What are the best RG6 Connectors

What Are The Best RG6 Connectors?

Antenna Installation

Signal loss due to Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and other sources of noise is an important consideration if you are working with high-frequency signals. A common application of high-frequency signals is HDTV broadcast. When installing HDTV equipment, you need to pay attention to signal loss because it directly affects your viewing experience.

The ideal fittings should attenuate the noise to ensure that the picture quality is pristine. For such installations, RG6 cable has proven to be reliable and a quad-shielded RG6 cable has extra protection against interference over long distances. What this article will cover:

  1. The best RG6 connectors: You will learn why compression connectors are the best, plus a selection of three top connectors available online.
  2. The best RG6 cables: You will learn the importance of having good cabling plus three recommended high-end cables you can buy.
  3. The best compression crimping tools: I’m going to recommend the top three brands for RG6 connectors available on Amazon at a great price.

Why compression connectors are superior to both crimp type and screw on type connectors

There are three ways in which you can connect your coax cables; screw-on, crimp, and compression. Although all of them transmit a signal if done correctly, the issue is always with the quality of the signal. This is where you will find some disparities between the different kinds of connection.

First, we should examine how a coax connection works:

The first step is to ensure that the core (wire in the middle that carries signal) has been connected for the signal to pass. The second step is to ensure that the connection is strong and that the signal is protected from interference. 

Best Coaxial Cable

Now, about the types of connections:

We’ll start with screw-on (also called twist-on) connections. You don’t require any tools for this one because you will only use your hands. Comparatively, they are the worst kind of connection out of the three. The issue is that the shielding is not bonded well thus exposing your signal to interference.

Screw-on connections are not recommended except for a temporary connection. The crimp connector is better than the screw-on connector because it handles the shielding better. If done by an expert who lets the shielding material bond with the crimping connector, it is decent enough. However, it is certainly not the best. At higher frequencies, especially with satellite, the fittings can interfere with the signal.

Then comes the Compression Connector:

This connection type is the newest and it improves on the shortcomings of the other two. First, it bonds the shielding in the best possible way to protect your signal from noise – this allows it works with high-frequency connections effortlessly. Second, the connection is sturdy enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. Therefore, it is suited to outdoor and indoor uses.

Top 3 Best RG6 Compression Connectors

When you are looking for compression connectors, Perfect Vision and Belden are the two companies that stand out because their products of high quality and are extremely durable. They also suit a wide variety of applications.

Here are three compression connectors you should consider:

1.PPC Belden EX6PLUS RG-6 Snap & Seal Outdoor Compression Connector. It is one of the most versatile compression connectors because it is ideal for many uses. It is tough enough for outdoor use because it is chemical resistant and it has moisture sealing at each point of entry. It is UV stabilized. This connector works perfectly with the right crimping tool.

2. Perfect Vision 019006 Universal Ridgeloc RG-6 Compression F-Connector. This connector is best suited to satellite installations and it works seamlessly with RG6 cabling. It is easy to install, and its outer seal is ridged to provide a tight seal that can withstand harsh weather conditions. It is also durable enough to provide many years of service before you have to replace it.

3. PPC EX6XL-PLUS Universal RG-6 Compression Connector – 20 Pack. Manufactured by Belden, this compression connector is compatible with all compression tools. It is corrosion resistant and its quad-seal system keeps away the moisture. It is ideal for cable and satellite installations.

The Importance of Good Cabling

When you are buying cables and connectors, you should buy products of good quality. The quality will determine how well your system will work. Properties of good cabling include:

  • Noise attenuation or ability to filter out the noise: If there are other electronic appliances like motors and generators that produce EMI/RFI (which is simply, noise), you need to have cabling that will work well in spite of it. For example, a proper cable should have metal shielding beneath the cable jacket to block the noise. Other fixtures should also have protection mechanisms.
  • Durable: The cabling and its fittings should be tough enough to withstand harsh climatic conditions. They ought to provide many years of service before you have to replace them. Overall, good cabling should be reliable so that you don’t have to constantly be on the lookout for problems.

For more information on the importance of cabling, be sure to check out my in-depth article Best Coaxial Cable For HDTV after you’re done here!

Top 3 Rated Quad-shielded RG6 Cables

Here are some of the best RG6 cables you will find in the market:

1.LOGICO COX3502 RG6 Quad Shield Coaxial Cable. It is one of the highest rated and popular RG6 quad shield cables. Its properties are:

  • It has a 3GHz rating.
  • It has aluminum-based shields for maximum protection against noise interference.
  • It has a copper clad steel conductor.
  • The PVC jacket is flame retardant.

2. Cable Matters CL2 In-Wall Rated (cm) Quad Shielded Coaxial Cable. It is a top rated RG6 cable that is ideal for various applications including cable TV, VCR, antenna, cable box, and satellite receiver connections. Its features are:

  • It is ideal for Dish Network and DirectTV systems due to its 3GHz rating.
  • It has four layers of aluminum-based shielding to protect against EMI and RFI.
  • Covered by a flexible and durable PVC jacket that has passed fire safety requirements.

3. PHAT SATELLITE INTL Quad Shield Solid Copper 3GHZ RG-6 Coaxial Cable. This quad shield cable is ideal for Satellite TV, Cable TV, and broadband internet connections. It has the following properties:

  • The conductor is 18AWG Pure copper.
  • UV resistant PVC jacket.
  • Aluminum quad shields for protection against RFI and EMI.
  • Brass compression connectors.

Top 3 Rated Compression Crimping Tool Sets

A good compression crimping tool should be versatile enough to work with multiple connectors. The best ones also come with a stripper to make your installation work easier. Here are three of the most popular ones:

  1. Klein Tools VDV002-818 Coax Installation and Testing Kit. This Coax Installation and Cable Testing Kit contains everything you need to prepare, connect and test coaxial cables. It is easy to use for a couple of reasons:
  • The handle is anti-skid allowing you to grip it without sliding even when your hands are sweaty.
  • It is light and used by professional installers.
  • One disadvantage is that it won’t work with RNC or BNC fittings.

2. YaeTek Coaxial Compression Tool Coax Cable Crimper Kit. It is a versatile compression crimping tool that is also durable and light-weight. It is made using steel for durability. It comes with 10 compression connectors and can be used with RG58, RG59, and RG6 coaxial cables.

  • It can strip various types of cables when you rotate the head.
  • You can control the depth of incisions using the hexagonal tools.
  • The handle is made using soft rubber to prevent slipping.

3. Etekcity Coax Cable Compression Crimper. This crimping tool works with F connectors, BNC, RCA, and rg58, rg59, and rg6 cables. It is built for durability thanks to its tough anti-corrosion coating.

  • The manufacturer also offers a 3-month warranty if it doesn’t work as it should.
  • It also has sharp cable cutter and its double springs offer better elasticity.
  • It is easy to use and for those who have trouble adapting to it, it has a comprehensive user’s manual with diagrams and detailed explanations.

Additional Reading…

If you enjoyed this article and its answered the question, “What are the Best RG6 Connectors”. Be sure to check out some of my other equally great articles below!