many yrs ago i used to thing the A-99 was a good antenna..
( i had upgraded from the big stick )
Then i upgraded to the Imax 2000 ( it was better a bit verses A-99 )..
Then i finally Woke up and realized the antenna was a supreme part of the equation in getting out as well as receiving ..
So i Turned the Interceptor I-10K which is so far beyond better then both the A-99 & Imax 2000to the point of being in a totally different category ..
So although the A99 & Imake 2000 are so so/ ok antennas..
There are many 5/8 wave verticals that will trounce/destroy the a99 & Imax 2000..
One may not need go to spending what the Interceptor I-10 K costs
However an aluminum 5/8 wave vertical destroys a simple wire within a fiberglass housing..
A99 & Imax 2000 easily splash signals ( especially when one runs more then 20 watts into them )...
Plus the A99 & Imax 2000 do not stand up well to heavy weather
(where my Interceptor I-10K seems to laugh at even the most extreme weather )
I am not persay knocking the A99 & Imax 2000...
However there is Nothing special about them..
They are simply cheep and semi adequate antennas
