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Reviews For: Hygain Explorer 14

Category: Antennas: HF: Yagi, Quad, Rotary dipole, LPDA

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Review Summary For : Hygain Explorer 14
Reviews: 22MSRP: 549.95
Description:
Broadband Tri-Bander Beam with 40 or 30 Meter Option. Covers 10/15/20 Meters. EXP-14 has a
unique Para-sleeve concept that optimizes edge-to-edge bandwidth.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.hy-gain.com/hy-gain/products.php?prodid=EXP-14
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15224.9
K2OID Rating: 2006-09-19
Built like a tank Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had my EX-14 up for 23 years now, and I've never seen an antenna like it. It has survived a major ice storm with no damage as well as two rotors, and there is no rust or corrosion. Its performance (particularly front to back ratio) is outstanding for a mid size tribander. I had it down this week because I needed a new roof, and I took the opportunity to replace all plastic parts (Hy-Gain sells a kit) even though the weathering damage was only cosmetic. I re-ran the SWR curves and they are essential identical to 23 years ago. It's far and away the ham purchase I've been most satisfied with.
W4YJ Rating: 2006-08-17
Excellent !! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I bought this antenna used nearly a year ago from a local ham and just got it put up this past April of 2006. It is up 40 feet on an aluminum tower and I can honestly say I have worked more dx with this antenna than I have with other antennas in the last 43 years! The swr curve is excellent and the gain is supurb! If you can get one of these you will not be disappointed!

73's
Steve W4SEF
N0PL Rating: 2006-08-03
Well worth the money! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had my EXP-14 for 10 years. Prior to the 14, I had a TH6-DXX. The 14 performs almost as well as the DXX and I'm not sure if there is a noticeable difference (I did not have them up at the same time so it perhaps is not a fair comparison).

If I move again, I will install another 14 and not the DXX.

It is an outstanding antenna.
WE5ET Rating: 2006-01-07
Better than expected! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This is the first beam I ever owned. Took some time to assemble but once up I have had no problem. It is up about 45 ft. in the air and I can’t believe the signals I get. I do not have the 40 meter add on but hope to in the future. I would recommend this antenna to anyone. If you are looking for a smaller tribander try this one!
N9QZD Rating: 2004-03-14
Exceeded my expectations Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
This antenna rocks! It is kind of a bugger to assemble compared to other designs, but it is well constructed. I have the 40 meter kit and it works fantastic. Antenna at 65 feet. If you need a smallish tribander, this one is worth a look.
VA6MJT Rating: 2003-03-28
Nice antenna Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I purchased this antenna used in November 2002. Put up a tower on a city lot, Dec. 17th 2002. As a new HAM I was excited to get to working DX. Exactly one month (not contesting) I worked 130 countries. I run 100 watts and the tower / antenna is 42' high. I do not have one complaint with it however some of the neighbors seemed to find one (smile). Even as a used antenna (like new still in box), I tried to get new copy of manual off the Hy-Gain website. They had removed this model, I e-mail Hy-Gain. The next day received a reply asking for address. Two weeks later brand new manual arrived at no charge to me. I am impressed with Hy-Gain because this was not a new purchase and they did not owe this for no charge. I am impressed and will support Hy-Gain in the future of my antennas because of that.
Good quality hardware holding this together and I know I will have many years of dx'ing.
I am happy with this antenna and have done comparisons with others in the city and fair as well. Great antenna.
AA4XR Rating: 2003-01-04
Great Antenna! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
As an avid DX'er, and big fan of KLM yagi's, I put up the Explorer to hold me over while rebuilding my KT-34XA. After a couple of days on the air with it the KLM was sold!
The antenna is at a very modest 40 ft and has been maintenance & trouble free since it was put up. With it I've pushed my confirmed country total to 343 with relative ease and have cracked most pile-ups with one call. As a further test I decided to work QRP DXCC and managed to log 116 countries in a mere 25 hours while running 4 watts into the Explorer.
A beautiful antenna for the city lot DX'er!
W6WF Rating: 2002-11-18
Works for me Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have had mine for about 20 years...works quite well 10-40m and on 12 and 17 thru a tuner....good sigs reports on 12m off the "back" of the beam. If I can hear them I can work them.
N2ERN Rating: 2002-11-18
Great! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Honor Roll with this antenna at 40 ft. (Yes, I run a linear). I have the 40 M add-on also, and it works great, plus I have a Hy-Gain DB-1217 12 feet above it. which ceates a very small increase in SWR on 20 M, but is not objectionable. I have owned this antenna since 1984. It was originally installed on an old chimney and I worked my first 280 with that setup.

It's a fine antenna!
KL7IPV Rating: 2001-10-15
Great antenna Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had the Explorer 14 antenna in the air for 18 years now. It resides in the heat of the Vegas area now but also spent 16 years in extreme heat and cold (+95 to -20) in the Colorado Springs area. It has never failed to get me a station I really wanted to work. It has gotten me thru pile ups to stations even when the calling stations were numerous. I have never run over 100 watts and with this antenna I see no reason to in the future.
73
Frank
KL7IPV