My Go-Kit HF antenna system is a SteppIR CrankIR https://consumer.steppir.com/shop/vertical-antennas/crankir-80m-2m-vertical-antenna-package/which is an awsome antenna, but is over 14 Lbs and takes a while to deploy. When mosquitos and beach flies are trying to bite you, the complexity becomes a liability.
Especially with an eye towards some US Island activations I have been looking for a smaller package that setups up quickly.
The Feb. 2024 QST review of the REZ Antenna System caught my eye. https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/rez-rngr80pd-od#TechArticleArea
So I have bought one, with three different mounting systems (clamp, spike and tripod), a spare whip, and the extra radials.
DX Engineering
REZ-GSPIKE – Ground Spike https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/rez-gspike
REZ-RNGR80PD-G – The Ranger 80 Kit, Portable, 80-10m, 200W SSB/100W Digital, Tripod, HD Whip, Radial Kit & Grey Backpack https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/rez-rngr80pd-g
REZ Antenna Systems
Light-Duty Telescoping Whip SKU: TW10 https://www.rezantenna.com/product-page/light-duty-telescoping-whip
[Z]QD Radial Expansion Kit SKU: ZQD-RK https://www.rezantenna.com/product-page/radial-expansion-kit
Amazon
Antenna Quick Release Clamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785MC7VH
All told about a 6-7 Lb package including the backpack, and is said to deploy much quicker.
Out of pocket for the REZ Antenna System setup is about half that of the SteppIR CrankIR. (My CrankIR Posts are at https://k9zw.wordpress.com/?s=CrankIR )
Would seem than an antenna shoot-out is in the works between the two setups!
73
Steve
K9ZW
With Varying Frequency - Amateur Radio Ponderings 