ThunderPole 2000
A new fibreglass antenna, which shares the ThunderPole name but has no other similarity to earlier "Thunderpoles".
This antenna is of the same style as the Solarcon A99, it comes in three sections (approx 6ft each) which simply screw together.
Unlike the A99 it does not have any tuning adjustment, but comes with a cutting chart which allows you to trim the antenna from 27-30MHz. As supplied it easily covers all the channels likely to be used in the UK.
The base of the antenna is more like a "GP", with a standard fixing plate and 2 u-bolts. This is probably a stronger arrangement than on the A99, but does have the disadvantage of limiting you to a maximum pole size of 1½" (ie no scaffold pole).
Construction is very good and initial performance reports are good all round.

his new version of the popular Midland-48 is now available as an 80-channel set and is proving to be a very popular rig.
  The main difference between this set and the standard 48-plus is the proper analogue signal meter, very unusual nowadays. The LCD display is also larger and you can choose from a standard channel number display or a frequency display.
The set is the same size as the standard Midland-48 and uses the same channel change mic. The controls are all similar but laid out in a different arrangement, which I think makes the set easier to use.
A new feature is the "ESP2" Noise Killer. This  removes a lot of the normal background FM noise, but it does alter the sound of incoming signals somewhat. To begin with I did not like it, but after a little use I found this feature to work well - much better than Cobra's "Sound Tracker" in my opinion. But you have the choice, turn it on or off depending upon your personal preference.
As with previous Midland models, this one is microprocessor controlled and all the channels are pre-programmed in this. This 80 channel set is £20 cheaper than the 40 channel cept version we had last year !!

Wilson Balcony Kit
Similar to the above, this is a "boomerang" style groundplane which is designed to clamp to balcony railings. The mount is somewhat similar to a mirror mount, and will clamp around many small tubes or pipes.
This kit will again take any standard 3/8 mobile antenna and convert it into a base antenna (of sorts).
Don't expect high performance, but if it's all you can find room for then this may be for you.

Wilson Short Load
If you find the whip on your Wilson 1000 or 5000 is too long and catches on brides or your garage, then this loaded replacement whip could be for you.
Simply replace the standard 62" whip with this centre loaded one which is only 36". Because it's a genuine Wilson accessory you can be assured of the quality.
Maximum power handling 400W.