Thanks everyone! The 2007 Explorer had the worst antenna. Ford said everyone complained about it but there wasn't anything they could do so we lived with crummy reception for years. The antenna that came with the 2013 is great...just too long. Whether I go with a Shark Fin or a shorter "stubby" antenna, can you tell me which brands are really good. I don't want to lose reception quality. I'd like a top of the line antenna so we get the best reception.
Its only for AM/FM/HD radio, its nothing more than a rod with insulation & a connector.
Anything with decent ratings and build quality will do.
The OEM is a 10" mast, which is way long for such a tall car.
Its shared among a handful of Ford SUV's and sedans.
Basically if you look at cars stopped in traffic, they all have the antennae almost at or above the general roof line of the entire road population.
Its to get the antennae up above the sea of metal roofs to open air for signal.
Overkill if you ask me, but in hilly or rural areas AM/FM reception can be spotty no matter what.
In the city any shorty will work but 8" down to 4" or so is fine.
Sharkfin is fine and its only a nice, painted to match plastic cap, the 'antennae' is just a special signal antennae sticker that is on the inside of it, and a tiny wire attaches that to the base module attachment cable.
It looks like a copper circuit xmas tree(sticker), about 3" or 4" long. They used to sell the same for cell phones back in the day, about 1" or 2" long and made to stick on inside the back cover.
Dont spend more than necessary if you are getting a shorty.