Question about the "shorty antenna"........

[MB Hawaii]

I don't have a Mazda3 yet, however I was thinking about ordering a "shorty antenna" from Ebay ahead of time. The ad mentions a possible degrade in reception. For those of you who have one, have you noticed if that is common? I listen to the radio a lot, so reception is really important. Would you guys recommend one? TIA. :)

P.S. What about the shorter "stubby" version?

[frenzy2223]

I got this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2454695121 . I have noticed a slight decline in the reception quality. I live about 30-45mins north of Washington, D.C. If you are a big radio guy, then I would keep the stock antenna. I'm a CD guy so reception is not that big of a deal to me.

[Dre]

I put a shorty Honda antenna on my 3 (Honda Element/Honda S2000/Acura MDX - they're all the same). I noticed a slight degradation in reception but not enough to go back to the stock antenna. The stations I listen to usually have a really strong signal. That, and I listen to CDs so I don't really mind.

NOTE: the Honda antenna isn't an perfect fit. The bottom of the antenna is slightly larger than the top of the base. It's no big deal though. Nobody's really noticed and I think it looks fine.

[gib]

I bought that antenna, and yes we loose some reception quality

[dream merchant]

hmm... well that makes sense.

thats good to know. i thought about getting one but would rather not sacrifice reception...

thanks for the info.

[canada3]

I got 1 too even before I get the 3....one thing I wish they took from the 626 was that the ant. was built into the back window so you had no visible one...nice and clean...

[dream merchant]

the stock ant. makes my P5 look remote controlled... hehe :)

[L8R]

just cut the stock one shorter ;) lol. no idea on ebay one though peace - chris

[Levitron]

My stubby antenna is pretty good in the city. No audible difference between the stock and the stubby.

However, the quality of reception is proportional to the length of the receiving antenna, so of course, the longer the better.

[niko]

*off topic* a hawaii noob!! welcome to the boards! hope to see you at the meets!! you would be the first mazda3 showin up!

[MB Hawaii]

Thanks again everyone for the advice.

Thanks Niko, I hope I get my Mazda3 soon. : D