A POLL ON POLES: High marks for an antenna support for the field

In the past, I’ve noted that nothing matches the Wonderpole that I know of – 40 feet tall and 3/4 inches at the top – but it's neither light (at about 8 lbs) nor short when collapsed (about 8 feet). So having something smaller and more portable has its advantages.

From what I have seen, this Jackite pole is the best of the bunch in the smaller pole category. It comes in your choice of colors, black or orange. That’s good if you don't want someone tripping over it and bad if you don't want your neighbors to see it!.



	A POLL ON POLES: High marks for an antenna support for the field
		By David Yarnes, W7AQK Special to The ARS Sojourner
October, 2005 From time to time the subject of antenna poles creeps into the QRP / Portable conversation. A recent visit to the Williams, AZ hamfest provided some grist for shedding light on the challenge of getting wire into the air when there are no natural or man-made structures around. At Williams, I got a close look at a 31 foot pole from an outfit called Jackite. This pole is a tad shorter than the MFJ (which is supposedly 33 feet), but much sturdier at the top. Not like the Wonderpole is, but still much sturdier. And it's much cheaper than the MFJ or DK9SQ. In the past, I’ve noted that nothing matches the Wonderpole that I know of – 40 feet tall and 3/4 inches at the top – but it's neither light (at about 8 lbs) nor short when collapsed (about 8 feet). So having something smaller and more portable has its advantages. From what I have seen, this Jackite pole is the best of the bunch in the smaller pole category. It comes in your choice of colors, black or orange. That’s good if you don't want someone tripping over it and bad if you don't want your neighbors to see it!. The Jackite sells for $55, or about 1/3 less than the MFJ pole. Shipping is a flat $9. Collapsed, it's exactly the same size as the MFJ pole. Now, if you are part of the "1 is good, but 2 is better" crowd, let me tell you how to order 2 poles. Order 1 pole on their website at www.jackite.com. Then watch your e-mail closely for the next 30 minutes to an hour. You might receive a confirmation of your order (you did give them your e-mail address didn't you?), and another e-mail offering a 25 percent discount and no additional shipping cost if you place your order in the next 30 minutes.This allows them to combine your order I guess. So, the second pole only costs about $41 total – that’s half of what an MFJ pole costs. If you want two poles, or two of you want one pole each, this is the way to do it. A word of caution: I ordered a second pole well within the 30 minute timeframe, but supposedly my second order "didn't register." But I called them a couple of days later to inquire (they said they never received my second order), and they agreed to give me the 25 percent discount and ship the second pole for $4. Apparently the first pole had already gone out. Anyway, I was happy enough. The first pole arrived very quickly. The second took longer, but they are both here, and I really like the quality. It's worth checking out. * * * * * * * * * * Dave Yarnes,W7AQK, is an avid field operator, veteran QRPer and top flight operator living in Tuscon, AZ.