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Shark Fin Antenna

19K views 78 replies 32 participants last post by  Sparro 
#1 ·
For those of you have installed and been using your Shark Fins, a question. What have you found the reception to be like before and after your installation with regard to the AM and FM?
 
#5 ·
I am comparing with my other car/same places and stations. Tons of more static on fm. It could be in general radio issue since I don't remember how much better it was on stock antenna. I don't listen fm much anyway.
 
#13 ·
I had read where there was a group buy of the sharkfin antenna but I can not find it (CKI error) (Chair Keyboard Interface).

Does anyone have the part number or the website of the one that was done with the group purchase.
Has it worked out well for you?
Would you recomend a different one or the same one?
 
#15 ·
I did A B comparisons but they were not exhaustive; they were for all the receivable stations in my very rural area. I could not detect any difference; AM, FM or Satellite. Some of the FM stations were about 80 miles away. Theoretically there would pretty much have to be some difference.

I chose the sharkfin for operational and aesthetic reasons related to my uses of the vehicle.
 
#19 ·
Definitely worse FM reception. This is true when your in/near crowded air waves, it's not as strong as stock for picking up signals. Sat still works great under the sharkfin and AM I don't really use so no comment on AM.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Thanks, at least someone else could admit same. Tons of static on FM on Jeep with shark f'in, I compare to my G37 which is also with same type antenna by Nissan.
Would be good if someone form initial suggesters respond on this issue and contact company.
 
#21 ·
Installed Shark Fin this past weekend. Noticed static on FM and poorer reception on Sat. Very disappointed. I installed it because of low clearance in my garage.
 
#25 ·
Paint

It is possible that reported variation in how well the Shark Fin antenna works is related to what paint was used. If the paint is metallic it is perfectly reasonable that it may have a shielding effect. For this reason, I ordered my antenna with non-metallic black paint then I repainted it with non-metallic matte black paint.
 
#26 ·
OK, now I'm just not satisfied at all. Terrible reception for FM, Sat keeps cutting out. Prior to install I had great reception. Does anyone know the best way to cleanly remove the Shark Fin. I can't stand the static and would rather have good reception.
 
#27 ·
OK, now I'm just not satisfied at all. Terrible reception for FM, Sat keeps cutting out. Prior to install I had great reception. Does anyone know the best way to cleanly remove the Shark Fin. I can't stand the static and would rather have good reception.
I would use the same method as removing badges and such; blowdryer/heat gun and dental floss. Then, go over the area with 3M adhesive/tar/wax remover and then re-wax the area.

That stinks you are having such bad reception.
 
#29 ·
I've notice that SAT drops more frequently then stock but its not horrible that I couldn't live with it, and luckily I don't use FM too much, but its okay around the neighborhood its when I drive in towards NYC when the static and interference happen.
 
#31 ·
I dont know if it's any different for others here but, in my GC the sharkfin only replaced AM/FM not the SAT. SAT/GPS is located in the dash right by the side of the center speaker.

To answer the original question, I have noticed a very slight decrease in overall signal quality in FM. In AM I notice no difference. I would add to this that before I changed the antenna I had already notice a very poor AM reception. In that department I think my radio (RHB) is too sensitive in the AM band.
 
#36 ·
Looks like not many people care about antenna actual radio reception scam we been involved on this forum. Can we see some response from one who originated money collection and actually contacted company?
 
#38 ·
^^I thought VG's reply was reasonable. In addition, the FAQ on their site clearly addresses the reception topic:

***
"Is VG Shark Fin Antenna functional and how does it compare to stock?

Yes! The built in fractal antenna attaches directly to your antenna base and gives you normal reception for AM and FM radio. The reception is consistently better than any stubby antenna that we tested, and virtually unchanged within the city compared to the stock antenna. However, you might notice a drop in reception when further away from the source."
***

Perhaps the use of the loaded term "scam" is a language barrier issue. Whatever, I believe I got what I paid for and knew going in that I might take a hit in reception quality (I haven't, though).
 
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#39 ·
^^I thought VG's reply was reasonable. In addition, the FAQ on their site clearly addresses the reception topic:

***
"Is VG Shark Fin Antenna functional and how does it compare to stock?

Yes! The built in fractal antenna attaches directly to your antenna base and gives you normal reception for AM and FM radio. The reception is consistently better than any stubby antenna that we tested, and virtually unchanged within the city compared to the stock antenna. However, you might notice a drop in reception when further away from the source."
***

Perhaps the use of the loaded term "scam" is a language barrier issue. Whatever, I believe I got what I paid for and knew going in that I might take a hit in reception quality (I haven't, though).

In addition, The price was very good...try to bring a plastic part to have it painted and look at the bill... "We paid not even paint and shipping"....
 
#43 · (Edited)
^agreed.

I am sure we all bought the Sharkfin for a different reason, so I wouldn't assume. Personally, I ordered the Sharkfin for a better look with the hope that it didn't diminish reception. If the reception was better than that would be a definite bonus, but it wasn't one of my requirements.

Granted I am not dismissing your disatisfaction - I would be upset too. But I knew that it was a possibility and is why I tested the reception before I permanently installed it so I could have returned if needed.
 
#45 ·
I have a sharkfin ordered, and after reading this thread, I was curious about reception problems. Today I unscrewed and removed the whip antenna to see what would happen. I noticed very little difference in reception on the two radio stations (one AM and one FM) I had selected for the test. Both were broadcast from Tulsa metro area, about 25 miles from my location, however I'm sure fringe areas would suffer from the lack of the antenna. I would suppose that any shielding effect the shark fin cover would have would be offset by the internal antenna. I'm wondering if some are forgetting to attach the antenna lead when they do the install??
 
#54 ·
holyyyyyyyyy crap. i'll buy the thing from you if you'll stop bitc*ing. your a grown man, step up and admit you didn't get around to installing it for a few months or you don't know what the he11 you are doing. you are the reason very few people are willing to setup a group buy. contact congress maybe you qualify for a "I cant take care of myself" bailout.

Thanks for the group buy, mine WORKS GREAT and i bought it for the look.
 
#56 ·
holyyyyyyyyy crap. i'll buy the thing from you if you'll stop bitc*ing. your a grown man, step up and admit you didn't get around to installing it for a few months or you don't know what the he11 you are doing. you are the reason very few people are willing to setup a group buy. contact congress maybe you qualify for a "I cant take care of myself" bailout.

Thanks for the group buy, mine WORKS GREAT and i bought it for the look.
I vote that TTUMBIO2010 puts together a group buy to buy the Shark Fin from Breitling65, then whoever buys it can complain on the forums here and he can set up a 3rd group buy to buy it from that person :D :thumbsup:
 
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#55 · (Edited)
You cant really install it wrong, so else you didn't tighten the bolt cross that off the list. You might have antenna issues. It's most likely is not faulty, depending on where you live you very well might have interference. Its a fact posted on the VisualGarage website as well as confirmed by you and a few others including me. You'd think the antenna would work the same as stock but for what ever reason it does lose some reception strength. For the people who live in more rural areas where you don't have signals from different states, it most likely works great all the time.

Breit65 to be honest with you, your not making much sense and I've followed this thread from the beginning (no offense my taking it as how I have read it thus far). TTUMB set up a group buy, whether you participated or not I'm not sure. Regardless TTUMB has nothing to do with your or anyone else's issue. Everyone made an individual purchase. TTUMB didn't collect money, he didn't buy you your product or my product, he merely negotiated a better price for us as consumers. He doesn't deal with returns, he doesn't deal with bad antennas, he wouldn't even deal with an antenna not being shipped. That would all go through the Visual Garage company that you, me and many others purchased from. If you have an issue and it won't be handle by Visual Garage and your unsatisfied then file a complaint in Paypal. But don't involve TTUMB, he or any of us have no control nor need to be involved in your antenna issue.

Look at it in a simpler context, if TTUMB all found us coupons to BestBuy, we used the coupon to buy a SUB at best buy. Would you contact TTUMB to handle your issue with the sub? Ummm NO. You'd contact best buy, or the company who made the sub. Just because TTUMB got us a coupon you don't involve him in your issue. He merely saved you money.







This is taken directly from Visual Garage FAQ. Available to anyone who purchases an antenna.

1) Is VG Shark Fin Antenna functional and how does it compare to stock?
Yes! The built in fractal antenna attaches directly to your antenna base and gives you normal reception for AM and FM radio. The reception is consistently better than any stubby antenna that we tested, and virtually unchanged within the city compared to the stock antenna. However, you might notice a drop in reception when further away from the source.

RETURNS / EXCHANGES
Our product is custom painted and custom fitted to the car upon placing an order. For this reason, we are normally unable to offer returns or exchanges on an order unless special arrangements have been made beforehand. In the event that we make a mistake on your order, we will have it corrected in a timely manner. We strive to provide good customer service and will do our best to assist you with any problems that arise. If you have a special case and would like to discuss possible options, please contact us before placing an order.
 
#59 · (Edited)
I see all this differently, he admitted that this is his friends he arranged business. I see nothing wrong if he will email them with "Hey Joe we have some people in last group who is not happy, may be you could be nice and exchange their antennas or return them money." If they say no, we could see what could be done otherwise. Instead he jumps with personal attacks.


You cant really install it wrong

TTUMB all found us coupons to BestBuy, we used the coupon to buy a SUB at best buy. Would you contact TTUMB to handle your issue with the sub? Ummm NO. You'd contact best buy, or the company who made the sub. Just because TTUMB got us a coupon you don't involve him in your issue.







This is taken directly from Visual Garage FAQ. Available to anyone who purchases an antenna.

1) Is VG Shark Fin Antenna functional and how does it compare to stock?
Yes! The built in fractal antenna attaches directly to your antenna base and gives you normal reception for AM and FM radio. The reception is consistently better than any stubby antenna that we tested, and virtually unchanged within the city compared to the stock antenna. However, you might notice a drop in reception when further away from the source.

RETURNS / EXCHANGES
Our product is custom painted and custom fitted to the car upon placing an order. For this reason, we are normally unable to offer returns or exchanges on an order unless special arrangements have been made beforehand. In the event that we make a mistake on your order, we will have it corrected in a timely manner. We strive to provide good customer service and will do our best to assist you with any problems that arise. If you have a special case and would like to discuss possible options, please contact us before placing an order.
 
#57 ·
:lol::lol::lol::lol: This thread is so worth paying for a level IV membership :lol::lol::lol::lol:
 
#62 ·
Ok I'll chime in. I was someone who ordered the Shark Fin prior to the group buy so I paid full price. Now I read everything about it and I knew there were mixed results on reception but most were positive. After I installed it I found the reception to be worse. I asked for my money back but they said it was custom so they could not refund my money. Fair enough. So, I'll move on, uninstall it and go back to the stock antenna.

I was fully aware that this could happen. So many variables contribute to reception as stated on the visual garages web site. So even though I experienced poor reception, it seems many are experiencing good reception. So, I will move on and not bash the Shark Fin, as just may be the area I live that is giving me problems. As far as the money I'm out, I'll just skip a dinner out with my wife.
 
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