Been hearing lots of w5 and w6 work Japan on 6 meters during evening hours 
but tonight, for about five minutes, I actually, with my lowly vertical, 
copied, and tried working, my first JA station.  He faded out within about 
five minutes for everybody.  A couple of western Colorado friends of mine 
had a super opening this weekend and Friday.  One friend worked 50 Europeans 
on 6 meters and the other worked 97.  I have yet to hear Europe.  Yes, these 
guys have big antennas and amplifiers.  Yes, no matter what anybody tells 
you, big power and big antennas makes a big difference even on 6 meters. 
Yes, with 3 watts and a nice small beam, such as a home brew 5 element 6 
meter beam on a short 12 foot boom, you can work the world because I've done 
it.  It isn't nearly as much fun when you can, on the other hand, punch 
through because you are running 1500 watts output with a 10 element yagi up 
90 feet.  Fortunately, on 6 meters, you can have a 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 element 
beam at 30 feet over your roof using a tripod and work the world, too but 
when push comes to shove, bigger everything always out does everything else 
below it.

Phil.
K0NX