Anyone tried the Sigma Venom Aluminum 5/8 from England?

[Wire Weasel]

I'm going to be needing another antenna after awhile. Used the Imax 2000 for years but want to switch to an Aluminum model. Prefer a 5/8 and started researching everything available. Also prefer a Lower Cost model. Saw these Sigma Antennas out of England. This one is the Venom High Gain Silver Rod model. Claims 5/8 although only at 19' long. Freq. adjustable merely by changing the length. Has 3 short radials at the bottom which I like better than 4 full length horizontal radials seen in most of the others. Only $75 with Free Ship on eBay from England.
Anybody here used one?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sigma-Veno...ase-Station-Antenna-10-11-Meters/321268907757

 

[w9cll]

I don't know but those radials just don't look right.

 

[Wire Weasel]

I don't know but those radials just don't look right.

Oh yeah? .... what doesn't look right about them? 5/8's Verticals like the Imax don't require radials at all.

 

[357magnum]

I like the looks of it ! Almost reminds of a Ringo w/out the complete ring around the base . Ringo's always worked well . IMO Need to find out more about it , like you asked . Might be my next antenna , I really like the look & the $ !

 

[sp5it]

Looks like designed by idiot.

Oh yeah? .... what doesn't look right about them? 5/8's Verticals like the Imax don't require radials at all.

All 5/8 antennas need radials. Imax is not a 5/8. End of story.
Mike

 

[Big Kahuna]

Will it work? Probably. Will it work really well? Probably not.

It seems like a lot of compromises in one antenna.

 

[w9cll]

Oh yeah? .... what doesn't look right about them? 5/8's Verticals like the Imax don't require radials at all.

First off the Imax is not a 5/8th wave antenna, its a 1/2 wave. Secondly is uses the coax as a counterpoise. A true 5/8th needs full size radials, its purely physics. I am not an antenna guru but this thing looks like smoke and mirrors. Buy one and try it out and let us all know.

 

[w9cll]

Almost reminds of a Ringo w/out the complete ring around the base . Ringo's always worked wel

Ringo's are not 5/8 wave

 

[Eldorado828]

So I actually talked to one of the guys from sigma some time back and he plain came out and told me that there are better antenna manufacturers and that their antennas although work well the construction isn't that solid. For a get you started antenna at a budget price for these days probably a good starter but for longevity I wouldn't expect a lot.

 

[357magnum]

Cheaply made ? I'm tapping out ! As I watch my A-99 moving around in this wind we been having on this hill I live on last few days . I don't think that antenna would stand up . Besides " If it ain't broke , don't fix it ! " Guess I'll get a few more years out of what I have . And Chris I know Ringo's are 1/2 wave , I said it " Reminded " me of one .

 

[Low_Boy]

I have one sitting here. The weather is just getting nice here and winter is over. So hopefully I will be putting it up soon.

 

[Eldorado828]

I have one sitting here. The weather is just getting nice here and winter is over. So hopefully I will be putting it up soon.

I'm curious, how's it look? The sigma guy said the tubing was a little thin, what do you think?

 

[oldtymer]

Cheaply made ? I'm tapping out ! As I watch my A-99 moving around in this wind we been having on this hill I live on last few days . I don't think that antenna would stand up . Besides " If it ain't broke , don't fix it ! " Guess I'll get a few more years out of what I have . And Chris I know Ringo's are 1/2 wave , I said it " Reminded " me of one .

I'm with you 357, my Imax 2000 has been 70' in the air for 18 years now and has
survived numerous ice from freezing rain,two hurricanes,and many events of 60+ mph
winds.No need to replace it.

 

[kopcicle]

the Imax

is a 5/8? well bend me over a chemical toilet and do me with a ditch witch...

 

[Wire Weasel]

Looks like designed by idiot.
All 5/8 antennas need radials. Imax is not a 5/8. End of story.
Mike