For years, Firestik antennas have been among the most popular and reliable 27MHz antennas in the world. Thanks to their robust fiberglass construction, excellent performance, and American-made quality, they are favored by truckers, off-road riders, RV owners, boating enthusiasts, and amateur radio operators.
At Deltron, we have been supplying various Firestik antennas and accessories for many years. Yet, we notice that many customers have questions about terms such as NGP antenna, No Ground Plane, or the differences between models like the Firestik II and FireFly.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to make the right choice.
What is a Firestik antenna?
A Firestik antenna is a high-quality 27MHz antenna with a fiberglass core containing a specially wound copper wire. This construction makes the antenna strong, durable, and excellently suited for use on vehicles.
Unlike traditional steel whip antennas, Firestik uses so-called top-loaded technology. In this design, the main radiating part is located at the top of the antenna.
This offers significant advantages:
- Better performance with shorter antenna lengths
- Less sensitive to obstacles on the vehicle
- Strong construction for intensive use
- Excellent transmit and receive performance
That is precisely why Firestik antennas have been a household name in the CB world for decades.
What does No Ground Plane (NGP) mean?
One of the most frequently asked questions is: "What does NGP on an antenna mean?" NGP stands for No Ground Plane.
To function properly, a mobile 27MHz antenna typically needs a ground plane. This ground plane is usually formed by the metal body of the vehicle.
For steel vehicles, the chassis is part of the antenna system. This allows the radio signal to be radiated optimally.
But what happens if the vehicle consists largely of fiberglass, plastic, wood, or aluminum?
- Then this natural ground plane is missing.
- That's where an NGP antenna comes into play.
What is an NGP antenna?
An NGP antenna (No Ground Plane antenna) is specifically developed for vehicles without sufficient metal surface area.
Examples include:
- Fiberglass RVs
- Caravans
- Boats
- 4x4 and off-road vehicles
- Tractors
- Motorcycles
- Plastic vehicle bodywork
- Fiberglass cabin constructions
With an NGP system, a specially designed coaxial cable is used where the cable shield partially takes over the function of the ground plane.
This allows the antenna to function efficiently even without a metal vehicle body.
Important to know: An NGP antenna and a standard antenna are not interchangeable.
Therefore, never use:
- An NGP antenna with a standard coaxial cable
- A standard antenna with an NGP coaxial cable
This almost always causes a high SWR value and can ultimately damage the transmitting equipment. Also, an NGP coaxial cable should never be shortened. Its length is part of the complete antenna system.
Antenna on a fiberglass vehicle: Which Firestik do you need?
When you want to install an antenna on a fiberglass vehicle, a No Ground Plane system is almost always the right choice.
Firestik offers two series for this:
Firestik FG-Series
The FG-series is the heavy-duty version within the NGP program.
Features:
- Robust fiberglass construction
- Capable of high wind loads
- Suitable for large RVs and boats
- Adjustable tunable tip (top of the antenna)
Ideal for:
- RVs
- Large motorhomes
- Commercial vehicles
- Marine applications
Firestik LG-Series
The LG-series is lighter and more flexible.
Features:
- Slim profile
- More flexibility
- Less strain on the mounting
Ideal for:
- Motorcycles
- ATVs
- UTVs
- Small RVs
- Plastic vehicle panels
Firestik II Or FireFly: what's the difference?
For vehicles with a metal body, the Firestik II and FireFly are the most popular choices.
Firestik II (FS-Series)
The Firestik II is Firestik's flagship.
Advantages:
- Extra strong fiberglass core
- Wide bandwidth
- Tunable Tip adjustment
- Maximum durability
Perfect for:
- Trucks
- Vans
- Jeeps
- Off-road vehicles
- 4x4 applications
FireFly (FL-Series)
The FireFly is designed for situations where flexibility is important.
Advantages:
- Lightweight construction
- Very flexible
- Less risk of damage from branches or low clearances
- Also equipped with Tunable Tip
Perfect for:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs
- Wooded areas
- Low parking garages
Why is the length of a Firestik antenna important?
For 27MHz (27MHz CB) antennas, a simple rule applies: The longer the antenna, the better the performance.
Firestik antennas of 122 cm and 152 cm generally provide better transmit and receive performance than shorter models of 61 cm or 91 cm, provided they are correctly mounted and tuned. This is because the active radiating part extends higher above the vehicle.
This improves:
- Transmit range
- Receive quality
- Signal stability
For optimal performance, we always recommend choosing the longest antenna that practically fits on the vehicle.
Firestik antenna accessories you shouldn't miss
For a reliable installation, the right accessories are at least as important as the antenna itself.
Consider:
- Stainless steel mounting brackets
- Heavy-duty stud mounts
- SWR meters
- Coaxial cables
- Stainless steel spring mounts
- Quick disconnect couplings
Especially with longer Firestik antennas, a stainless steel spring can help prevent damage from low obstacles.
Please note that accessories such as springs affect the tuning of the system. Therefore, mount them before adjusting the SWR.
Why choose Firestik?
Firestik has built its reputation on quality, durability, and excellent performance.
The advantages at a glance:
- American-made quality production
- Fiberglass construction for maximum durability
- Excellent transmit and receive performance
- Suitable for both standard and NGP installations
- Easy-to-tune models available
- Wide range of accessories
Whether you have a truck, RV, boat, or off-road vehicle, there is almost always a Firestik solution that perfectly suits your situation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Firestik antenna starts with one important question: Does your vehicle have a metal ground plane or not?
For metal vehicles, the Firestik II and FireFly are excellent choices. For RVs, boats, and fiberglass vehicles, the FG- and LG-series offer a reliable No Ground Plane solution.
Are you unsure which Firestik antenna best suits your vehicle? Feel free to contact the specialists at Deltron. Thanks to our many years of experience, we are happy to help you choose the right antenna, mounting, and accessories.
Firestik antennas in brief:
- Firestik is a premium brand for fiberglass CB antennas.
- NGP stands for No Ground Plane.
- NGP antennas are suitable for RVs, boats, and fiberglass vehicles.
- Firestik II is the most robust all-around choice.
- FireFly is more flexible and lighter.
- Longer antennas generally provide better range.
- NGP cables should never be shortened.
- Correct SWR tuning is essential for optimal performance.
Which Firestik antenna model suits your application?
Firestik offers various mobile antennas, each with its own characteristics and applications. In the comparison below, you can see for each Firestik model which system is used, how the antenna is tuned, and for which vehicles or applications it is most suitable. This makes it easy to make the right choice for your 27MHz installation.
| Model Series | System Type | Tuning Method | Profile | Application |
| FS (Firestik II) | Standard (metal) | Tunable Tip (set screw) | Robust / Stiff | Trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, and off-road vehicles |
| KW (Original Firestik) | Standard (metal) | Manual wire trimming | Robust / Stiff | Traditional installations or budget-friendly applications |
| FL (FireFly) | Standard (metal) | Tunable Tip (set screw) | Slim / Very flexible | Passenger cars, SUVs, low parking garages, and wooded environments |
| FG-series |
NGPfiberglass/plastic) |
Tunable Tip (set screw) | Robust / Stiff | Large RVs, motorhomes, boats, and commercial vehicles |
| LG-series | NGP (fiberglass/plastic) | Tunable Tip (set screw) | Slim / Very flexible | Motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and light fiberglass trailers |
Did you know?
- Firestik has been a trusted name in the American CB and trucking world since the 1970s.
- Firestik antennas can be seen in the movie Smokey and the Bandit II (1980). A silver-colored Firestik Original is mounted on the famous black and gold Pontiac Trans Am of The Bandit (Burt Reynolds), and almost all other vehicles in the movie are equipped with Firestik antennas.
Want to go back to the CB era of yesteryear? Watch the recognizable scene from Smokey and the Bandit II on YouTube.
Frequently asked questions about Firestik antennas
What does NGP mean on a Firestik antenna?
NGP stands for No Ground Plane. An NGP antenna is specifically designed for vehicles that do not have a metal ground plane, such as fiberglass RVs, boats, off-road vehicles, tractors, etc. In an NGP system, a specially designed coaxial cable partially takes over the function of the missing ground plane.
What is the difference between an NGP antenna and a standard antenna?
A standard 27MHz antenna uses the vehicle's metal body as a ground plane for optimal performance. An NGP antenna operates without this metal ground plane by using a special coax system. Both systems are not interchangeable.
When do I need a No Ground Plane antenna?
You need a No Ground Plane antenna when the vehicle or mounting location consists largely of fiberglass, plastic, wood, or other non-conductive materials. This is common in RVs, caravans, boats, motorcycles, off-road and agricultural vehicles.
Can I mount a Firestik antenna on an RV?
Yes. For RVs with a fiberglass or plastic body, Firestik recommends a No Ground Plane (NGP) system. This allows the antenna to function optimally without requiring a metal body.
What is an antenna on a fiberglass vehicle?
An antenna on a fiberglass vehicle usually requires a No Ground Plane system. Because fiberglass does not reflect radio signals like steel does, a standard antenna often cannot function properly without additional provisions.
What is the difference between Firestik II and FireFly?
The Firestik II has a heavier and stiffer fiberglass core and is designed for maximum durability and performance. The FireFly is lighter and more flexible, making it better suited for vehicles that regularly drive under branches, bridges, or low clearances.
Which Firestik antenna provides the best range?
Generally, the longer the antenna, the better the range. A 122 cm or 152 cm Firestik antenna typically provides greater range and better transmit and receive performance than a shorter 61 cm or 91 cm model, provided the antenna is correctly mounted and tuned.
What is a Ground Plane for an antenna?
A ground plane acts as the counterweight for an antenna. In vehicles, this is usually formed by the metal bodywork. Without a good ground plane, the SWR value can increase, and the antenna's performance will decrease.
Can I shorten an NGP coaxial cable?
No. An NGP coaxial cable is part of the complete antenna/coax system and has a precisely adjusted length. Shortening this cable can lead to poor performance, high SWR, and potential damage to the transceiver.
Can I use a standard Firestik antenna with an NGP coaxial cable?
No. A standard Firestik antenna and an NGP system are specifically matched to each other. Combining different systems can lead to poor performance and an unsafe SWR value.
Does a Firestik antenna need to be tuned?
Yes. For optimal performance, a Firestik antenna should always be tuned with an SWR meter after it is fully mounted. The exact tuning depends on the vehicle, mounting position, and accessories used.
What are Firestik antenna accessories?
Firestik antenna accessories are components that assist with the mounting, protection, and performance of the antenna. These include mounting brackets, stud mounts, vinyl antenna tips, coaxial cables, antenna springs, quick disconnects, and more.
Why are Firestik antennas so popular?
Firestik antennas are known for their robust fiberglass construction, excellent performance, easy tuning, and long lifespan. This has made them among the most widely used CB antennas for vehicles worldwide for decades.
Which Firestik antenna is best for a truck?
For trucks and other vehicles with a metal body, the Firestik II is often the most popular choice. This antenna combines high performance with a strong construction and an easily adjustable Tunable Tip.
Which Firestik antenna is best for a boat?
For boats without sufficient metal ground plane, a Firestik NGP model is usually chosen. These antennas are specially designed for applications where a traditional ground plane is absent.
Learn more about 27MHz communication and vehicle installations?
Do you want to get even more out of your Firestik antenna or 27MHz installation? Our knowledge base contains extensive blogs where we delve deeper into topics such as tuning an antenna's SWR, what a dummy load is and how to use it, and our complete guide for 27MHz transceivers in vehicles or communication in transport and agriculture. You can also read more about Firestik safety flags for better visibility, how to choose the right inverter for your vehicle, the differences between UHF, VHF, and HF, and the history of the 27MHz band in the Netherlands. This way, you build up more knowledge step by step and get the most out of your communication equipment.
