Topband: VERTICAL ANTENNA MATCHING

[Mr. and Mrs. Magoo]

There have been quite a number of posts recently requesting info on how to 
match an inverted "L" or a short vertical.  Most of the responses suggest 
one method or another, but I have seen very few suggesting using an inductor 
at the base to ground, tapped down for resonance and up from ground for 50 
ohms.  Same thing on ON4UN's book-I believe there is one reference to this 
method of matching but many using L-networks and ununs.  What is the issue 
here: efficiency?

I always thought that this method worked all right, particularly if the 
antenna was longer than 1/8 wavelength and top loading made it possible to 
use a very small inductor at the base.  The bonus seems to be that such a 
configuration makes the antenna somewhat quieter on receive and may offer a 
measure of protection from Thor.

Comments?

Bill, VE3CSK