A blast with masts - comparing the Haverford and Maintrac telescopic poles

[@Aussat]

Thanks for the info, didn't know anything about Maintrac as I purchased a 12mtr Spiderbeam direct, not cheap but they are a good mast as I got 2 in the end one at home and one for portable however they are heavy!

[@zl2neb]

I've always been interested in seeing a SpiderBeam mast. They have some nice looking gear. Neither the Haverford or the Maintrac are very light. The Maintrac is certainly easier to get in NZ and does seem to be a more robust construction. I am considering looking at one of the shorter SotaBeams masts which aren't too badly priced and pack down a bit better.

[@philhayward8696]

Thanks for the video, quite informative. I have always wondered about the big masts but can't see that it would be a lot of fun carting up to the top of Summits. I have recently bought a SOTABeams Carbon 6. It is self standing with the use of one spike, light and small and can be erected in approx 2 minutes....seriously 2 minutes. It only takes light wire antennas and only gets the wire up to 15 foot off the ground, but it works. Horses for courses I guess. Cheers Phil ZL3CC

[@zl2neb]

Thanks Phil, Carrying the larger mast isn't too much of a problem but your description of erecting the Carbon 6 is pretty attractive. I'm thinking about getting one of their Tactical masts - maybe the heavy duty 7m one? They aren't badly priced and the technique I have now for setting them up is relatively quick (not as fast as you though). I'm only using lightweight wire and generally always some sort of endfed - dipoles seem like a bit too much extra work for me! Cheers, Nick

[@philhayward8696]

@@zl2neb Hold that thought Nick. All with good luck and a fair wind I have intentions of doing an article today comparing my 2 SOTABeam poles...the Tactical Mini and the newly acquired Carbon 6. When done I shall post you a link. Cheers Phil