In case you are involving yourself in the business of ham radios, you clearly understand the value of possessing a good antenna. The vertical antenna will act as air to the sound waves and without them, it can be impossible to transmit and receive. You, however, do not know what you can accomplish with a good antenna for the ham radio systems.
Provided that you get the best vertical antennas, you are going to have an exciting experience. However, knowing what will be best for you might be a bit hard. This is mainly due to the fact that there are so many brands available today. It is for this reason why we found it necessary to come up with the review below. In the later parts of this article also is a brief buying guide to help you easily identify your pick.
List of Top Best Vertical Antennas in 2024
#10. Comet GP-3 Dual Band Vertical Base Antenna
We begin this review with this antenna from one of the best brands around. It has a length of 5’11” which assures you of the best signal strength. You will also appreciate that it has been made with quality fiberglass to withstand the test of time. The reputation of this brand should give you enough confidence to buy this vertical base antenna. Again, at its affordable price also, you do not have an excuse for not buying this antenna.
Installation of this antenna will be pretty easy since there are no complicated procedures involved. It will easily mount on masts from 1.5 inches to 2.25 inches for convenience. Despite having a light weight, you will appreciate that it incorporates quality materials that will withstand the strong winds. What’s more, it is very easy to use.
- Dual-band 146/446 MHz base antenna
- One-piece white fiberglass construction
- SO-239 connector
- It has a length of 5′ 11″
#9. Comet Original GP-6 Vertical Base Antenna
This antenna prides itself on a maximum power rating of 200 watts. That will, therefore, give you the assurance that it will give you exceptional performance. It is made with heavy-duty fiberglass which allows it to serve you for the longest period of time possible. Its pricing is relatively affordable across all types of budgets.
It has a weight of only 3 lbs. which makes it an ideal size for vacation. Its VSWR is 1.5:1 or even less. With a length of 10’2”, you will appreciate how well transmission and receiving becomes. Again, you will need to appreciate that it comes from a reputable brand that gives you enough confidence to purchase.
- It has a maximum power rating of 200 watts
- The length of this antenna is 10’2”
- Made with heavy-duty fiberglass
- SO-239 connector
#8. Super Antenna MP1DXG HF Portable Antenna
This is an excellent choice for those operators who demand quality performance for receiving and transmitting. It also comes with a tripod to make sure that you can conveniently use it on flat surfaces. Portability will also be guaranteed since it has a lightweight and also comes with a backpack to add to that convenience.
If you are looking for an antenna that will be ideal for vacation and field day, this will definitely be the right pick. Another great feature of this antenna is that it is completely compatible with every amateur radio transceiver. Again, having been made by a reputable brand, you will have enough confidence to purchase.
- This is a portable vertical antenna
- Total extended height of 12 feet
- Ideal for vacations, backyard and field days
- Compatible with Amateur radio transceivers
#7. MFJ-2389 Compact 8-Band Vertical Antenna
This is yet another antenna from the same manufacturer as the one above. The weight of this antenna is 5.75 pound which means that portability will be a guarantee. To add to that convenience, it comes with a backpack to help you carry it with ease. You will also appreciate that this antenna has been designed by engineers from the United States of America for reliability purposes.
If we talk about this antenna tall, you will appreciate that it attains a size of 8.5 feet. Another convenient feature about this antenna is that it is compatible with every amateur radio transceiver. Since it comes with a tripod, you will have the convenience of placing it on any flat surface like floors, sidewalks, and other areas. Again, it comes at a relatively affordable price and quality features.
- It features some internal hidden Velcro pockets
- Continuously tunes all frequencies
- The tripod can be placed on all suitable flat surfaces
- Compatible with every amateur radio transceiver
#6. Comet Original CHA-250B Vertical Base Antenna
This is a newly designed broadband vertical base antenna which will not need ground radials. You will appreciate that this antenna is very simple to assemble. With this antenna also, there will be no need for tuning or adjustments. What’s more, the VSWR is lower than 1:6:1 all the way from 3.5 to 57MHZ. It can handle up to 250 watts power.
Another convenient feature about this antenna is that it fits optional mast pipes that have a diameter between 1 and 2 inches. Again, it accepts all the optional cable with the PL-259 connector. This is a multi-band HF vertical antenna ideal for 6 meters all the way to 80 meters HF. Since it comes from a reputable brand, you will have all the confidence to purchase.
- It will handle up to 250 watts power
- No tuning or adjustment will be needed
- It will fit optional mast pipes
- SWR of 1.61 and lower across all bands
#5. Hy-Gain HF Vertical Antenna
Here is another vertical antenna that comes from one of the reputable brands around. This is a trapless antenna that is manually tuned to all bands 10 meters all the way to 80 meters. You will easily adjust the feed point at the base inductor. This antenna has been made to be fed with the 50-ohm coax and will work effectively for local contacts and DX.
It features stainless steel construction on the electrical and majority of the mechanical connections. You will also appreciate that it is self-supporting and withstands wind which is up to 80 mph. Apart from that, it is very portable and knocks an overall length of five feet. The weight for this antenna is 4 pounds which guarantees its portability.
- It features quality aluminum construction
- The antenna has a maximum power of 1500 watts
- Its lug height is 18 feet
- It weighs 4 pounds
#4. Hustler HF Multi-band Vertical Amateur Antenna
This is a great performance HF vertical base antenna. You will enjoy the convenience that this antenna can be easily mounted on the roof and the ground as well. Apart from that, it is compatible with all work stations around the globe by simply clamping to some pipe on the ground. It is approximately 25 feet tall and will handle all the way to 1500 watts PEP.
This antenna will attach to the standard optional pipes and needs an optional length of fifty-ohm coax cable. Another convenient feature about this antenna is that it is very easy to install since all the instructions have been provided. This antenna will cover 10 to 80M bands and is ideal for both transmitting and receiving.
- High-performance base antenna
- It can be mounted on the wall or on the ground
- Approximately 25 feet tall
- Ideal for transmitting and receiving
#3. Super Antenna MP1DXMAX with Clamp Mount & Go Bag Radio Amateur
This is another antenna from a reputable brand and works with all HF bands within 80m and 10m. It will be perfect for field day and vacation. Those operators who demand very high performance will always pick this antenna. In this package, you will get a backpack which means that portability is guaranteed with this antenna.
You will also appreciate that it is completely compatible with every amateur radio transceivers. Another feature about this antenna is that it has a flexible design that allows it to be easily rolled in a diameter of 12 inches. This antenna similarly tunes to all frequencies continuously without the need for external power.
- It has a total extended length of 7 feet
- It features internal Velcro pockets
- The antenna has a portable design
- Compatible with every amateur radio transceiver
#2. Super Antenna MP1DXTR80 with Clamp Mount
This is the newest version of the MP1 vertical antenna from the same brand. It comes with a tripod, super whip, and an 80-meter coil together with a backpack. This, therefore, tells you that this kit will be very portable. The antenna will be an excellent choice for those operators who demand top performance both for transmitting and receiving as well.
The total extended length for this antenna is 7 feet and has a weight of one pound for convenience. Since everything collapses down into the backpack, this accessory will be ideal for vacation. Having come from a reputable brand, you will have total confidence that this kit will serve you in the best way possible. The pricing is also relatively fair compared to its excellent features.
- It has a total extended length of 2.13 meters
- Ideal for vacation
- A big signal in a small package
- Comes with a durable carrying case
#1. Comet Original GP-1 Dual Band Vertical Base Antenna
On the topmost rank according to this review is the Comet Original vertical base antenna. The first thing you need to realize is that this is a reputable brand so you need to be confident with the purchase. It prides itself on VSWR of 1:5:1 and a maximum power of 200 watts. To make sure that transmission and receiving of signals is at its best, it has been made with a very good length.
This antenna is made with quality and heavy-duty fiberglass to make sure that it stands the test of time. Also, it has a weight of 2 lbs. which means that it will be ideal for vacations. What’s more, the price of this antenna is very affordable which means that one will afford it even when shopping under a tight budget.
- SO-239 connector
- Made with heavy-duty fiberglass
- It has a length of 4’2”
- A maximum power rating of 200 watts
Buying Guide
- Antenna height: This is one of the factors that you will want to keep in mind when shopping. A general rule has it that the higher the antenna, the more powerful it becomes. Consequently, that will boost the signal strength. In case you are looking to use your antenna as a repeater system, some headroom will be needed for your antennas in advance.
- Band support: It is also important to have a clear picture of the number of bands that the antenna is going to provide support for. Generally speaking, the more the number of bands the better the experience although this will cost you extra money. Dual-band antennas will have their coverage for several frequencies range. Before you can therefore purchase, keep this feature in mind.
- UHF support: Generally speaking, higher frequencies during transmissions will always translate to higher coverage. The reasoning behind this is that there will be a smaller wavelength. For that reason, UHF will be a feature that everyone will want to give a close look before settling on any vertical antenna.
Conclusion
We hope that by now you have a rough idea of the best vertical antennas available in the market today. As you can see from the above reviews, the list of these antennas in the market is actually endless. However, with the list above, it will be easy to find the best pick since all of them come from reputable brands. We also prepared a brief buying guide on some of the important factors that you will need to consider when shopping. What is now remaining is for you to go through the review and make the decision from there. All the best!
