Anyone have Sharkfin antenna on their 2010?

[DeanFL]

I'm considering the Sharkfin antenna available on PriusChat Shop. Heard conflicting reports of reception from pre-'10 owners. And the reviews of this product are sparse. Does anyone have this installed on their 2010?

Reception is not ultra-important for me as I use the CD/Aux primarily with minimal use of FM - never AM and the Sat subscription ran out.

Would appreciate feedback from current users....


PriusChat Shop : Toyota Prius Shark Fin Antenna - $82.00$74.00

[Rokeby]

I've installed the Sharkfin on my 2008 purely as a styling mod.
It's not a 2010, so take my comments with a grain of salt:



In daily commuting I rarely use the radio. I'm hypermiling doan-cha-
know, and I find I'm more "in the moment" without the radio. On out of
town trips, I prefer books on tape/ipod to help the miles pass, especially
if I'm running on cruise control.

All of my commuting is within 20 miles of Ballamer and there are lots of
strong FM stations, should I get caught in a traffic jam. That said, in my
experience there is a definite range/fidelity reduction with the Sharkfin. I
can live with it, many can't. Do a search using "sharkfin," you can see
how others feel.

Then it's up to you; style or reception; your choice.

[ALL_600D]

there is just a slight lost of reception compared to the regular antenna. i don't really listen to FM/AM anyway and have sirius installed so radio reception is not an issue. it sure does look better now.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by ALL_600D

there is just a slight lost of reception compared to the regular antenna. i don't really listen to FM/AM anyway and have sirius installed so radio reception is not an issue. it sure does look better now.

It looks great -- it flows with the lines of the car.

Curious, how good a job did Visual Garage do with matching your Blizzard Pearl paint color?

[wsk]

Originally Posted by Boo

It looks great -- it flows with the lines of the car.

Curious, how good a job did Visual Garage do with matching your Blizzard Pearl paint color?

The white paint work is perfect match.

[Boo]

I love the looks of the Visual Garage Sharkfin antenna on the Gen II and Gen III Prius. I think it complements the lines of the Prius beautifully.

Here's another pic of one -- on my Gen II Magnetic Gray:



From my tests, reception is definitely diminished somewhat. But I don't notice the diminished reception in my New York City driving region very often. The stations with a strong signal still come in loud and clear. But reception of weak signal stations -- college stations, stations broadcasting outside of New York City, etc. -- is definitely noticeable.

The way I see it, I can always go back to the whip antenna if I want to. But so long as I continue to live in or near New York City, I don't think I ever will.

[tjp74]

Originally Posted by ALL_600D

there is just a slight lost of reception compared to the regular antenna. i don't really listen to FM/AM anyway and have sirius installed so radio reception is not an issue. it sure does look better now.

Was the install easy?

[NE_Phil]

I live about 20 miles away from "the big city" (i.e., where the radio transmitters are located) and all of the stations I normally listen to get very poor reception now using the shark fin sold by PriusChat.com/Shop. I was very disappointed. I suspected there might be a slightly weaker signal but not as much as I hear.

Reception with the shark fin is definitely diminished compared to the standard antenna, period. I installed it a few weeks ago on my 2008 and even the relatively strong stations result in too much static.

I understand there is a powered shark fin version (not sold her). That might do better. But as it is, I'm going to have to put back the standard antenna. Really disappointed in this antenna.

[rrolff]

Originally Posted by NE_Phil

I live about 20 miles away from "the big city" (i.e., where the radio transmitters are located) and all of the stations I normally listen to get very poor reception now using the shark fin sold by PriusChat.com/Shop. I was very disappointed. I suspected there might be a slightly weaker signal but not as much as I hear.

Reception with the shark fin is definitely diminished compared to the standard antenna, period. I installed it a few weeks ago on my 2008 and even the relatively strong stations result in too much static.

I understand there is a powered shark fin version (not sold her). That might do better. But as it is, I'm going to have to put back the standard antenna. Really disappointed in this antenna.

I'm not sure - but it seems a consensus of 2010 people find the radio reception as a rule worse than their previous transport. There are several threads on this - and I'd bet it is more a design issue (a very long lead going back to the rear of the car). Japan radio runs a different frequency band (76-90 Mhz vs 88 - 107 Mhz here) - maybe this is partly why it wasn't tested/designed well ?????

I guess if you live in a "well lit" area, you are fine, otherwise - not sure what we will do...