas can handle the power without compromising signal quality.
The Shark HamSticks are also incredibly versatile. With a 3/8” x 24 thread base, they can be easily mounted on various mounts, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you want to mount them on your vehicle, RV, or portable setup, these antennas offer convenience and flexibility.
It is important to note that these antennas do not come with a mount. This is because the manufacturer understands that different users have different mounting preferences and requirements. However, finding a compatible mount for these antennas is relatively easy due to their standard 3/8” x 24 thread base.
With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 54 customer reviews, the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack has received positive feedback from users. Customers appreciate the performance, quality, and ease of installation of these antennas.
In conclusion, the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack is a reliable and versatile solution for all radio enthusiasts. With five mono band Shark Hamsticks, a maximum power rating
Pros and Cons
Pros: 1. Simple to use: The Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack is designed for easy installation and usage. Users have praised its simplicity, making it ideal for beginners who may not have a lot of experience with antennas. 2. Durable construction: The antennas are built to last, with a solid construction that ensures they can withstand the rigors of mobile use. This durability gives users peace of mind, knowing that their antennas will hold up well over time. 3. Good price: At a price of $129.95, the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack offers excellent value for money. Customers appreciate the affordability of this pack, especially considering that it includes five antennas.
Cons: 1. Narrow banded: Some users have expressed disappointment with the narrow bandwidth of these antennas. They have found that the SWR's lower than 2 only cover a small portion of their listed band, limiting their versatility and effectiveness in certain frequency ranges. 2. Inconsistent SWR readings: While many customers have reported positive experiences with the SWR readings of these antennas, some have found that the readings are not always accurate. This discrepancy can make it challenging to fine-tune the antennas for optimal performance. 3. Not suitable for WARC bands: Users have noted that the SWR readings on the WARC bands are higher compared to other frequency ranges. This limitation may affect the antennas' performance in those bands, potentially reducing their effectiveness for certain users.
In conclusion, the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack offers a simple and durable solution for mobile radio enthusiasts. While the narrow banded nature of these antennas and inconsistent SWR readings may pose some limitations, the affordability and ease of use make them a popular choice among users.
Customer Reviews
The Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack has received a mix of feedback from customers, with an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars. Let's take a closer look at what customers had to say about this product.
One satisfied customer gave it a 5-star rating, stating that the antennas were simple to use, durable, and offered a good price.
However, there were some customers who expressed concerns about the narrow band coverage. One reviewer mentioned that the SWR's lower than 2 only cover a small portion of their listed band.
Another customer mentioned that these antennas, like all antennas, are a compromise. They liked the size and construction of the antennas, but mentioned that the SWR's were a little higher on the WARC band.
A 4-star review highlighted the fact that the product description clearly stated that these antennas were the "mini" version of the Shark Hamstick. The customer admitted their mistake and stated that they would still recommend the product.
On the other hand, a 2-star review compared the tuning performance of these antennas to Hamstick antennas and found them to tune considerably more poorly.
Despite the mixed feedback, there were customers who were pleasantly surprised with the performance of these antennas. One 5-star review mentioned that they had good success with them and were pleasantly surprised with their performance.
Another 5-star review mentioned that they hadn't tried the 75m band yet but recommended these antennas for mobile use.
Overall, the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack has received a range of feedback. While some customers were satisfied with the performance and price, others had concerns about the narrow band coverage and tuning performance compared to other antennas.
Conclusion
Overall, the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack offers a convenient and efficient solution for mobile radio enthusiasts. With five individual mono band Shark Hamsticks included in the pack, you can effortlessly cover multiple bands with ease. The fiberglass mast with an integral coil and adjustable stainless steel whip ensures durability and optimal performance.
One of the major advantages of these antennas is their power handling capability, with a maximum power rating of 250W. This allows for reliable and consistent signal transmission. Additionally, the 3/8" x 24 thread base makes it compatible with various mounts, adding to its versatility.
However, it's important to note that some buyers experienced issues with the antennas' tuning capabilities, particularly in the WARC bands. The narrow bandwidth and higher SWR in these bands may limit their effectiveness in certain scenarios.
Despite these limitations, the majority of buyers have praised the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack for its simplicity, durability, and reasonable price. It has received positive feedback for its performance in terms of DX contacts and overall usability.
Taking into consideration the positive feedback and the functionality of the product, I would recommend the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack to amateur radio operators who are looking for a compact and reliable mobile antenna solution. It provides a cost-effective way to cover multiple bands, making it a worthwhile investment for those on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and concerns about the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack:
Q: What bands does this antenna cover? A: The Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack includes antennas for the 10, 15, 20, 40, and 75-meter bands. However, please note that some users have reported that the antennas have a narrow bandwidth and may not cover the entire range of their specified bands.
Q: How durable are these antennas? A: According to customer feedback, the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack is durable and can withstand regular use. Users have praised the construction and quality of these antennas, making them suitable for mobile applications.
Q: What is the maximum power handling capability of these antennas? A: The Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack can handle a maximum power of 250W. This makes them suitable for a wide range of radio applications.
Q: Are these antennas easy to tune? A: Customers have reported that the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack is relatively easy to tune. However, it is important to note that tuning antennas can sometimes be a bit complex, and it may require some trial and error to achieve optimal performance.
Q: Can I use these antennas for DX (long-distance) communication? A: Yes, customers have reported successful DX communication using the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack. They have been able to make contacts with good signal strength while operating in a mobile setup.
Q: What is the size of these antennas? A: The Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack has compact dimensions, measuring approximately 50 inches in length, 6 inches in width, and 2 inches in height. This makes them suitable for mobile installations where space is limited.
Q: What is the SWR performance of these antennas? A: While the SWR (standing wave ratio) performance of the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack has been generally satisfactory, some users have reported slightly higher SWR values on the WARC bands. However, it is important to note that SWR performance can vary depending on factors such as installation, location, and surrounding environment.
Q: Can these antennas be used for the 75-meter band? A: Yes, the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack includes an antenna specifically designed for the 75-meter band. However, individual experiences may vary, and it is recommended to test the performance of the antenna in your specific setup.
Q: Can I purchase additional antennas separately? A: Unfortunately, the Shark Antennas S-F5MS 5-Pack is only available as a set and cannot be purchased individually. However, if you need replacements or additional antennas, you may consider contacting the
