[TowerTalk] C3E vs EF-420S or EF-420

[Dick Green WC1M]

> The bottom line for me always has been  "Can the JA's (or other DX
> stations) tell the difference?" when contemplating  any kind of antenna
change.
> In this  case I'd have to say no so it's a  pretty marginal decision.

I must respectfully disagree. I've had a C3E and an EF-420 for quite a few
years and would, without hesitation, recommend the EF-420 over the C3E. It
always seems like there's a lot more than 2 dB difference in gain between
the two. I've cracked many a pileup with the EF-420 that I couldn't budge
with the C3E. The difference in F/B is dramatic, of course. 

It really depends on what you plan to do with the antenna. If you're
primarily interested in DXing and casual QSOs, then the C3E is perfectly
adequate. But if you're into contesting, the EF-420 is the way to go. As
N6BV says, every 2 dB lets you work another layer of stations.

I can't really comment on the EF-420S, but if you can afford the bigger
antenna and can get it up the tower, then go for it.

73, Dick WC1M