The first thing i want to say is you get what you pay for. This antenna with the large tripod is amazing. I have built a few verticals and purchased a few as well. Nothing comes close to the amazingly easy setup. After 2 or so minutes you’re done and you’re on the air. None of that run 40 radials crap just get on the air and talk. My first trip was at sleepy hollow state park. The band conditions were horrible. Everything was in the red on the standard propagation websites. I was using 10 watts out of my x108g. My first contact of the day was Azores and my friend that went along with me worked them after i did. I received a 57 and gave a 59. Other contacts were made from the states but for the conditions i was super happy with my contacts. I will say be careful the first time you unwind the ground and NVIS wires. My friend and i were excited to get on the air and we tangled things up a bit lol No strikes against the antenna for that one just take your time don’t get too excited. This is not my first alpha product, and it will definitely not be my last. Bottom line if you want something that works is easy to setup easy to break down takes a small amount of space and works. The Alpha fell metal Jacket is a good purchase. 73 Hope to work you on the bands.

K8CPT