I'm using a Cushcraft vertical for 2M and 440CM and it's been working great
for several years.  It's been up so long I can't remember the model.
My unscientific opinion is that you stay away from fiberglass antennas.  I
know many people who have been hit by lightning and just about every time
they had a fiberglass vertical antenna stuck up in the air.  I know many of
you and others have them and never been hit but here in south Mississippi it
seems to get the fiberglass ones more times than not.     

73, Gary N5GD


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Dr. Ronald E. Milliman
Sent: Saturday, August 31, 2013 10:54 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: There's antennas, and then, there's antennas!

Thanks, guys, for all of your feedback regarding your experiences with
various antennas. My impression is that most of you lean quite heavily
toward the Diamond antennas. I find it interesting how many fairly common
brands didn't get much, if any, mentioned, e.g. MFJ, Comet, Cushcraft,
Hustler, Hygain, Innovantennas, Larsen, M2, MACO, MAXRAD, and Workman. I,
personally, have limited experience with commercially built antennas. I
normally build my own.  My personal experience with VHF antennas has been
limited to a 2 meter 11 element Cushcraft yagi and a Ringo Ranger. I liked
both of them. In fact, I owned two Ringo Rangers. 

Based on your feedback, I'm going to look very seriously at the Diamond
antennas. Though, I have liked Cushcraft quite well too.  

Ron, K8HSY