[SCCC] 160m Antennas

[Bill Shell N6WS]

Hello All,

I am wondering what type of antenna everyone is using on 160m. The 160m 
antennas I have used has changed several times through the years.  In 
the order of my changes through the years, I have used:

1) Half-wave inverted-V mounted at 55ft.
2) Base loaded vertical about 30ft tall.
3) Center loaded (L) half-sloper fed at 55ft (overall about 70ft long).
4) Inverted-L with the top at 55ft, and the far end on a 40ft pole.
5) Full Quarter-wave sloper at fed at 40ft.
6) Cushcraft MA160V 36ft vertical, elevated 5ft.

With each change of antennas, I saw what I thought was an improvement in 
performance on 160m.  The last change to the Cushcraft vertical really 
motivated me to see what I could do to improve my 160m performance.  I 
have only had the vertical up and operating for the last two weeks, but 
since the change to this antenna I have been hearing and working 
European stations almost every evening.  I think the vertical helped in 
the ARRL CW Contest working the Caribbean, South America, and Asia.  The 
only EU and AF stations I worked in the contest were CU and EA8, but I 
didn't have to struggle in the pileups.  Because of this new antenna I 
have been spending more time on 160m, which may account for my presence 
on the band during the chance openings, but whatever the reason, I'm 
enthused about working DX on 160m.

Because of this increased enthusiasm in working DX on 160m, I want to 
try phased verticals.  I ordered a second MA160V which I will space 
120ft from the first, and phase them with the broadside to EU.  This 
will also give me end-fire cardioid patterns to South America and Asia.  
I am hoping this will improve my ability to work DX during the upcoming 
sunspot minimum.

I guess I should add information on my equipment inside the shack.  I 
use a Yaesu FTDX5000MP and an Expert 2K-FA.  Another piece of equipment 
I sometimes find helpful on 160m is the MFJ-1026 Noise Canceller.

Ok, that outlines my experiences and near term antenna plan with 
operating on 160m.  What I am curious about is what others are using on 
160m, and their possible experience with other types of antennas.

So, my question is, what antenna(s) are you using on 160m, and if you 
had the resources (land & dollars) what would you migrate to to improve 
your Contesting and DXing on 160m?

TU es 73,
Bill
N6WS