opinions on Mobile One M270 antenna

[VK2VHF]

Hi guys,

I need a sturdy 2/70 mobile antenna for my 4wd. Just wondering if anyne has used the Mobile One M270 antenna.

I'd appreciate any comments or feedback you may have.

73 de VK2VHF

[VK4GHZ]

Haven't used Mobile One, but I can tell you to avoid Maldol.
Years ago, in a moment of insanity, I purchased a Maldol 2/70 duo-bander.
Absolute crap.
Fell apart, real quick, with some 4WDing.
If you're just doing city driving, and never get off the bitumen, it might last a few weeks longer!

In my experience, you cannot beat the Diamond dual-band mobile whips.
Have had them for years.

I also have a $20 Diamond knock-off from Andrews (purchased at Wyong)... only use that on activity days, as I don't trust it will last that long in daily use!

[VK2VHF]

Thanks Adam,

I had a similar experience with a quad band wip. It tuned poorly and was very top heavy for highway use!.

The M270 is a CB style fibreglass whip but Mobile One's own website says the dual band antenna is a compromise at best!
http://www.mobileone.com.au/antennas/ham.html
*********
Antenna UHF collinear fibreglass covered with PVC 4.5dB gain on UHF Unity gain on 2m

Recommended Accessories - UL12BNC or UL12C with BMS or Mag12C
Note: You can NOT use a spring with this antenna.
Note: The M270 needs a small ground plane area and should be mounted close to the ground plane, do not use a z bracket as the z bracket will cause a untuned dipole effect on UHF you should use a BMS - The best mounting is on the front bonnet of the car on a BMS.

Pros - Combine 2m & 70cm bands in one
Cons - There is ne electrical relationship between the bands, all 2m/70cm antennas are a critical compromise using separate antennas will provide a much better result

Note: There is no such thing as a ground independent dual band antenna "That actually works"

[VK4CZ]

Like Adam, my Maldol lasted far less time than was expected - mounted on the rear of my 4X4 (which is regularly used in serious off roading).

Replaced it with a Nagoya MAG-77EL-WH. Whilst still a dual bander, it is the 300w version and as such is far more substantially constructed. It's yet to be destroyed and has hit many low hanging limbs!