In my humble opinion the icom 7200 beats them both by a large margin. The IF DSP in the Icom Is a joy to listen to. If you get a chance to demo one give it a try. Mike w2waw

IMHO the Icom 7200 is by far the easiest and best rig for any digital work. One usb cord and some free software and you are on the air. Dont overlook it, its truly a great rig. Mike w2waw

Hello, I am currently using the 4btv with 6 radials per band and I have no guy wires. I did use the thick wall pvc and traded the stock antenna clamps for stainless bolts so the antenna would fit inside the pipe. I covered the bottom section with a pvc fence post cover ( square 5x5) that I found at lowes, I did use the recommended rf choke at the base of the vertical along with a 5 ft metal fence pole driven in the ground and an 8ft ground rod to tie the radials to. It has a 3x5 nylon flag and the best part is neighbors have made compliments(snicker). It was a fun project. Good luck. 73 Mike w2waw

If you get a chance, listen to an Icom 7200. It has a top notch receiver. IMHO. Good luck 73 mike w2waw

Thanks for the replys. 73 Mike w2waw

Hello, I was recently given a 1000ft spool of belden 7984A coax, it is marked 75 ohm direct burial, does anyone know if this has any use at feeding an hf antenna? Thanks for any help. Mike w2waw

Hello, I found a polarized connector that will handle ALOT of current at a local car stereo shop. If you have one in your town that may be a place to look. Mike w2waw

Thanks to all for the suggestions, I ended up making a mount that is bolted on the inside of the trunk, it comes through the side of the trunk between the trunk lid and the rear fender. I first tried it at highway speed and seemed to hold up fine and then I brought the rig out and managed to make a few contacts on 40 meters. I wont be breaking any pile-ups but it will pass the time on a long drive. Mike w2waw

Thanks Alan, after looking at your site I am a little embarrassed about my humble temporary mobile set-up. Do you think the stainless  brackets at a truckstop or radioshack, intended for a CB antenna would suffice (not Break)? That would be a very easy way out.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond. Mike w2waw

Hello to all here, In April i will be driving from upstate NY to Orlando Fl. I would like to take along my Icom 718 and a few hamsticks that I use portable(camping). I am looking for advice on mounts for a hamstick style antenna on a small car, 2009 chevy cobalt. I have seen many trunk lip mounts but I dont know if they can take the weight. I really would rather not drill any holes in the car so it needs to be a temporary solution. I have started to make a mount with an old bicycle rack but would like to pick some larger brains so I dont waste time and money. Thanks,w2waw.

Chris, If you can find any of the Kenwood hybrids for a decent price, they have proven to be good transceivers and will give you some experience with the tube finals. If you can't the ic718,735 would be good choices. Spend as much time and energy as you can on your antenna system, the radio is secondary. Have fun,73 w2waw

Thanks for the link, it was very helpful. Mike w2waw