Topband: Marconi vs. inverted L

[Craig D. Smith]

I'm starting to plan for the 160 meter contests.  I've used an inverted L in
the past with satisfactory results.  This is a LOW inverted L, the vertical
part being only 43 ft tall.  This year I'll be using a Marconi at least some
of the time - again with a 43 ft vertical segment and two top wires about 70
ft long each.  These two choices are all I can fit on my small lot, hence
the sub-optimal dimensions.  Both would be fed against a radial field of 32
radials from 30 to 80 ft long (again space constrained).  Due to antenna
restrictions, I need to take them down during the day and put them up at
dusk - actually a fairly fast operation!

Have spent a fair amount of time modeling these antennas.  As expected, the
Marconi shows up as better at low angles - about 3 db better in the
direction that is down on the inverted L due to its asymmetry and about
equal to the inverted L in the opposite direction.  Max radiation angle is
26 degrees for the Marconi vs. 30 degrees for the inverted L.  So I will
definitely use the Marconi when trying to maximize DX performance.

OK, now for the question for you folks.  As expected, the Marconi has a
vertical null whereas the inverted L has lots of high angle radiation.  The
two are equal at a vertical angle of 55 degrees, and above that the inverted
L is stronger.  The Marconi is down about 2 db at 60 degrees, 4 db at 70
degrees and 7 db at 75 degrees.  Above 75 degrees, the inverted L is 10 to
15 db better.  These numbers are for the direction not favored by the
inverted L.  My question is: is the better performance of the inverted L
above 60 degrees of any practical advantage for working close-in states?
Phrasing it another way, what are the optimal take-off angles on 160 for
working stations within a radius from 100 to 1000 miles?  I'm located in
Colorado, if that is any consideration.  

           Thanks and 73
                                ... Craig  AC0DS