Cutting a low-band Heliflex antenna?

[Guest]

I was doing a little research online last night concerning my low band radio. The Motorola Heliflex antenna is the only option for the low-band system. However, when i was looking at it, i noticed that a number of websites stated "Includes a cutting chart to trim to desired frequencies." The antenna is 12 inches long and covers 29-50 Mhz, i was wondering if anyone can comment on "trimming" the antenna to cover specific frequencies. Is this worth it and will it help in receiving and transmitting? Thanks ahead of time.

[mikerabbit 2]

Lower frequncies are very touchy with antenna lengths. If you trim the antenna to the appropriate length it should help. On mobile radios you see a huge difference.

[Guest]

Interesting. Thing is, im talking about a portable radio. I've been unable to find a chart or something similar to suggest the length @ which i should trim. Basically, im looking at covering 40 - 50 Mhz (which covers Westchester and Putnam primarily as well as Dutchess and Rockland low band freqs).

[mikerabbit 2]

What frequency do primarly use?