Heck no, it hasn't affected byndecision to go on-air. Anguy doesn't spend $70 for nuthin'. I wanted to find out what possibilities are out there for handhelds getting maximum distance theu good antenna choices related to GMRS. Back when I was doing SSB, skip was always fun; alot if it is VHF and we're primarily (from what I gather) UHF so I get it. For me, getting involved in GMRS was mainly for local communications on this island especially during Caribbean hurricane season, and even tho I'll have a handheld, I'd like my best shot to the other side of the island -- and it all starts with your antenna. Yes, there's a repeater here, so there's that, but I'd like a raw leg up if the repreater ever goes down, cuz there ain't no 'lecric (sometimes for 1-3 months) after a Category 5 hurricane. Thanks for the discussion, everyone.