Table of Contents
It’s the 21st century and we should be able to get a good number of channels with a clear reception without having to worry about a nearby forest or the latest storm forecast. Cable TV might be more reliable, but it won’t always provide solutions for rural and weak signal areas. So, an antenna is a worthwhile investment.
We are going to look at the Channel Master 3671 from the Crossfire series and the Channel Master 5020 from the Masterpiece series. We will look at the features that they have in common and those that are different. You will be able to find a comparison chart and some pros and cons before our final decision on the best antenna.
Let’s start with the two specifications that the Channel Master 3671 and the Channel Master 5020 share.
Channel Master 3671 vs 5020 – Similarities
Quick Glance
For a quick overview, the comparison chart below has all of the features of the Channel Master 3671 and the Channel Master 5020.
Channel Master 3671 | Channel Master 5020 | |
| Image |  |  |
| Size | 173 x 110 x 35.4 inches | 116 x 101.5 x 20 inches |
| Weight | 15.5lbs | 11.5lbs |
| Elements | 61 | 28 |
| Range | Up to 100 miles | Up to 100 miles |
| Frequencies | Low and high VHF, UHF, FM, supports ATSC 3.0 and 4K | VHF, UHF, FM, HD |
| Amplifier Included | No | No |
| Gain/Ratio | VHF- (low) 5.6 dB (high) 10.9 dB, UHF-10 dB, | VHF-10 dB, UHF-16 dB, F/B 17 dB |
| Impedance | 300 Ohm | 300 Ohm |
| Turning Radius | 8ft | 6ft |
| Wind Resistance | Not stated | 30lbs with 100 mph and no ice |
| Construction | Rugged double boom design, high-strength bracing, in-line elements | Heavy-duty, ½ inch aluminum elements, powder-coated finish, UV stabilized plastics, bifurcated rivets |
| Snap Out Reflectors | Not stated | Yes |
| What’s Included | U-bolt mounting clamp, nest assemblies, user guide | U-bolt mounting clamp up to 2.5 inches, user guide |
| Price |
Antenna Range
The Channel Master 3671 and the Channel Master 5020 have a range of up to 100 miles. The Channel Master 5020 is also available at 45 miles and 60 miles. They don’t come with an amplifier but if you choose to add one, you could increase the range even further.
Impedance
The impedance of the Channel Master 3671 and the Channel Master 5020 is 300 Ohm.
Now we will look at what sets the Channel Master 3671 and the Channel Master 5020 apart from each other.
Differences Between Channel Master 3671 vs Channel Master 5020
Appearance
There are still some similarities in their appearance, mostly in the design. When you put the two side by side, you will see how they are different.
Channel Master 3671
When we say it’s big, we mean it! The antenna is 173 x 110 x 35.4 inches. It weighs 15.5 pounds.
Channel Master 5020
Although this is still a rather large antenna, it looks small next to the Channel Master 3671. It measures 116 x 101.5 x 20 inches and weighs 11.5 pounds.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 5020
Frequencies
You will be able to pick up different frequencies with the antennae, one slightly more than the other.
Channel Master 3671
It will pick up low and high VHF signals (5.6 dB low and 10.9 dB high). The gain for UHF is 10 db. It will also pick up FM signals and supports ATSC and 4K.
Channel Master 5020
The VHF gain is 10 dB and UHF is 16 dB. The front-to-back ratio is 17 dB and you can enjoy HD TV.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 3671
Read next – Channel Master 3020 vs 5020: Which Antennas is Better?
Turning Radius
The turning radius indicates how much the antenna can turn. This is important for the location you wish to install it and whether there are any cables nearby.
Channel Master 3671
It has a turning radius of 8 feet.
Channel Master 5020
Here, the turning radius is 6 feet.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – Channel Master 7777 vs 7778: Which TV Antenna Preamplifiers are Better?
Wind Resistance
It’s a shame we are missing some information here, especially if you live in an area that is susceptible to strong winds.
Channel Master 3671
There is no product information about the specific wind resistance.
Channel Master 5020
It can withstand up to 30 pounds of pressure with winds of up to 100 miles per hour and no ice.
The Winner Is. The Channel Master 5020
Construction
Channel Master has made an effort to select high-quality materials for the antennae.
Channel Master 3671
This has a rugged double boom design with high-strength bracing. There are 61 elements in total. They are in line to prevent sagging and structural distortion during heavy ice or high winds.
Channel Master 5020
The 28 heavy-duty elements are ½ inch aluminum. It has a powder-coated finish, UV stabilized plastics and bifurcated rivets.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Snap Out Reflectors
For quick and easy assembly, one of the antennae has snap-out reflectors.
Channel Master 3671
There is no information about whether the reflectors snap out.
Channel Master 5020
This antenna has snap-out reflectors.
What’s Included
If you need a mast or a coaxial cable, you will need to buy these separately.
Channel Master 3671
It comes with a U-bolt mounting clamp, nest assemblies and a user guide.
Channel Master 5020
You get a U-bolt mounting clamp up to 2.5 inches and a ser guide.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 3671
Pros and Cons
We have included some pros and cons of the Channel Master 3671 and the Channel Master 5020 before our final verdict.
Channel Master 3671
Pros:
- Setup is relatively fast
- Locking elements so the wind doesn’t move them
- Excellent reception and great range
Cons:
- It’s huge, with a huge price tag
Channel Master 5020
Pros:
- Excellent build quality and good for extreme weather
- Picture quality is improved, as is the number of channels you get
- An impressive range, even with buildings or mountains in the path
Cons:
- The instruction manual could be clearer
The Final Verdict
The similarities of the Channel Master 3671 and the Channel Master 5020 mean they share many of the same pros. Most importantly, they have a fantastic range that increases the number of channels and the picture quality. Both are well made and do well in all weather conditions. Today’s winner is the Channel Master 5020. We couldn’t find a big enough difference to warrant the size of the Channel Master 3671 and we couldn’t see enough of a difference in the use to justify the additional $100 cost.