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Reviews For: Radio Wavz Scout 20-10 Multi Band Antenna

Category: Antennas: HF: Verticals; Wire; Loop

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Review Summary For : Radio Wavz Scout 20-10 Multi Band Antenna
Reviews: 1MSRP: 289.95
Description:
Radio Wavz Scout 20-10 Multi Band Antenna. This is an omni antenna. Great for an attic!! Improve broadband response! Performs well at lower heights. Small physical foot print. Covers 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m Gain 4.89 dBi Dimensions 8ft Diameter of Beam 12ft Hieght of beam 6" Weight 10lbs Wind load < 1 sq. ft. Power handling 600w SSB 100w CW
Product is in production
More Info: http://https://shop.radiowavz.com/SCOUT-20-10-RW-SCOUT-20-10.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0013
KY4TS Rating: 2018-04-02
Good antenna, not so good customer service Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
As far as the antenna goes, it works really well. I have a really good antenna analyzer, so that helped speed things up a bit while setting up the antenna for the first time. I used it at the 2017 field day with the anticipation that I would have it set up for 10-15-20 meters, and could switch bands if conditions were bad and contacts sparse. I started the event on 20 meters and never left that band. It received signals as well as a rigid 20 meter dipole I had set up for reference. I also had no problems getting through pile ups and holding a frequency running my own pile up.
When taking the antenna down, transporting it to a new location and setting it back up, the settings were repeatable and no retuning was necessary. All in all, a good antenna with a small footprint.
Now for the bad part; dealing with the company. I purchased the antenna from a distributor, and it arrived on time and packaged well. I had a few questions in the initial set up and sent an email to their support section. I also ordered (and paid for) the 40 meter add on kit. 2 days went by, no reply on my tech question, but they did charge my credit card. I never received a confirmation of my order or shipping notice. A week went by. Then 2. Then 3. So I emailed again asking about the status of my order. No response. By this time it would be too late to have it by Field Day. No worries, I had an end fed long wire for lower frequencies. But another week passed with no response. So I called the sales line and left a message with my phone number, and sent another email. Nothing. After 2 months I made a few more calls and sent more emails. Nothing. After 3 months I was able to actually reach someone at Radio Wavz by calling every department they had. The lady I spoke to was very nice, but she gave me some story about manufacturing issues and promised that they were getting some prepared as we spoke and I would have one by the following week. Then, back to no responses and no delivery for a few more weeks. More emails, more calls, more nothing. Finally I called and reached her again. This time I told her to cancel my order and refund my credit card. She said this would be done and offered to send me the kit anyway. No, I said, I just want my money back. She assured me this would be done and it would appear in a week. After a week, then two, nothing. More calls, messages and emails. Finally she called me back, blamed it on their credit card processor and said she would send out a check. That took another 3weeks and a few calls. All total, about 7 months for this experience.
In summary, the antenna is good, I'll give it a 4, only because MFJ makes the same thing for less, it works just as well and they have a better 40 meter kit. Really. A friend of mine bought one and loves it.
The company I give a 2 because of the terrible customer service.
Caveat emptor, YMMV.