I looked at lowes at plain steel rod, but it isnt "springy" like the
stainless antenna is, if it hits something it will bend and then just
stay like that.


Hmm... ok what about a junk yard - an older car antenna or even the
newer ones that are composite (fibre glass maybe) with a wire wrapped
around it! That way you can make the antenna any length, put shrink
wrap tubing over it and there ya have it...


On more thought... If you get a composite antenna, you can even wind a
coil at the bottom or middle then shrink wrap it! I'm not sure how
those newer antennas are made but if all they are are shrink wrapped
wire, you've got it made in the shade!