replacement radio antenna

I'm ready to give up on Saab's stock powered retractable radio antenna, having had my third replacement break off recently. I think our British friends call this the mast. I'm thinking I'd do just fine with one of those hard rubber, flexible antennas you see on police cars and other government type vehicles. Does anyone have experience with an after-market antenna ? Any recommendations on what to try and where to buy it. My local auto parts store just had some pretty cheesy looking manual antennas. My thinking is that the low rubber antenna will not break off when I go thru the car wash and that kids won't be able to easily snap it off either. This is for a 97 9000 Aero. Thanks.