Hmmm...The Maco is 21 ft and the Sigma is 24 ft in length. Not exactly the same design to reach the same 5/8 resonance. By calculations, 5/8 would need to be 21' 6" approx for 11 meters - btw. The 24 ft antenna is mechanically resonant to a 5/8 wave on 12 meters - approx. Obviously then, they have done the same thing a different way to get 5 db gain. They are both good for 10-12 meter (approx) and both are outstanding antennas in build and function. Pretty good price for the V 58 BTW, as Bells CB wants $120 PLUS shipping. Are they for real? Both places you mentioned have great prices on these; I would go with the Maco because of the known quality, proven design, only 21 ft, and price. Both look good though, but the SHIPPING will be a deal killer. Which one offers the best shipping price?
Rag Chew:
When I bought my 'Archer' ('Radio Shack') 5/8 wave years ago, I pad $38 for it including tax. Awesome, but cheap antenna. Used it for ten years and sold it after I got a single quad and rotor. Sigh, I miss that cheap ol antenna. Sure would like to find another just like it - I'd still give em $35 for it in a heartbeat. Say what you will about the 'Rat Shack', but that was a good antenna. Talked all kinds of skip all over the US with that thing. My Dad was aghast that I was hitting so many places in the US and even Hawaii! I recently found a 1/2 wave Rat Shack antenna at a local garage sale just down the street, and paid $15 for it with the 'Tandy' RG8/U. The cable is still good, although I put on a piece of Belden RG8/U and put all new stainless bolts, nuts, and screws on it. Got a 1.15:1 match; but I would like to find a 5/8 wave because of the way it works with skip.
