Butternut HF6V 
Product Details
Six band vertical antenna. Covers the 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 80 meter ham radio bands. 26' tall. Accessories include 160 meter coil and CPK Counterpoise kit.
Height (Adjustable): 26 ft (7.9 m)
Product Ratings
- Mechanical design and durability
- 40%
- Performance
- 60%
- Overall Value
- 60%
The bottom line is that if you must compromise (due to limited space or other restrictions), the Bencher Butternut HF6V can be a good choice, but you might want to look at a few other options first.
Installation can be tricky with the Butternut HF6V - especially for beginners. You will definitely need to spend some time tuning it properly and will want to make sure that it is not near metal objects (as with any antenna). Ground radials will improve the performance of the HF6V a great deal, so I recommend following Bencher\'s suggestions for radials.
Do not expect this antenna to be a flame thrower on 80 meters and certainly don\'t expect too much on 160 meters (with the optional coil).
So, with those caveats... This antenna is one of the best in my mind for those who have to compromise. It performs well (considering its electrical size), it is relatively durable (no mechanical failures here in some very strong winds), and is easy to install (assuming you are good with a antenna analyzer).
Compared to the competition (GAP, MFJ, Force12, ...) the Bencher seems to stack up nicely. Perhaps a better alternative to the HF9V might be the FluidMotion SteppIR verticals with the optional coil for 80 meters - if you are willing to spend the extra $$$.
I would choose the Bencher again over the alternatives from GAP and MFJ based on my experience with the HF6V. Sometimes, used HF6Vs can be found in good condition for a decent price.
However, new products from FluidMotion/SteppIR and ZeroFive Antennas now deserve strong consideration for multiband HF ham radio vertical antennas.
Eventually, my Butternut was damaged by an Iowa ice storm. It bent in the bottom section just above the fiberglass insulator.
Installation can be tricky with the Butternut HF6V - especially for beginners. You will definitely need to spend some time tuning it properly and will want to make sure that it is not near metal objects (as with any antenna). Ground radials will improve the performance of the HF6V a great deal, so I recommend following Bencher\'s suggestions for radials.
Do not expect this antenna to be a flame thrower on 80 meters and certainly don\'t expect too much on 160 meters (with the optional coil).
So, with those caveats... This antenna is one of the best in my mind for those who have to compromise. It performs well (considering its electrical size), it is relatively durable (no mechanical failures here in some very strong winds), and is easy to install (assuming you are good with a antenna analyzer).
Compared to the competition (GAP, MFJ, Force12, ...) the Bencher seems to stack up nicely. Perhaps a better alternative to the HF9V might be the FluidMotion SteppIR verticals with the optional coil for 80 meters - if you are willing to spend the extra $$$.
I would choose the Bencher again over the alternatives from GAP and MFJ based on my experience with the HF6V. Sometimes, used HF6Vs can be found in good condition for a decent price.
However, new products from FluidMotion/SteppIR and ZeroFive Antennas now deserve strong consideration for multiband HF ham radio vertical antennas.
Eventually, my Butternut was damaged by an Iowa ice storm. It bent in the bottom section just above the fiberglass insulator.
Review Ratings
- Mechanical design and durability
-
- Performance
-
- Overall Value
-