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Reviews For: Buddistick Portable Vertical

Category: Antennas: HF Portable (not mobile)

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Review Summary For : Buddistick Portable Vertical
Reviews: 63MSRP: $125.00
Description:
Designed as a multi-band, portable antenna for 40m - 10m, the Buddistick™ is an excellent performer with any rig up to 250 watts.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.buddipole.com/buddistick.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00634.7
WF8O Rating: 2009-05-07
Excellent choice for a Portable Antenna Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Yesterday, less than 48 hours after my order, I received my Buddistick Antenna. After about 15 minutes I had it installed on the railing of my deck. Following the simple directions included, the antenna tuned up on 20M PSK portion of the band with 1:1 match - no tuner needed! The deluxe package is worth the extra money. I also had contacts on 40M and 30M PSK likewise without any hassle! This antenna will not beat a tuned dipole at 40 feet, but it is just the ticket for a portable setup IMHO.
KV4AN Rating: 2009-04-18
PERFECT FOR PORTABLE OPS Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
The antenna package is perfect for portable ops. What sold me was the thought that went into the package, which consists of a nice zippered nylon carrying case, two whips (one is a spare), coil, mount, vice clamp, coil clips, and counterpoise. I added a $8 mini-tripod and a $1 sewing tape measure and felt I had everything necessary to take it portable.

As one other reviewer said, it is very "fussy" and both the antenna and counterpoise needs to be elevated to get a good SWR. A mini-tuner would be perfect.

My first QSO was on 20 meters with a DX station in Portugal.

The explanation of how to setup and tune the antenna was not detailed enough. Needs diagrams and they should have included a card with typical tap points and more explanation of the counterpoise, how critical the length is, and how it shouldn't be close to the ground.
K6KEB Rating: 2009-04-17
Great product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I set up this antenna on my deck railing, rolled out 31 feet of radial wire, turned on my radio, tuned into the Reno, NV noon net and had S-7 to S-9 reception. It was great.

I live in a canyon in the Santa Cruz, CA. mountains so was very surprised to reach anybody, much less Reno.

I now have a complete portable HF system in a double briefcase. A Kenwood TS-50, power supply, antenna tuner and a buddistick antenna. All I need is power and I am on the air in minutes.

Thanks for the great product

Dallas
K6KEB
KB2CWN Rating: 2009-02-11
Excellent Alternative Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
If space or restrictions are a main concern, or you just like protable operation, this antenna is the one! I own this antenna now for a month. I needed a stealth setup due to restrictions. I read review after review of the Buddiestick and MP1 and decided to try it out. I havent had any problems with its operation or set up. Tuning is fairly easy. I have broken through pileups on 40 and I am never "not heard". Signal reports between 5X5 to 5X8. And the best part, when Im done I simply wrap it up and bring it inside. A great antenna for the price and size. It wont out do a dipole in a tree or a yagi on your tower, but it got my back on the air with a great signal. Worth the money hands down!
AE5EH Rating: 2008-09-28
REV 1-Fine product. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Out of all the little radio trinkets I've bought through the year, this is still one of my favorites, and to me, one of the best values going for a portable HF antenna.

Yes, as with the previous poster, you do not need the analyzer to tune this antenna.

Of course one could build their own version of this antenna and others like it that would more or less do the same thing. One could also go to the wilderness and hunt down/procure their meal for the day and prepare it. I care to do neither, but you might enjoy that, and if so, knock yourself out.

For those having trouble with this fine, inexpensive portable antenna, some rudimentary antenna, and transmission line theory is in order. Or, if you are the lonely/gregarious type maybe the yahoo "BUG", or "HF PACK" groups will get you more comfortable.


And if you happen to see Budd and his son at a show somewhere, stop by and say hello to them. They are fine people.

Terry-AE5EH
KD8ENP Rating: 2008-09-03
This Antenna Lives up to its Reputation Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This thing is really easy to set up. You don't even need an analyzer or tuner. Having both of these things will save time, but you can get by without them. Like everything else in this hobby, it takes some practice and PATIENCE.

I also love how portable it is, the bag it goes into is tiny. My only other advice is, get the deluxe package, that way, you get everything you need to get started.

I got the one with the clamp, which is really nice on my balcony railing or at the end of a picnic table. The clamp should probably be bigger, since I have encountered a few picnic tables that are too thick, but we're hams, we improvise.

I give it a 5 because when you consider the price, performance, size, and ease of setup, this antenna really delivers. I don't think anyone else makes a comparable product. I should also mention that they were really friendly and helpful on the phone when I called with a question about my order.
KB8AOB Rating: 2008-04-14
Great vertical and very portable Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I use an old photo tripod to raise the feed point and elevate the counterpoise off the ground and it works wonders. Why did I wait so long to buy this gem!
KI6ADA Rating: 2008-03-11
First time QRP user Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have owned the Buddistick since Christmas. It's probably the best ham radio present this past year.
When setting up the antenna use your ears and follow your SWR meter. I have found if you tune first with your ears and adjust the counterpoise second with your SWR meter. You can have great RST using QRP. I have gotten many WOW from different contacts using 2.5 watts and 5 watts. All contacts were SSB phone. I live in California and I can work the Pacific Rim (Japan, Alaska, Hawaii and Central America) with 5 watts. I have contacted the USA East Coast with 2.5 watts. The most recent contact was Dominican Republic with 2.5 watts.
Like the saying goes in Amateur Radio, "It's all about your antenna". My other favorite saying is "If You Can Hear Them, Work Them"!
I have received great customer service from Budd. If you have a question, He will help you find the answer. I want to purchase the Deluxe Dipole. The purchase will include another review.

Get outside and go PORTABLE!
Steve-KI6ADA
K6USN Rating: 2008-02-05
Two thumbs up! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
What more can I add to the previous reviews? I purchased this antenna directly from Budd at his factory in Redding CA, as I live nearby. His enthusiasm is contageous, and he is truly behind his products, always experimenting with new designs and concepts.
I purchased the Buddipole for portable use when traveling around the South Pacific (I hold ham calls in the Cook Islands and Australia).
From balconies, I use the Buddistick configuration with great results for DXing. The Buddipole is better for NVIS work when mounted at low heights. Each has it's place. This set up is fully comparable with my Outbacker portable system, and at a fraction of the cost.
I do use an antenna analyzer (AEA) and it speeds the fine tuning in different settings.
A fine product, and great service and support from
Budd.
Allen K6USN
MM30 Rating: 2008-02-03
Great for portable work! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using this vertical along with my FT-817 and 5 watts out to the antenna. I have only used SSB and have been impressed with the performance. This antenna can be a bit fussy if you don't have a analyzer. I solved this by making up index cards with all the settings that I operate under. (e.g., See below)

20 meters: 52 1/2 inches of whip, coil turn 15 and 9 and a half feet of radial.

You will have to find out what works best for you and realize that the antenna will resonate differently depending on how and where you mount it. It's a great antenna and I highly recommend it for portable or people with restrictions. At about 175.00 it's a great deal. 73 Mike KC2PLJ (life is to short to run 1 kw or more...no challenge)