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Reviews For: SOTAbeams Band Hopper III

Category: Antennas: HF Portable (not mobile)

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Review Summary For : SOTAbeams Band Hopper III
Reviews: 4MSRP: $68.20
Description:
20/30/40M Link dipole with winders and carrying case.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.sotabeams.co.uk/band-hopper-iii-three-band-linked-dipole/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0045
NN1Q Rating: 2020-05-01
Simply the best Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned the SOTAbeams Band Hopper since 12/2015. I have used it monthly since that time and in 4.5 years the only damage to it is a little frayed edge to the nylon bag from some Velcro I applied. It is the ONLY antenna I have ever received actual SWR results as promised. SWR 1-1.5 across the 20,30,40 bands. (I rarely use 30.). I use it now mostly with their 23 FT fiberglass mast that has held up for 4.5 years without any need for painters tape. Well done!
KG6LI Rating: 2018-12-08
Great Antenna Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
So this has been my "go-to" antenna for both SOTA and POTA activation's. Matched with the 7000hds mast this antenna is up in no time. I use it with the FT-817nd and it never fails to get great reports. Fits nicely in the pack and is light weight.
NO6E Rating: 2017-08-21
Light weight and easy Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
The Band Hopper uses short alligator-clip links to select 20, 30 or 40M. It's quick to change bands. No antenna tuner is required. Coax feedline terminates in BNC connector. It's inexpensive, and the three winders included with it make setting up and taking down a snap.
K2FI Rating: 2016-08-08
Brilliant portable linked dipole Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This review is for the 20-30-40 meter versions of the SOTAbeams Band Hopper.

I operate strictly portable, usually QRP, and the Band Hopper is possibly my favorite portable antenna. It's very lightweight, easy to deploy as either a diple or inverted vee, pre-tuned, and includes coax (RG-174) with a BNC connector, and an integrated balun. No tuner necessary or antenna analyzer is necessary. I've used this antenna on the beach, slung from trees on the trail, and with an extended pole next to my car, and I've had both SSB and CW QSOs with good signal reports with my Mountain Topper 3b, FT-817nd, and Icom 706.

The band jumpers use alligator clips, so it's easy to switch bands. Since the antenna is rated for 125 watts, you aren't limited to QRP (see above about the Icom, which I run at 100W).

The one minor downside is that even with the included winders, it can be a little annoying to get it all away. It doesn't take much time though. I'm usually on the air within 5 minutes and packed up within 10 minutes.

I love this antenna. It's perfect for hiking, camping, the beach, basically anywhere where I'm likely to operate portably.