Akizuki-Denshi, the most famous outlet parts shop in Akihabara provides several kind 430MHz HT whips for radio amateur. The price of antennas are nice QRP from 400 to 1000JPY. Apparently, these antennas are produced in China. Most of the HT whips are flexible type and this prevent harmful force to HT's SMA connectors. A blogger examined the short 430MHz whip by his VX-7. As a result, the performance is acceptable by this price. Performance in 430MHz is better than genuine whip and even AM broadcasting reception is possible. 50MHz AM reception is soso. S-9 signal by 6m GP is readable with the whip antenna inside home. With the twiggy whip your HT looks different. When overseas amateur visit Akihabara, this is a good souvenir for your ham friends.
