In critical moments, clear communication can save lives. First responders, such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, often need to communicate with each other in emergencies in less-than-ideal conditions. When timing is tight, these professionals don't have the luxury of finding alternative routes or, worse yet, losing their signals.

While radio and wireless communication have significantly improved the landscape of critical communication, the results can be catastrophic if technology breaks or fails to work.

STI-CO® proudly produces durable and dependable antennas that ensure proper communication in critical situations. This article discusses the limitations of rigid steel antennas, teaches you about Flexi-Whip™ antennas, reviews the vital advantages of Flexi-Whip™ antennas, and discusses vehicle specifications for Flexi-Whip™ system installations.

What are the Limitations of a Rigid Steel Antenna?

Rigid steel antennas, often 14-16 inches tall, are inflexible. They don't have much "play," so low underpasses and other obstructions become major clearance issues when installed on a vehicle's roof. 

A rigid antenna hitting an object can damage the environment (the tunnel itself or a low-hanging sign) and the car. 

This antenna style often has no stress/breaking points built in, so they pull themselves out of their base when snapped, often damaging the vehicle itself.

Additionally, low underpasses present genuine dangers to these antennas. Older, steel-mast antenna systems risk simply snapping off if presented with clearance issues.

Losing communication in critical moments is hazardous for law enforcement, public safety, and transportation agencies, who rely heavily on communication devices to effectively coordinate their efforts to respond to emergencies. 

Something as benign as a low overpass can damage a rigid antenna enough to halt communications in a crisis.

What are Flexi-Whip™ Antennas?

For years, customers continually confronted by the "in-the-field" limitations of rigid steel products approached STI-CO® engineers at trade shows. 

STI-CO® engineers got to work on the need for more versatility and developed antennas that could withstand repeated bending. 

After thorough investigation and research STI-CO®'s Research and Development created the Flexi-Whip™ Antenna design.

This innovative design allows consistent bending - you can even tie them in a knot! Flexi-Whip™ style antennas remove the concerns presented by underpasses, low-hanging signs, low-profile garage doors, and other scenarios that would damage or break traditional antennas. 

Manufacturers make these bendable antennas to work in the real world under intense situations. Flexi-Whip™ style antennas also offer some other key advantages over their steel-mast competition.

What are the Four Key Advantages of Using Flexi-Whip™ Antennas?

Key benefits of Flex-Whip Antennas systems include:

Advantage #1: Easy Installations

Flexi-Whip™ systems can be installed directly into a vehicle as an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacement, or in the case of "overt (civilian)" style antennas that don't need to be hidden, drilled directly into a customer's roof.

Advantage #2: Extreme Flexibility

While many steel-mast systems have no built-in stress/breaking points, Flex-Whip™ antennas are malleable enough to be bent and tied like a zip tie - making them rugged enough to withstand repeated collisions and bending while maintaining their functionality. 

These antennas hold up to repeated bends and still perform as expected.

Advantage #3: Compactness

Because of their extreme flexibility, they can bend frequently and to great degrees before breaking. This feature allows them to fit in tight spaces, giving the end user's vehicle much greater freedom of movement.

Advantage #4: 5-Year Warranty

STI-CO® offers a 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects. 

The STI-CO® team works with vendors and end customers on a case-by-case basis to fix or replace new systems damaged by extra-heavy wear and tear. Users can often resolve the issue by replacing the antenna and turning a few screws.

What Type of Vehicles Do Flexi-Whip™ Antennas Fit?

Flex-Whip™ antenna systems are not just flexible in use; you can install them on almost any standard vehicle.

Flexi-Whip™ Antennas can be installed on the following standard vehicle types:

• Emergency Response Vehicles (ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks)
• Military Vehicles
• Public Safety and Transportation Vehicles
• Recreational Vehicles (common makes include Dodge, GM/Chevrolet, and Ford)

Where Can You Get Flexi-Whip™ Antennas?

Keep in mind that not all flexible antenna systems are equal. 

When purchasing a flexible-mast antenna system, it is essential to check the product specifications and compatibility—many overseas manufacturers design [imported] systems to operate on other radio frequency (RF) bands.

STI-CO® Flexi-Whip™ systems operate on US-compatible RF bands and are almost entirely sourced and built in the United States under the highest quality control standards.

Summary

This article discussed the limitations of rigid steel antennas, informed you about Flexi-Whip™ antennas, reviewed the vital advantages of Flexi-Whip™ antennas, and discussed vehicle specifications for Flexi-Whip™ system installations. 

Flexi-Whip™ Antennas, like those offered by STI-CO®, are compact, durable, and reliable, making them the perfect choice for government, military, public safety, transportation, and first-responder agencies who value the dependability of their communication systems.

STI-CO® proudly produces durable and dependable antennas that ensure proper communication in critical situations, and our Flexi-Whip™ antenna system is no exception.

Do you need to install Flex-Whip™ antenna systems on your fleet of vehicles? 

You can purchase Flexi-Whip™ Antennas from various electronic retailers, specialized radio/antenna stores, or the official STI-CO® website.