The Best GMRS Base Antenna - Perfect for Home Base Station or High Power GMRS Portable Operation

Featuring the best, and most rugged, antennas for GMRS base station operation. I test three different versions of the Commodium GMRS Base Antenna.
🎥 Discover the Ultimate GMRS Base Station Antennas! 📡
Join me as I put the toughest and most reliable antennas to the test! I explore three versions of the Commodium GMRS Base Antenna, including a sleek, low-profile mini-version that's neighbor-friendly and spouse-approved. Watch as I reveal impressive test results and put these antennas through extreme torture tests to prove their durability. These rigs can take a pounding better than the girls at the bunny ranch, and run like a greyhound after eating a pound of hot peppers.
🔍 What's Inside the Video:
• 📏 Testing the antennas' range: Clear contact 42 miles away on just 1.5 watts from a Baofeng handheld.
• 🚛 Extreme durability tests: Tossing an antenna from a moving truck at 40mph, running one over and parking on it, and even turning another into a javelin!
• 🔧 Breaking down the design and construction: Discover the "secret sauce" that makes these antennas work so well and stay indestructible.
📢 Why Choose Commodium GMRS Base Antennas?
Don't settle for cheap, flimsy antennas, or ones that require DIY finalization. These antennas are built to last and withstand the toughest conditions, outperforming the competition every time.
👉 Ready to Upgrade Your Setup?
Use the email link below to purchase your Commodium GMRS Base Antenna and experience the best in GMRS communication!
All prices listed include SO-239 connector. N-Type or BNC is also available. Colors included White, Black, Olive Drab, 4-Color Woodland Camo, and Stealth Grey (My Fav)
Introductory Pricing has closed due to increased material costs.
Built from as many "Made in the USA" components as possible. I'd rather pay a bit more for USA manufacturing and keep our money here at home supporting American families!
11 dBi - 4 Element $129.00
7 dBi - 2 Element $109.00
3.5 dBi - Single Element EFHW - $99.00
Flat $20.00 Shipping on all orders! (Lower 48 USA)
mailto:[e-mail]
👉 Ready for the Kenwood 890(H)?
• The BEST GMRS Radio Yo...

[@5303138772]

Great in-depth video Steve. I recently purchased your 890H and am really impressed with it. I am ready to take it to the next level with one of your antennas. I will take which ever one will get me the most fars with my new radio. Is there any way to get it in all black.

[@Commodium]

I appreciate it! And sure thing with the all black color. We do Black, White, Olive Drab, and Stealth Grey for the antenna colors. Just send me an email and I'll get you fixed up with your new antenna!

[@scottbender577]

Interested in your antennas. Pls advise how to contact you. Thx

[@chuckcrizer]

I was ready to call bullshit on this until I saw the physical construction. Damn, I'm impressed.

[@Commodium]

I know! I got so sick of seeing “commercial grade” antennas built from junk. I wanted to build and offer USA made quality that could survive anything thrown at it and also do its job well. Not easy making an antenna nail both of those requirements. Thanks so much for the comment!

[@uncledanny7]

Setting here at work on hurricane watch and stumbled across your channel enjoyed the video

[@Commodium]

Welcome! And stay safe!

[@charlesdup6803]

Thanks Steve for this information. Please send me pricing and info on your gmrs antennas. Your narrative did not distinguish length of antenna with dbi vs cost! Very interested! Thanks in advance!

[@Commodium]

Email: [e-mail]

[@gmeister03]

Anymore of them radios available?

[@Commodium]

Yes we got another batch in stock. Email me [e-mail] for details

[@ryanl4175]

How well does it work for repeaters?

[@Commodium]

It works quite well for repeaters. I also have a specialized HD repeater antenna based on this design which uses 99.9% pure silver clad elements as well

[@johnpush4585]

I got a Celwave 8 element dipole. Wicked expensive but a total game changer.

[@Commodium]

Anything Celwave is certainly expensive, but they do what they are supposed to do. They make really nice duplexers. We use those duplexers in our repeater builds. And yes those too are wicked expensive.

[@JosStrange]

What’s the lead time on these?

[@Commodium]

Lead times will vary with order volume. But right now I am about 18-20 working days on antenna and radio orders.

[@MrFreddarama]

I have SuperStation Master antennas that are 21 ft long that I have refurbished for my base stations and for my repeaters I have DB420's on my towers for receive with 100 ft of vertical separation between receive and transmit antennas. I used high quality commercial bpbr cans with less than 1 db of insertion loss and I get a range of about 100 miles off the HT. What's nice is that all antennas I found surplus.

[@DaytonaJim78]

What surplus sites

[@MrFreddarama]

I drive around and look for base antennas that are no longer in use and ask if I can take them down. I also get antennas from American Tower that they take off their sites.

[@randykitchleburger2780]

Where are you selling the 890H? I just picked up the 890 and the 890H would be a cool upgrade.

[@Commodium]

Contact me via email for details. [e-mail] We will get you all fixed up with one. You can also get an overview of the 890H in this video. Thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5bFd5xurbqXrck

[@richardgrendell7030]

Hi sir I hope all is well I am very impressed with the antenna I am new to gmrs and I would like to know what the prices are. Thank you!!​@@Commodium

[@rockspydre]

Good video! Glad I could help. Maybe next time I will be able to run out and get on my mobile antenna, instead of using just HT and Slim Duck inside my house.

[@Commodium]

Yes we can def coordinate on the next go around. I really appreciate your help!

[@rockspydre]

No problem at all. Glad to do it.

[@kweeks10045]

The biggest improvement you will ever get is switching to something like LDF4-50A coax instead of LMR400 or 240. LDF4 has half the attenuation of LMR 400. It doesn't make a difference if you are using an 8 bay folded dipole, if you have 50' of RG-58 coax, almost none of the signal is getting to the transceiver. Not everyone can afford it or maybe even have room for it. But if you can, it will improve your station like no other single component.

[@Commodium]

LOL, yes, yes good old Heliax. I've installed Miles of that stuff on commercial equipment. Usually the 7 series hardline. But that stuff is way out of the hobbyist budget.

[@dieseldad9288]

Just found your channel! I’m up in Harford county Maryland I think after our vacation to OC and move to new house this fall I’ll be reaching out to you for an antenna!

[@Commodium]

Sounds Good!

[@twistedfingersproject]

Hey Steve, excellent video, just what I was looking for. I'm working on my community repeater and I think one of your antennas is the ticket. I don't need 40 miles of range (but I'll take it).

[@Commodium]

Sure thing just shoot me an email and I’ll get ya fixed up. [e-mail]

[@575videogates]

woah! glad to find your channel. just shared this channel with the gmrs group im a member of. lots of locals use 890h's. keep up the good work!

[@Commodium]

Have a ton of new content scheduled to be coming up soon. Have a TON of these antennas shipping out. I will have a few follow up videos on them as well.

[@sramsdellwdm]

Where can I buy one of these? Also any of the kenwood 890h left?

[@Commodium]

We get them in batches from time to time. It depends when premium surplus radio become available. We currently have some in stock. Email me at [e-mail]

[@garywheeler2055]

What model ICOM receiver is that????? Looks good

[@Commodium]

ICOM IC-R8500 love that thing! HF bands all the way to 2.4ghz.

[@jamesowens2781]

Setting up my own GMRS radio on my farm. What is the lead time and how do I ground this antenna? I am very new to this

[@Commodium]

Hello lead times vary with order volume. Send me an email at [e-mail] for details. Thank you so much!

[@kholt275]

I would like to see what it would sound like with1.5 watts through LMR400

[@Commodium]

Shorten the run from 35ft RG8X to 15ft LMR-400 would have a noticeable difference with less loss. I used RG8X to add a bit of “real world” to simulate a much longer run of good quality low loss coax.

[@escheytt9326]

Just subscribed based on your last two videos. You appear to be one of the the most honest creators I have seen if not the most honest offering GMRS and Ham related content. After sixty five years, I am now getting interested again in HAM radio and due to lack of repeaters near my location, GMRS might be the logical direction for me. Thank you for the content and look forward to reviewing your previous and future postings.

[@Commodium]

Thank you so much!

[@brucel399]

Would any of these units work decently for a GMRS repeater antenna? If so which would you recommend? CHEERS from Colorado

[@Commodium]

Yes sir! If you have the height, the 4-Element Collinear would be excellent for a repeater. It has good gain and and pattern that has most of the energy out towards the horizon. If you have modest height in hilly country. The lower gain antenna would be preferred. But with any radio and repeater system, height is definitely your friend.

[@brucel399]

Ok. I live along the front range in southern Colorado. Flat to the east, Rocky Mountains to the West. Might have to pick up one of these to try out. If not for the repeater, for my camping kit, or emergencies. CHEERS from Colorado

[@jrb6610]

Ordered Steve's repeater HD antenna. Steve was very helpful and took time out of his day to do an RF survey of my area. Excellent customer service. Can't wait to get the antenna and get it into the air.

[@terryparker1694]

FCC has shut down all interconnected repeaters.

[@jrb6610]

@terryparker1694 why does a repeater need to be connected to the internet? I've had a repeater going for quite a while. Going to switch out antennas when I receive my new antenna.

[@terryparker1694]

@@jrb6610 Operate within the law and you're ok. If you don't then you're not and you are subject to prosecution. You agree to the terms when you are issued a license. Just do as you are told and you're fine. Don't and you're not. Just that simple. Not your decision to make.

[@jrb6610]

@@terryparker1694 you must work for the FCC.

[@Riktar123]

Have you received your antenna?

[@kweeks10045]

Sweet antenna build. I love seeing people invest the time and energy to really learn and build something. Some people are forced to be appliance operators. But building and testing is definitely huge in my book.

[@Commodium]

This project was born out of just what you said. Preventing users from being appliance operators. I wanted to be able to provide something made here, using parts made here, with American build quality. A tough mother that can make the trip and keep on truckin. And be able to sell them at an affordable price that anyone could buy. I got so tired of wasting hard earned money on junk because there wasn't many affordable options. I'd like to see every base station in the US with one of our antennas!

[@emt56399]

This looks to be an incredible antenna! Steve is great to work with as well, very informative. I think this is a great idea for other bands as well.

[@Commodium]

Yes! The design can be extended to other bands as well. You don't see stuff like this made commercially because the materials and build time make them prohibitively expensive for a company with a lot of overhead. That and they would never make any money on selling replacements. I'm sure a customer will finally kill one of these, but that is gonna be one hell of a story on how it happened! :)

[@RLPnKY]

Excellent test. Email sent to you RE: Kenwood radio. Thanks!

[@Commodium]

Sounds good! We will get you fixed up!

[@st_milnor]

Sent you😊😊 two emails on how to order , but no reply yet . Hello anybody home ????

[@Commodium]

Hello sir. Yes I’ll be right with you. Have something exciting in the works and was on the air. Check your inbox

[@5303138772]

Got my antenna and installed it. Love it. Thank you, Steve. Got mine in black and it looks great on my roof. This thing is a tank and will last for a long time.

[@Commodium]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

[@nelsonmiller9759]

Is this only available for purchase or is there also a "How to build" available?

[@Commodium]

Currently we don’t have a how-to video on these. It really isn’t cost effective as a DIY project.. But if you wanted to attempt a build, you would need the following: 5ft of 1/4 ACR L Copper Hard Drawn Pipe (not the flexible kind) 20” of Phosphor Bronze brass rod 4mm, 7mm solid fiberglass reinforced rod, UV surfboard resin, bridgit nickel bearing solder, 1ft of LMR-240 coax, 5 #31 ferrite beads, 14ga high temp enameled magnet wire, 3/8, 1/4, 5/8 glue line heat shrink, SO-239 antenna base connector, 2ft 3/4” cpvc, 5ft 1/2” cpvc, 3/4, 1/2” cpvc cap, 3/4 - 1/2” cpvc coupling, non-conductive potting compound. Tools: High Temp Solder Station capable of 900deg, heat gun, tubing cutters, deburring tool, Vector Network Analyzer, Straight Cutters, hydraulic crimp tool with 10mm staking die. So unless you build about 50-100 of them, it’s not really worth doing unless you want a challenge 🤣

👍

[@mikechimeno7004]

Great video, waiting on the Buddy Yagi!

[@Commodium]

Getting all these radio and antenna orders out the door. And when we get caught up, that video will be coming out.

[@budcarr8673]

Wow. What a great video and the engineering is truely awesome.

[@Commodium]

I appreciate it! Thanks!!

[@Stingray8854]

Liked and subscribed. Impressive!

[@Commodium]

Thank you!

[@Blue-bz9pe]

K, I have an odd/stupid question or ya! So, the white PVC piping will "stand out" over the roof. Black stands out lot less. If I spray painted the mast and PVC flat black, would that interfere with transmission or reception? (I told ya it was a dumb question).

[@Commodium]

Not a dumb question at all. Especially with black paint. Some black paints use “carbon black” for pigment which could cause an issue with capacitive coupling. But stick with the good old krylon fusion rattlecan and no worries with that

[@Randy-c1n]

Can you tell me how much for 2radios .I am new to gmrs radio and learning. But I'm disabled. Stuck on social security budget with little to spare.

[@Commodium]

Email [e-mail] for pricing information

[@MitchellNorman-qh5ri]

Looking to buy a base antenna, fairly flat plain, need max range east and west. Which one of yours would you recommend?

[@Commodium]

Either the 2-Element or 4-Element would be well suited for you.

[@abdrywallrepairspecialist5184]

Good morning, I have been searching for the Kenwood. I do not see where I can go to purchase one from you. Can you direct me and most of al... Thanks

[@Commodium]

Email me @ [e-mail] lead times are a couple weeks due to the tremendous response we have received. Orders are going out slowly but it may take some time of course. We make sure everything is tested to best standards before shipping which also adds to lead time.

[@tshirley05015]

It will talk, but can it hear? You used a Yagi to receive. It doesn't do any good to transmit well if it does not receive well. I was just wondering why you did not use one of them antennas as a receive antenna. I Thought GMRS was limited to 50 Watts.

[@Commodium]

Oh yes! They receive beautifully. I used the Yagi and ICOM receiver in the video so the returned audio would be identical as a test control. And at the time of filming I only had one of each, so I would have to swap out each and not have a controlled comparison if that makes sense? There will be tons of videos coming up. *And I can't let the cat out of the bag just yet, but another KZbinr is getting a set of these for an independent test.*

[@anduril328]

Are you going to put up a video on a Yagi build?

[@Commodium]

Yes. We are going to have free downloadable plans and a build on a GMRS yagi and do a step by step video on it.

[@anduril328]

Nice! Looking forward to it.

[@juststeve7665]

RG-8X is very lossy at 460 so naturally the SWR reads low.

[@Commodium]

1/2” Heliax coming up in a repeater build video. SWR still very low. Sure lossy coax will give a lower SWR. But so will a perfectly built antenna

[@TeamTopKick]

I currently run a HT w/ 50ft of RG8X and a KB9VBR Jpole in a tree and works great. How much do you charge for one of these antennas?

[@Commodium]

Pricing and contact email are in the description. Four colors are also available. If upgrading and replacing the KB9VBR J-Pole, I would only do that if you wanted more gain from a collinear antenna, or wanted something more atheistically pleasing.

[@JustaThought-sg9cm]

Have you checked the radiation pattern for nulls on the each of the antennas?

[@Commodium]

No directional nulls. Radiation pattern flattens with each sequential radiating element

[@JohnRiegel-zu9it]

Which antenna of yours is the best for hilly terrain with valleys, running 50 watt GMRS base radio.

[@Commodium]

With the hilly terrain you would be best off with either the 3.5 or 7dbi antenna. The 11dbi larger antenna has a very flat pattern that is great for flat open ground, but not in hilly areas. And with all GMRS antennas the higher up, the better. Thanks!

[@willshepherd4544]

I enjoyed the video. New sub. You earned it. I found the humor top notch and info as well was top notch. 77's

[@Commodium]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it. I work hard on bringing solid content.

[@lancewilliams2179]

What the purchase processfor your best gmrs antena. I live in the Arizona hogh desery in the middle of nowhere . Wr have a grourp thats spread out and its a hilly area

[@lancewilliams2179]

HIGH DESERT

[@Commodium]

Send me an email with installation address and we can figure out the best selection for you. [e-mail]

[@brickhousestudio66]

Wasn't aware Kenwood made a part 95 accepted radio

[@Commodium]

No one cares about part 90 radios on GMRS. In fact the rules by definition and enforcement’s own admission it is basically an unenforceable rule. And honestly the part 90 radios are cleaner, and better on the spectrum than most cheapo certified units.

[@cujo229]

Do you have a website to purchase the Kenwood radios?

[@Commodium]

To keep the order flow to a manageable level we are taking orders for both radios and antennas by email. [e-mail]

[@5303138772]

Order has been placed. 👍

[@Commodium]

I appreciate it!

[@5303138772]

We appreciate you.

[@lancewilliams2179]

Better then a tuned tram 1486?

[@Commodium]

Of course I am biased towards my antennas. But I think they blow the 1486 out of the water. SWR curve and frequency response are superb with a positive tight Q factor throughout the entire GMRS band.

[@ProspectorsGhost]

FYI - Here's the situation, and I'm not complaining, I'm just frustrated because I can't use my GMRS radio to even talk to the nearest GMRS group or to my son-in-law and daughter who also has the same GMRS radio as mine and lives in the state capital city. - OK, Now, let me fill you in on my little situation. I have the new GMRS version BAOFENG UV-5R 5-watt output hand-held unit (No it's not the Ham Radio Version), there's a factory installed "GMRS" sticker label inside behind the battery pack mounted on the back of the radio (the GMRS version label is orange and is labeled "GMRS", the Ham Radio version label is blue)), it's been programmed for all the GMRS radio channels and frequencies and also for the repeaters in a GMRS group to include the one in my local area. All those repeaters belong to the same GMRS radio group located in the capital city of my state. I have been given permission to be on and use those repeaters by the GMRS Repeater Group's owner. Unfortunately, all those repeaters (with the exception of one), is located approximately 250 miles away in the capital city for our state. Even then, I live in a rural farming community approximately 25 to 30 miles away from that one local GMRS repeater of which is located in another town just north of my town. At night I can see the lights in that town from my house. and even in the daytime I can see the trees in that town from my house. My house is approximately higher than the town with the repeater in it (but not much higher), as it is slightly down hill towards that other town even though it looks level by eyeball (the gas guages on my vehicles show (prove), otherwise when coming back home). At this time, I have only two (2) antenna's. One is the little short rubber-ducky flexible whip that came with the radio, and the other is a flat 15 inch flexable all metal antenna like the military uses on their PRC-77 backpack field radios. Neither one seem to be able to reach that one local repeater from my house. NOTE: - Even when I'm in that town, and no matter what channel I put the radio on to listen in on it seems those GMRS and Repeater channels are dead as I hear nobody else talking. With the exception of one oher GMRS radio of which I'm aware of it seems there are no other GMRS radio operators/owners in my local (7 small-towns), area. If there were any, then more than likely I would possibly hear at least one of them local GMRS radio operators/owners on the radio at one time or other when I'm in that town. I know my radio works, as my son-in-law tested it out, and I can hear the State Police talking to dispatch and car to car as I have that State Police repeater channel frequency programmed into my GMRS radio (but also locked out from being capable of transmitting on that State Police frequency), I just use it to listen to the State Police when I'm out just as I can do upon my home base scanner radio when I'm sitting at home. My question is.... Would one of those 3 antenna's be able to let me reach from my house that distance of 25 to 30 miles away to that one repeater on my BAOFENG UV-5R 5-watt output hand-held unit so that I can talk to one of the other members of that GMRS Repeater group, or to my son-in-law and daughter? If so, then which one would work the best, and what would the price be? A thank you in advance for both a great video, about those antenna's and also for any information you might be able to help me with........ signed: A Retired Military Veteran, and Licensed GMRS radio operator (WSBP616).

[@Commodium]

Ok great explanation of your situation. Speaking purely in general terms, with GMRS, if you can see it, you can talk to it. Now as far as accessing that repeater with one of these antennas goes. I would imagine the 4-Element collinear would be best for your situation. But there is never a scenario where you can 100% guarantee radio contact. Here are a few steps to maximize your chances. 1. Elevate an antenna as high as practical, away from metal roof or dense trees. Our next video will feature a high gain directional antenna. If your main purpose is to use that repeater, that might be the best antenna for you. 2. Low loss coax with as short of a run as possible. LMR-400, RG-8, RG-213, or similar. 3. There is no substitute for power in your scenario as you have described it. With a clear line of sight, more power = better connection. This isn’t always true in every situation. But here as you describe there is just “path loss”. You would greatly benefit from a base station setup. The TK-890 we offer would be best. But they are priced for that performance. So it would be an investment over the baofeng HT. However, any base station radio would help you. So my recommendation without spending a huge amount of money would be to grab one of my 4-Element collinear or the BUFY yagi antenna. Get it to at least 20-30ft higher = better. Run a good coax as short as possible. Then a 25-30 mile line of sight repeater shot is more likely. If still not making it, then a base station radio upgrade or more antenna height would be required. Hope that helps answer your questions. Thanks!!!

[@chuckcrizer]

Sadly, there is a lot of misinformation about the real world distant possible for GMRS radios and especially any handheld. For a hand held with no special antenna, you might get 2-5 miles depending on terrain. But with a good antenna at 35ft, everything changes.

[@Commodium]

@@chuckcrizer A good antenna and some height will take you from zero to hero!

[@chuckcrizer]

​@@Commodium - With quality cable!

[@ProspectorsGhost]

@@Commodium Thank You for your help and great information. I'll look into this further as soon as possible. Once Again, Thank you Sir.

[@lousadventures2111]

Are you selling these antennas?

[@Commodium]

Yes sir. My email and pricing is in the video description. [e-mail]

[@RobertYonng]

Isn’t GMRS limited to 50 watts?

[@Commodium]

Yes, but the reality is bumping up in power to the highest setting on this radio is indistinguishable to an observer from adding another 3dB in gain to your existing antenna.

[@jamesblack449]

YES!

[@juststeve7665]

so 100 watts is legal on GMRS now?

[@Commodium]

Nope

[@wesoblander3648]

What difference does it make to you?

[@wesoblander3648]

@@Commodium , the FCC requires a minimum of 200 watts of power for GMRS use.

[@Commodium]

@@wesoblander3648 LOL... You joke, but I have actually seen that 🤣 Commercial 300W amp hooked to a KG-1000

[@wesoblander3648]

@@Commodium , damn.

[@richardcarroll2605]

The best antenna I have found is a Ringo Ranger for 450 to 470 mhz at 38 ft above the ground normal conditions in a very flat area about 52 miles at 25 watts it's engineered for FM and a Four Element yaggie beam that is designed for 450 to 470 MHz I have gotten between 70 and 75 Mi on it I got them both at the beginning of covid and they work very well no tuning for the Ringo before element beam slight adjusting and flat as can be you can put them all on top of a TV rotor and have an omnidirectional listening post with a beam for long-range Communications very cheaply

[@Commodium]

Until now.....

[@surplusdoctor]

you should use grey electrical PVC as it is more resistant to sun/UV degradation.

[@Commodium]

All the antennas get a primer coat, two coats of color, and then a UV resistant top coat. That mitigates any UV degradation.

[@olivertaylor8788]

Bs

[@Commodium]

Nope. Everything in that vid is 100% accurate.

[@jamesvanlanen7836]

@@Commodium I have one of Michael's copper J-poles, and it performs ok. Do you think one of your antennas would perform better? I basically live in a fish bowl, with a large lake surrounded by mountains. We have 3 GMRS repeaters on the surrounding mountains.

[@Commodium]

@@jamesvanlanen7836 It would really depend. The KB9VBR is a classic J-Pole. Just remembernothing will substitute height. My single element antenna does have a taller radiation pattern so it might help in your situation. The only real way to know for sure would be to try it and see.

[@timtaylor8557]

The best antennas for GMRS are the Comet GP9NC & GP6NC. GP9 is about 18'. If that is too big get the GP6 which is only 10'.

[@Commodium]

I have one of the GP9s seems to work better on the lower VHF frequencies. That seems to be par for most dual band antennas. It certainly works for GMRS but it was still one of the reasons I developed something else

[@timtaylor8557]

@@Commodium I know someone with a gp9 in Sarasota that talked with someone simplex on the East coast when conditions were good.

[@Commodium]

@@timtaylor8557 When you get tropospheric ducting events its amazing how far GMRS will travel. Google “tropospheric ducting prediction map” It’s not 100% accurate all the time, but it is dose give a good baseline to work from

[@wesoblander3648]

Wrong website, as no one here cares about Comet antennas.

[@timtaylor8557]

@@wesoblander3648 ???? Are you lost?