Antenna for handheld scanner - worth it?

[ES13Raven]

I have Pro-84 handheld scanner made by Uniden, which is similar to the BC92XLT. It came with an antenna only 4" long.

Would getting a different antenna help with reception? Would I see a noticeable difference or just a little difference?

I am looking at these 2 antennas:

20-034 Deluxe Antenna 9.45"

20-283 800 MHz Antenna 7"

The 800 MHz one says it has a 2.5db gain, but does it improve reception on frequencies below 800 MHz?

I mainly listen to 154-160 MHz and 460 MHz. Nothing on 800 MHz or any trunked systems.

Which one should I get?

Thanks for your help.

[ES13Raven]

Guys over at the RR forums recommended the Diamond RH77CA antenna. It looks like it gets good reception but it is 16" long.

Anyone have experience with this antenna?

[MikeOxlong]

I've got the Diamond on my Uniden 396T and it does a much better job then the stock duck.

You'll be disappointed in the 800Mhz only antenna.

[crazyVOLVOrob]

I use the RS 800MHz for scanning the trunked 800mhz county police at my home and it had great performance. For other bands I used the RS telescopic antenna which is very fragile but works great

[edweird]

The 800 MHz one says it has a 2.5db gain, but does it improve reception on frequencies below 800 MHz?

I mainly listen to 154-160 MHz and 460 MHz. Nothing on 800 MHz or any trunked systems.

Which one should I get?

No, it probably doen't have any gain on the bands it's not designed for.

You should not get an antenna designed for 800 MHz if you don't monitor anything on it. If you want to buy a better antenna, then a multi-band one, that covers VHF-Hi and UHF at minimum is what you want.