Dam! Sounds remarkably like a 'J'-pole, doesn't it??
- 'Doc
Depends on where you begin listening to the discussion and at what point you jump out.
The J-pole is simply a 1/2 wave monopole with a very large 1/4 wave matching stub.
The Sigma differentiates itself by having a Gamma Match for impedance matching instead of what is arguably the largest matching network relative to antenna size out there, and a 1/4 wave lower cage that contains phase inversion within it while producing in-phase currents on the outside of the cage/cone that contributes to the at-the-horizon RF radiation.
The J-pole is a 1/2 wave monopole.
The V4k is a 3/4, or longer, end fed monopole based on the iteration employed without the out-of-phase lower end currents characteristic of other end fed monopole antennas that exceed 1/2 wavelength long.
As far as additional gain is concerned, that would be simply the function of the additional overall length of the V4k if nothing else. Perhaps it is simply that there is more of what matters down there where folks live - on the horizon.
Whether one chooses to accept the CST plot or not is the privilege of the individual. I have seen similar resistance to Eznec modeling, and Ezbob modeling on this forum no matter the antennas in question.
Good questions are being asked, and I am watching to see if the answers supplied awaken any additional understanding in my middle-aged brain.
What I do accept is my personal experience with this antenna.
Something accounts for the improved performance of theV4k over other antennas set to both the same bottom and top heights. We look to technological data, ie science, for explanations, yet resist the available explanations when they coincide with the experiences of those who've gone the additional step of mounting the antenna and proving the data empirically.
What I have learned along the way with many other things is if someone dislikes a thing and your experience supports their predisposition, you are right, however, when your experience does not support the predisposition of others, then you are wrong.
I have had some tell me the 6' radials on the A99 were the cat's meow. When I added them they provided absolutely no detectable difference for me. I don't see them as anything more than an unnecessary expense. On the other hand, I believe all verticals benefit from a good GP system. Now, whichever way you see it I have either just been affirmed, or disallowed as ignorant.
So, in fairness, I promise that if you agree with me I'll
like you when you say something I agree with. . .