I absolutely had this antenna (ordered it by accident) and found the same results. Never metered it but the performance was amazing hidden inside the roof rack of my minivan.
If I want to communicate through the linked repeaters (with permissions of course) would I have to install a repeater of my own or can I use an existing repeater?
Ive seen Zello mentioned, is that an easier or cheaper route? I have a couple of hanhelds but I rent so I can't put up an antenna.