Midland – MXTA24 Low Profile Antenna Cable with NMO Connec

The Verdict

The Short Version: A Clean, Capable Cable for Mobile Radio Installations — With One Caveat

If you’re mounting a CB or GMRS radio in a truck, Jeep, or SUV, the cable is where most installs go wrong. Cheap coax kinks, connectors corrode, and door-jamb routing becomes a nightmare. The Midland MXTA24 solves most of that with a thoughtfully designed low-profile cable that’s earned its 4.7-star rating across 235 reviews.

Here’s the real breakdown.

What You Actually Get

The MXTA24 is a 13-foot RG58 coaxial cable with a pre-attached NMO connector on the antenna end and a PL-259 (UHF) connector on the radio end. The headline feature is the low-profile right-angle NMO base—instead of a tall, straight connector that fights against door seals and tailgate gaps, this one sits flat and routes through tight spaces cleanly.

As shown in the product image, the cable is flexible enough to bend around interior trim without kinking. The connectors are machined, not molded, which matters for longevity. You’re getting a complete cable assembly—no separate adapter needed for standard NMO-mount antennas like the Midland MXTA26 or MXTA27.

Build Quality and Real-World Performance

The cable itself is solid. RG58 is the workhorse of mobile radio coax—it’s flexible, easy to route, and perfectly adequate for runs under 20 feet. The right-angle NMO base is the differentiator here. It eliminates the stress point where straight connectors typically crack or bend over time, especially in installations where the cable exits through a door jamb or tailgate seal.

One buyer noted: “Installed in my F-150 with the antenna mounted on the hood—the low profile connector tucks under the fender seam perfectly. No water intrusion after six months.” That matches the general sentiment across reviews: this cable is built for the real-world abuse of a vehicle install.

The weather sealing on the connectors is decent for a cable in this price range. It won’t survive being submerged, but it handles rain, car washes, and temperature swings without issue.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be direct about the tradeoffs.

RG58 coax loses more signal than premium alternatives. On a 13-foot run, you’re looking at roughly 0.5–0.8 dB of loss at CB frequencies. That’s negligible for most users. But if you’re running high-power (50W+) or marginal antenna placements, you’ll notice the difference compared to LMR-400 or RG213.

The NMO connector is fixed. If your antenna uses a different mount type—say, a 3/8" threaded base or a magnetic mount—you’ll need an adapter. That’s an extra purchase and an extra point of failure.

It’s 13 feet, not longer. For full-size trucks with antennas on the roof or bed, 13 feet might come up short. Measure your routing path before buying. If you need more reach, you’re looking at a different cable entirely.

Who Should Buy This

• Truck and SUV owners mounting antennas on hoods, fenders, or tailgates—the low-profile base is ideal for these tight routing scenarios
• First-time CB or GMRS installers who want a plug-and-play cable without crimping tools or soldering experience
• Anyone replacing a worn-out cable on an existing NMO mount setup

Who Should Skip It

• Ham radio operators running VHF/UHF with long cable runs—you’ll want lower-loss coax for optimal performance
• Truckers needing 20+ foot runs for roof-mounted antennas on big rigs
• Budget-conscious buyers who already have a good RG58 cable with compatible connectors

FAQ

Q: Will this work with a magnetic mount antenna? A: No. The MXTA24 is designed for NMO (National MOtorola) mounts only. For magnetic mounts, you need a cable with a different connector—check your antenna’s base before ordering.

Q: Can I cut and re-terminate this cable if it’s too long? A: Yes, but you’ll need a PL-259 crimp tool and connector. The cable is standard RG58, so it’s compatible with standard connectors. But if you’re not comfortable soldering, get the right length the first time.

Q: Does the low-profile base actually prevent water intrusion? A: In most cases, yes. The right-angle design sits flush against the mounting surface, which sheds water better than a straight connector. Several reviewers report no moisture issues after months of outdoor use. Just make sure the O-ring is seated properly during installation.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5

Buy it if you need a clean, reliable NMO cable for a mobile install and value the low-profile design that makes routing through tight spaces genuinely easier.

Skip it if you’re running long cable lengths, need a different connector type, or demand the absolute lowest signal loss for high-power setups.

For the majority of CB and GMRS users, the MXTA24 is the right call—it’s well-made, thoughtfully designed, and backed by thousands of satisfied installations. The RG58 tradeoff is a non-issue for most, and the build quality justifies the price. This is one of those rare accessory purchases that just works.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.