|
09-23-2010, 05:14 AM | #1 |
Drives: Yaris Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Outside of it
Posts: 28
|
Benefit(s) of bee sting aerial?
Hi all,
Could anyone tell me what are the benefits of a bee sting aerial? the reason I asked is because: * Cosmetic benefit is really subjective. I don't mind my long aerial, and I think it fits better than a shiny metal sticking out of a black base. * Since it's made to attract attention, it will also attract thieves (although some have some sort of locking mechanism). * I heard people routinely stating (incorrectly) that since the shaft is shorter, it will generate less drag. This would be correct if they didn't fail to take into consideration that stock aerials have helical ribs which are aimed at breaking down vortices, and hence reduce drag. Bee sting aerials might be shorter, but since they are are revolution parts (I guess they are typically machined on a lathe?), their round (and thicker?) cross section will inherently generate more vortices, hence more drag. One would then need to calculate whether the short/round/thicker shaft results in less total drag than a longer/ribbed shaft (which honestly I doubt). Am I missing something or am I right that these things are simply "fashion items" while not offering any real benefits? Last edited by Pingouin; 09-23-2010 at 05:24 AM. |
09-23-2010, 07:10 AM | #2 |
If you are referring to the short stubbies...lol, then there are none in my opinion other than looks. Reception is limited in my case but then I don't listen to the radio or use the cassete(sp) player that much anyway. If I could have I would have gone without the sound system as well as the air...but I was thinking about resale (if and when that happens).
|
|
09-23-2010, 08:15 AM | #3 |
If you were referring to a short antenna...
I swapped out the shorter rubberized antenna from a Matrix. I only did it because it looks better to me. I could care less if it creates less drag, as I'm pretty sure that in the grand scheme of things, it's not enough to make any difference. My best guess is that most people do it because they like the looks.
__________________
my {(retired) ride} - {mi ssk: review, diy} - {mi lw cp: review, diy} - {foglight install} - {painted emblem: experiment, diy}
|
|
09-23-2010, 08:53 AM | #4 |
Drives: Yaris Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Outside of it
Posts: 28
|
Alright, thanks guys, I had an itch and this confirms it.
And yes, I did mean short antenna, I've seen it called "bee sting" on eBay and thought that was the "official" name. |
09-23-2010, 10:37 AM | #5 |
Drives: 2008 Yaris 5 speed HB Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: NH
Posts: 171
|
I tried a shorty (sting) antenna and now I have the shark fin style. Both have noticeably lower reception strength outside of the cities even with a signal booster and filter added.
It is mostly for looks, friends referred to it as my RC car with the stock antenna on it. |
09-23-2010, 12:04 PM | #6 |
Drives: '09 Yaris carmine red 2d HB Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Middletown, NY
Posts: 1,500
|
FWIW.....
I tried a few "shorty" anttennas on my Celia including the "Honda S2000" Non of them equeled the reception of the stock antenna but, I kepted the S2000 on solely because of the looks. Personally, I kind of like the stock antenna as its get great reception and it is not too long. IMO, it does not look bad at all. |
09-23-2010, 07:42 PM | #7 |
I think the OEM Matrix antenna cut off maybe 5 or 10 miles of reception as I drive away from a radio station transmitter.
It's about half the length of a Yaris antenna, about as thick as the base of the Yaris one, and it looks like what would be best described as a rubber coated dry wall screw that doesn't end in a point. Looks good and doesn't kill reception too bad.
__________________
my {(retired) ride} - {mi ssk: review, diy} - {mi lw cp: review, diy} - {foglight install} - {painted emblem: experiment, diy}
|
|
09-23-2010, 08:08 PM | #8 |
Drives: 2008 HB, A/T, Power W/L/M Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: LI, New Yawk
Posts: 2,063
|
I have the OEM Honda S2000 antenna, no complaints and it looks a LOT better!
__________________
Never take eyes off opponent - Bruce Lee |
09-23-2010, 08:45 PM | #9 |
I have a shorty antenna. I think the whip antenna adds to the cheeky look of the car. My problem with the stock antenna is that it clunks when I pull into the garage and again when I back out.. The shorty one doesn't seem to have that problem I guess I will deal with the clunking btw the shorty reception blows :(
|
|
09-24-2010, 01:46 AM | #10 |
XBL: Jeemee Ghost
|
I actually gained reception with the S2000 antenna compared to the OEM Yaris one.
__________________
_________________________________________________ Nitto Axle-Back--Tanabe DF210s--UR 23mm Rear Sway Bar--Penguin Garage 10mm Hub Spacers |
09-24-2010, 03:38 AM | #11 |
Drives: Yaris Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Outside of it
Posts: 28
|
Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'm not a radio guy myself anyway, I always listen to a MP3 CD, but lower reception is indeed a point for stock aerial nonetheless.
Ah, good point there. I'm looking into buying a house, possibly with a garage, and I didn't think of that. Hmz, definitely one point for the shorty version. |
09-24-2010, 11:00 AM | #12 | |
Drives: '08 LB MT Bayou Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,671
|
Quote:
|
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|