Buddistick/Buddipole vs. Par EndFedz by LNR Precision

Judging from my statistics, a lot of people visit my blog, but don't make comments. Oh Well...

I just bought a new antenna -- the Buddipole. I plan on using it as a Buddistick most of the time; especially until I can mount it high.

I like the fact that the Buddistick allows low angle radiation in a small footprint. That doesn't mean that I am not very fond of my LNR Precision's (Par) EndFedz antennas. I have several. Using my 40m/20m EF antenna on a 31 foot Jackite pole takes up some real estate. It's over sixty feet long. Even the 20 requires the mounting height, pole and a circumference of the 32 foot antenna coming off the wire.

That noted, the EndFedz achieve a very stable 1/2 wavelength antenna. They tune up very easily, with a very low SWR and resonance point at or close to 50 ohms. The 10/20/40 QRP antennas by LNR Precision can have a mono-band resonator of anywhere from 10m-60m in addition to the three-band performance. It's just that you have to get them up in the air...a situation that is not always possible.

This is very different than the Buddistick. It requires an 8 foot tall whip, my Jaws mount or camera tripod, and the counterpoise, which for 20m is relatively short. For small areas or vacations, this offers more options.

By being able to mount it at least 18 feet above ground, the Buddipole performs pretty well. An L configuration is a combination of vertical and horizontal. However, at low heights it mostly performs as an NVIS.

So, you know the basics. I'd like to hear any of your own experiences with this combination, or other antennas.

UPDATE: I recently bought two long arms and a long whip. This allows me 1/4 wavelength height with 1/4 wavelength counterpoise. This equals a 1/2 wavelength vertical antenna. As this is the standard length of a 20m antenna, it serves as a 1/2 wavelength 20m...as such, it performs like one.

This would mean that 40m would resonate at 1/4 wavelength...still a good compromise for a portable or temporary antenna; especially when compared to the stock Buddipole/Buddistick. As it goes up in frequency, the wavelength gets better and better. I haven't tried it on 80m. It would be 1/8th wavelength...finicky to tune and a narrow banded antenna to say the least.

I also purchased a Triple Ratio Switch Balun, only as the kit from the inventor. I put it together and it switches ratios with Power Poles. This allows a better match on lower bands, and still allows a 1:1 ratio on the upper bands.

It was a modest investment, but by going with Buddipole equipment, good quality and appearance matches are assured. The long arms do not fit into the plastic tube. So, you either have to carry it with the cap off or not in the tube at all. Another option is to get the long antenna bag. This is actually the best option for several reasons. It carries all the antenna components, and also has room to store additional supplies much more loosely than the Buddipole tube, which can be a rather tight fit.