Best HF Antenna Bang for your Buck

After being out of radio for 5 years I got the itch again this past summer to start playing radio again. Having sold off my last station I promised the XYL that I would go slowly and inexpensive, to start, this time. My current location unfortunately does not allow many options for antennas. I tried using a G5RVjr but was very dissatisfied with its performance.

After reading the reviews here I started looking at the S9. Based on the reviews and cost I decided to give it a try. I ordered the 31′ S9 along with the radial plate and recommended unun. Because this is a straightforward vertical installation is very easy, no tuning stubs or coils to adjust, no analyzer needed and took less than 30 mins to have ready to mount. I have ground mounted the antenna, and currently have 20 30′ radials attached to the radial plate. Like another reviewer here, I chose to purchase a 1000′ spool of 14g electrical fence wire from Tractor Supply for 19.95 to use for the radials. Hard to work with, but much less expensive then 14g stranded copper wire. After connecting the antenna to my rig, the first thing I check was tuning. Using a LDG AT-100 pro ATU the antenna easily tunes 40 – 6 at < 1:3 as promised.

Next, I just started listening around the bands, this is when I realized just how deaf my G5RVjr was compared to the S9. Transmitting with this antenna was just as much a surprise. I have made numerous stateside, European and South American contacts, normally on just my first or second call. This morning however showed me the performance of this antenna. From my QTH in Southeast North Carolina, I was able to receive a 57 report from VK land. Not bad considering I am only running 100 watts from a TS-520 and the S9 antenna.

I have had experience with another vertical prior to going QRT. I had used a GAP Challenger. I can say that after investing over $300.00 for the GAP, and another $300.00 for an antenna analyzer, which I found necessary to get all the tuning stubs properly tuned, my S9 runs circles around the GAP. You just cannot go wrong with this antenna if towers and beams are not possible for you.

W4SFC

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