[CQ-Contest] Ameritron AL-811 for Contesting, OK or not?

[Paul Roche]

I am exploring options for a cheap amp for CW contesting, choices are new
AL-811 with 572 tubes (about 700 watts out) or an old SB-220 that I have to
re-tube and provide the "standard mods" to (about 1 KW out).

Can an AL-811 handle contesting, say for 6 hour stretches at a time? (Family
reasons prevent more than this). I must stay CHEAP, and the AL-81 DOES cover
160, but I want a reliable amp for my first one.

Ideas?

Paul K3STX