1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Shark Antennas

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by CYPRESS PRIUS, Apr 9, 2008.

  1. CYPRESS PRIUS

    CYPRESS PRIUS New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2008
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    CYPRESS TX
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Any thoughts on Shark fins? If so, please reply with good ones please.

    Thanks,
    CYPRESS PRIUS
     
  2. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

    Joined:
    May 3, 2005
    4,096
    81
    13
    Location:
    USA | Oregon | Portland area | 97004 |
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    :welcome: Welcome to PriusChat, CYPRESS PRIUS! Do a little Search (third link from the right near the top of the page) and you'll find lots of discussion. They look good, if you like the style, but reception sensitivity is reduced, which may be a problem in some areas, but you can hide a micro-sat antenna under it too.

    If you're bent on buying one, look in the Prius Shop (second link from the left near the top of the page) and help support PriusChat.
     
  3. subarutoo

    subarutoo New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2006
    1,213
    23
    0
    Location:
    Chatsworth, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    I live in the LA area, and commute thru a couple of mountain passes. My sharkfin is certainly no worse than the original, at least on the stations that I mostly listen to. I think it looks cool, and I know that it definitely outperforms the standard whip antennas on my Subarus, at least on AM, in my neighborhood. Installation is a 10 minute job, if you take your time. I've never seen another on all the Prius I see in daily commuter traffic, except mine, and I wonder why not?
     
  4. orracle

    orracle Whaddaya mean "senior" member?

    Joined:
    May 24, 2007
    441
    3
    0
    Location:
    Gurnee, IL
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I have one--they are easy to install and I like the look.

    I don't care much about reception. I live in the Chicago area so I get most stations fairly well but I listen to my iPod through the DICE integrator the most.
     
  5. ctbering

    ctbering Rambling Man

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    1,650
    123
    5
    Location:
    Chicago Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I have a factory installed XM radio with the standard mounted antenna. I also have a Panasonic XM portable receiver. With my regular car antenna reception has been almost perfect driving in the City, suburbs and country.
    The same has not been true for my high-end portable receiver.
    My question: I was looking to install the shark fin antenna. I was told by one distributor that their antenna is really for regular AM/FM reception, not satellite reception.
    PLEASE don't refer me to Prius Shop. If there are specs on which antenna to buy I would rather look up another source to purchase it from. Terry
     
  6. SantaCruzGal

    SantaCruzGal New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2008
    8
    0
    0
    Location:
    South Bay, CA.
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I'm in the LA area too so glad to hear your AM reception is no worse (personally I listen to John & Ken on 640 KFI AM). So here's my real question....do you think a woman could install the shark fin by herself?
     
  7. mrblaise

    mrblaise Go Lakers!!

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2008
    2,248
    525
    19
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    No. Women are too weak and they lack the mental capacity to perform such a detailed job. You need a man to do such a difficult task that a woman simply couldn't do by herself. :eek:

    C'mon .... seriously ..... Of course a woman can do it!!! :p

     
  8. ctbering

    ctbering Rambling Man

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    1,650
    123
    5
    Location:
    Chicago Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I have been told the shark fin antenna is only good for AM/FM radio. What about Satellite radio? I undestand there may be some extra installation involved.
     
  9. ctbering

    ctbering Rambling Man

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    1,650
    123
    5
    Location:
    Chicago Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Before considering purchasing a shark fin antenna if you have satellite radio think twice. The shark fin for a satellite radio must be modified and it will have a different appearance (according to Visual Garage who is the main player in Shark fins) They are doing research for a shark fin that handles telestrial and satellite radio.
     
  10. orracle

    orracle Whaddaya mean "senior" member?

    Joined:
    May 24, 2007
    441
    3
    0
    Location:
    Gurnee, IL
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two

    I am a female--and can prove it!:D

    It took me less than 5 minutes to install mine. Go for it!!!!!
     
  11. SantaCruzGal

    SantaCruzGal New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2008
    8
    0
    0
    Location:
    South Bay, CA.
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Thanks Orracle. It was the "electrical" aspect of the process which had me anxious. Would hate to ruin my band new car.
    :scared: