Best Roll Up J-Pole, Slim Jim VHF/UHF Antenna? Ed Fong Vs. RadioWavz Tested

Antenna battle between two popular roll-up Jpole ham radio antennas. Which will win?
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[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The fishing rod can be found here: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeTdGy3 (This is an affiliate code)

[@Jacobaer]

puting an conductive material (carbon fibre) next to an antenna seems not like an good idea to me. better look for an fishing rod without carbon.

[@notshared2543]

What was the snr for the rubber duck antenna?

[@realtyrocks1969]

" I can see how that's a fishing rod" -Ben He's going places. 💡

[@firewaterforgeofarizona4304]

I had one made by n9tax. It literally saved my life, twice! That antenna combined with a ft60 was able to get into repeaters out in a Wilderness Area for a medical extraction. There's no way I could have made it into the repeaters without it. Right now, I have one on the top of my radio antenna mast, about 33 ft up in the air. It's in a section of PVC painted gray to blend in with the sky. Works just as good as any antenna I could possibly get.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Well you sold me. I’ll test it!

[@BluegrassFilmsKY]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I look forward to it. I bought one a couple years ago for use on SAR deployments but haven't tested it yet.

[@Locksnut]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse , I also have the N9TAX dual band on a fiberglass mast used mostly as a base antenna. One thing you may want to check that I’ve encountered is they all are slightly directional. 73

[@k5wxp22]

Great story, and glad you are ok! I have had mine for nearly 10 years. In and out of my suitcase while traveling, hang it near the window of my hotel room, and hit local repeaters with ease with a cheapo HT. The Ed Fong does appear to be "smoother" in terms of sharp edges vs. The N9tax, though. May have to try one out for fun.

[@user-ud8zm1re3y]

I use a N9TAX as my primary 2m antenna on my property. Hoisted about 60 feet up a hickory tree and I can hit all the local repeaters, always been happy with it. I bought a backup a few months ago in case it fails from being out in the elements but it's been outside for nearly 2 years now and still truckin'.

[@darrellcollins877]

I had mine up for 5 years, no problemo

[@cmillerphotos]

Just curious if you sealed up that little bit of bare wire at the top of just ran with it? I just got one of these myself and currently have it hanging up inside since my HOA won't allow antennas. And my unit (townhouse) doesn't have attic access. I'm can hit a repeater about 20 miles away with my HT so it does pretty good, but still churning my brain to figure a way to get it outside. 🙂

[@user-ud8zm1re3y]

@@cmillerphotos Nope, that wire is exposed, no sealing. I'm lucky to not have a HOA so I have wires and ropes strung everywhere and I intentionally use white paracord so I can see where stuff is. A friend of mine does live under an HOA, he ran a cable outside around the back of his property, buried the line out to some trees at the edge of his property and then hoisted into a tree with some dark green paracord. It's really hard to see. If your immediate neighbors are chill, and won't narc on you, you could probably make it work. Good luck!

[@benwilliams3191]

link to the fishing pole

[@Sean-AI7EQ]

My favorite roll-up 2m antennas are the ones I build for fun. Doing a build with a group of hams tonight too.

[@HR4NT]

I have to agree, I think the Ed Fong is the way to go. Great video Josh! 73

[@LevyCarneiro]

Would you have a link for the fishing pole? I have a N9TAX slim jim but don't have the other ones to compare. Thanks!

[@Cephalon_Shade]

Personally, I have the N9TAX labs 2m/70cm roll up antenna. And It'd be one antenna I would like to see be compared against the Ed-Fong antenna.

[@u2fanforever1]

I have the same. Great antenna

[@BluegrassFilmsKY]

Same. I haven't used mine yet but the reviews are outstanding.

[@jamesvickery308]

I have the N9TAX also. Great antenna. I would like to see a comparison of the Marcus Antennas 2m70cm to these, especially since the MA rolls and fits inside a Ziplock sandwich bag.

[@davidhume2842]

My N9TAX makes night and difference between my Nagoya NA-771. While the Nagoya is great, the N9TAX is amazing. Carry some throw line and get it high and man oh man is it great.

[@Brian-WR1W]

I had an N9TAX hanging from my chimney (until my wife saw it) and it was exceptional at picking up repeaters that I couldn't reach with any other antenna.

[@bpharing]

Do you have recommendation for the extendable pole to go with the antenna?

[@DaveWickertAE7TD]

How does this compare to the N9TAX rollup j-pole? It has been my go-bag antenna for years.

[@mainetomass99]

N9TAX for the win!

[@444DG]

Hi Josh, do you have a link for that collapsible pole? I have been unable to find one like that. Thanks for the great vid.

[@bobkonkel6344]

I do like my N9TAX wire ladder j-pole. Really reaches out….

[@MattCoversTech]

Same, just left a comment above. I hope he tests that as well and compares it with these. I have two of them.

[@GunsandRadios]

But did he catch a Pokémon???

[@ahoward2kable]

I have neither. I use a n9tax rollup. I'd like to try an ed fong

[@kennethherring2918]

I too bought the N9TAX version to add to my portable antenna collection.

[@davidh5645]

Do you have a link for the pole you were using?

[@trueblueblooded4976]

The performance of the N9TAX dual band roll up J pole is on par with the Ed Fong in my experience.

[@Pigeon__Man]

Ah could have got the N9TAX in there too. Although it also uses ladder line but the wider stuff

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Could have if I paid for it, sure. 😅

[@apollyon138]

I get pretty good results from the N9TAX dual band roll up jpole. Want to try the Ed Fong also.

[@johnkreno2488]

I use an N9TAX as my primary antenna for 2M/70cM, and it performs well high in a tree.

[@GunsandRadios]

I was looking at that one or the Ed fong

[@johnkreno2488]

@@GunsandRadios Having not actually handled the Ed Fong antenna, I would say, if your primary use is on the go rapid deployment, I think I might favor the Ed Fong, but at least for my needs the N9TAX seems to be much more solidly constructed for long term installation.

[@tedfedor1609]

I have 2 N9TAX... One in my field bag and one that I use at home as a stealth antenna in an HOA townhouse situation. Excellent performance, would love to have seen it's performance in Josh's test. And at 28.99 vs 45.00... Cost effective

[@jimcorbin6905]

I have both the Ed Fong and the N9TAX. I use the Ed Fong at home and the N9TAX for my go bag. Both are pretty well equal.

[@dougdaniels]

I have the Ed Fong. Quality product and also contributes to his student program. A good addition for many environments, especially POTA and SOTA, is the Sotabeams 2m band pass filter.

[@richiec7602]

I have a GMRS license and have an HT radio. Sorry to say that I don’t have a Ham license but I still like watching your videos. I have a roll up N9TAX j-pole antenna outside my house designed for GMRS and MURS. My HOA will not allow any big antennas on the roof so I can hide the j-pole. it looks very similar to the Ed Fong antenna in your video. N9TAX Labs sells these antennas for ham radio frequencies as well. Have you tried one of theirs?

[@sammiller6631]

Ed Fong makes GMRS antennas too.

[@TimRedman]

I have both of them. The DBJ-2 rollup version stays in my go bag with my HT, and the DBJ-1 base version is my semi-permanent home antenna for my IC-2730A. Love them both.

[@problemwithauthority]

agree

[@phillyedhrj]

Did you both go fishing after filming? Lol

[@ColeDedhand]

After searching around for a couple of weeks for diy designs vs commercial antennas vs niche producers it came down to a diy dipole or the Ed Fong j-pole. I settled on the Ed Fong dual-band pvc design for my attic. I'll probably still build a dual-band dipole just for the diy experience.

[@bassmanjr100]

When I was a brand new ham I purchased the Ed Fong rollup to give my Boofwang :) a bit more kick to a distant repeater. I had some trouble with it (totally my fault not the antenna). I sent Ed an email and he responded immediately and said call him and he helped me out. Don't know anything about the other antenna but Ed was very helpful on the customer service side as well. Good antenna, good guy.

[@dovetomarc]

I have the N9TAX. Fantastic Antenna. ! Would like to see Josh test it.

[@MattCoversTech]

I hope you revisit this and test the popular N9TAX labs dual band J Pole. I got one, and was so pleased with the performance I bought a second. I'm able to get approx. 45 miles away on a 5 watt HT.

[@johnkaelberer237]

The N9TAX is a fantastic antenna, and at a much better price point. I'd like to see it included in a test also.

[@sammiller6631]

@@johnkaelberer237 N9TAX is cheap because it has no warranty. Ed Fong offers lifetime warranty. I'll pay more for that.

[@W0BNC]

@@sammiller6631 I was having some issues with my DBJ-1 last week and sent Dr. Fong an email asking some questions. About 15 minutes later my phone rang, he decided to just call me and help me figure it out. I'll pay a little extra for that too!

[@sammiller6631]

@@W0BNC Never heard of any other antenna maker contacting customers like that. Considering that N9TAX charges less, maybe he doesn't think it's worth his time to respond like that?

[@marcinmichigan2772]

@@sammiller6631 maybe there is no need?

[@fepatton]

Thanks for the tip! I've been wanting a roll-up for camping. I contacted Ed Fong and since he lives close by, he invited me to come by and pick it up to save postage, which I did this morning. We had a nice chat about the antenna and his choices of materials, which persuaded me all the more that this is a great choice. (I downloaded his QST article on it, and I remember reading it back in the day.) I can't wait to try it out!

[@matthew.tamasco]

Am I the only one who can't stop staring at the chain holding the heavy-ass table to a big-ass tree!!!

[@mikearmstrong9899]

Ruff neighborhood, got to chain the tree up so it doesn't run off!

[@ocavant]

Haha. The postscript is priceless! You are human just like the rest of us. 😜 Thanks for doing the test…twice.

[@Bradsyoutube11]

An added bonus fishing rod review “it must not be a reliable fishing pole” haha

[@waynecavanaugh1726]

Great video and as others have said I also have two of the N9TAX roll up slim jim antennas for 2 meters and 70 cm and really appreciate the quality build of these. They are custom maid from 450 ohm ladder line and he will make them for any band you need. As I have seen in comments from others I would like to see the N9TAX in a comparison test as well. I am especially interested in its 440 Mhz performance. Thanks again for another great video!

[@markhaywood7307]

I have the N9TAX which i think is quality gear from what i know. To be Fair i don't know much as i am unlicensed and only have a BaoFeng UV-82HP- for "reasons".

[@radiotests]

GREAT VIDEO JOSH! With my budget It would be the N9TAX slimjim or the Ed Fong. That Picnic table has made some great videos brother! great to see the kiddo with you. It would be great to see him do some operating too. let him do the future stuff if hes game. 73

[@chuckk5358]

I've had the Ed Fong (w/ pvc pipe option) and use it with my Yaesu mobile for local club and ARES nets for about 3 years now. It's idiot proof simple and works great. I've been very happy with it ☺️.

[@MegaChiliMac]

Off topic. You have problems with picknik table theft? That's a serious chain on that tree. 😀

[@VE9ASN]

The N9TAX works well, I've had 2 and they both broke in the same "joint". The Ed Fong works just as well, and is much more compact and user friendly.

[@sammiller6631]

Which joint did your N9TAX break?

[@markrice1186]

What Ed Fong should I purchase for GMRS use only? Thanks. Love your channel

[@howardkarse9915]

I have had/used the Ed Fong and found it performed well, was light and easy to deploy on a 15' crappie pole. Passed that to a club member who needed more than a rubber duck to participate in the club net. Now a regular participant who can be copied via both repeater and simplex. Plus, it is very easy for her to use as a septuagenarian.

[@proudtex]

I've been using a roll-up j-pole from a maker on ebay, bacause it's simply smaller / more packable. I may need to try the Ed Fong... Also, I love running the same VX-6 and Diamond SRH320A antenna. That's my Outdoor radio.

[@sammiller6631]

You should try the Ed Fong.

[@jeffmccray8883]

Can you do another vid of the N9TAX antenna too? I would be curious as to how that works compared to the other two.

[@FightUni09]

I have Dr. Fong's 1.25M j-pole. It's 25' up and works great, even on simplex. So the proceeds go to Ed's students.

[@Matt-KG7JQH]

Take the poor kid fishing! I feel for you Ben, I wanna go fishing now too... I was gonna buy an Ed Fong from Jason, but now that this video came out, he's sold out... I may try that N9TAX since reading all the comments below.

[@berjo77]

Hi Josh, saw your work at the Hamfest yesterday, great job! I’ve just purchased my first j-pole and watched intently to learn how to best get mine up!

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

I'm biased. I know Ed. He is a wonderful human being and he makes great antennas. Lol, I never tried anything else! 😅 I have base and roll up antennas of his and I'd put them against my diamond anyday...

[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

I've been using the 42" Abbree folding antenna with an SMA cable hoisted up a tree. Works fantastic. Wondering if the J-pole is better?

[@Adjustah]

VX-6R spotted! The Tech Prepper strikes again! 73 from Bermuda 🇧🇲 VP9NQ

[@busdaddy1547]

Link to that fishing pole?

[@californiakayaker]

Wow, from two years ago. Ed will be happy about this, he's south of me. I'd love to get Ed on one of our large network in California called the Carla system. Especially if he wore to take some quetions from folks. He could probably sell a bunch of antenna's. I've been looking at his theory work. I have a Stationmaster Collinear r that is just sitting around, its tuned for 158 and I'd like to uee the case and build another antenna for the inside of the brand new fiberglass case . That would be a huge vhf antenna !

[@desbelfastireland9982]

GREAT WORK, LIKE THE Dad AN SON OUT ABOUT, DES IN BELFAST , IRELAND

[@tallyjbud]

My Ed Fong, hanging In a third story window, is essentially my baofeng base station! Sounds amazing and great signal reports. Couldn't ask for anything easier or better!

[@jrsh143]

Thanks!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@sramsdellwdm]

Hey your wife just called. She wants her sunglasses back. Lol

[@berjo77]

I’ve had dead-end problems with RadioWavz and their refusal, or inability, in providing warrenty work. I will be avoiding them completely going forward.

[@DonzLockz]

Ed Fong FTW! 👍 Remember the check-list next time.😄👌

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Can this radio get reviewed???JP8800 APRS on eBay ?? It’s a clone of the yessi ft3dr I think …

[@robjanusch998]

Nice, but WAAY TOO much money, for what ya get. Promote folks build them, it's an easy project!!

[@piquat1]

Fishing, while trolling a lake and working LOTA (Lakes On The Air). If the motor and fishing pole weren't enough, I can juggle an amateur radio as well.

[@billruttan117]

Thanks!

[@chasiu75]

I am glad they have the tree chained to the park bench. I'd hate to see such a beautiful tree stolen.

[@rdsmith334]

Link for Ed Fong antenna no worky

[@michaelbrill1081]

Great vedio Josh,I love the fact, you're son was with you, thanks, kb0uzz

[@TK-123]

None of the duel band roll up Fong antennas available ANYWHERE..

[@darylnd]

I bought mine direct from Ed Fong. The money goes to support his students at UC Santa Cruz.

[@twobikesandadrone]

It appears that Grapevine no longer carries the Ed Fong antenna. There's an eBay site that does but they have two of the ham (vs commercial) versions...the DBJ-1 and DBJ-2. Do you by chance know what the difference is between the two?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I updated the link. Please check again.

[@twobikesandadrone]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Will do......thanks!!

[@jeffmccray8883]

I'm surprised that Ed Fong's used use real Twin Lead with separated wires? They used to use TV twin lead.

[@chrisrogers8733]

Question: I have an SMA Male connector and want to purchase the Ed Fong antenna. Do I need any additional adapters to make the connection work?

[@daniell8387]

I make my own, I'm sure not better than Ed Fong's but they do the trick and dont' slam too many wigglies down into my Baofeng's tender innards.

[@vincentnunez6569]

You can buy the Ed Fong Antennas directly from Ed Fong

[@Brian-WR1W]

Looks like N9TAX fans have taken over the comments section. lol

[@forgetyourlife]

N9TAX user here.

[@martinsalt1839]

Can't beat a well made homebrew Slim Jim. 73 M0UMS

[@sammiller6631]

You can beat a well made homebrew Slim Jim.

[@dang8546]

Ed fong has a triband jpole if you have 220 to test

[@ChrisZwolinski]

The link to the Ed Fong site isn't working, I'd like you to get your affiliate cut.

[@richardmorris4430]

What is the fishing pole made from. If metal, does that mess with things?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Nope. It’s fiberglass.

[@higginsjoshua]

Most likely fiberglass (which wouldn't mess with it at all) or carbon fiber which CAN mess with things just like a metal mast would. The key is to make sure the antenna isn't laying against the pole. Judging by how he sets it up I lean towards fiberglass but it does look a little thin for that.

[@charlesrknottsjr]

What coax are you using, and can you give me a link?

[@dangermandave67]

Take the kid fishing! Get him off the tablet. You probably know this already, but those rods are made for tenkara fishing, based on traditional Japanese fly fishing. I owned one long before I got into ham radio. Have caught lots of trout in lakes and rivers in Utah using those poles.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

We had just got back from fishing, relax.

[@christopherhoffman3686]

Curious...your opinion...brand & MN of the best HF (2MHz-30MHz) antenna for receive? A Shakespeare dipole? Telex has some nice stuff...etc

[@rstiosejo]

Awesome video Josh. Based on your test I will be looking at getting an ED Fong JPole. Thumbs Up. Stay Safe. 73 Ruben KD6CWI

[@robertmeyer4744]

for me with a HT the Ed Fong j-pole would be easer to hook up in the feld and that extion BNC would be handy. that is my take on the two. but may get both. I could set the Slim-Jim on my base setup as a backup antenna. I seen one for GMRS in a PVC pipe. getting that one as well. 73's

[@michaelriordan9834]

It is a fishing rod ! Take that boy fishing !😂

[@ghostrider196319]

Great video, was thinking of purchasing two of these. They have one that mounts to pvc, and was planning on mounting it outside the upstairs bedroom window, but am in Arkansas now where lighting is king. Should I ground this somehow or will it be ok as long as my HT is not connected?, Also recommended coax for this.

[@chuckpiercy]

Could you expand on how you use SDR# to record your received signals and measure the SNR?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I'm using SDRUno and it's as simple as clicking the button to record the SNR values.

[@Littrell1966]

It would be interesting to do the test with a mobile radio at 50 watts and see if you get similar results.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Adding more power won’t change anything.

[@richardyoung1657]

Using the carbon fiber pole while sitting under a tree is just weird, toss a light line over a limb and hang the antenna, much easier and no interaction. The pole is great for no trees sites but .....

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

A Jpole is maybe four dove feet long. No reason.

[@TheWeirdguy6]

Fpv community likes circular and helical directional antenna but I dont see those in Ham.. any reason why

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yeah. That two stations are often stationary or on the same plane. Eg vertical polarization on a car is good enough across the board. We use helical for satellite stations though

[@robjanusch998]

Ohh...How often do the trees run off?? I think they may need a BIGGER chain!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Lol. It’s so people. Don’t move the benches together to make a huge party table and not out them back.

[@LifeAtTerminalVelocity]

I have one from N9TAX and one from Nelson Antenna. They are both good antennas but I haven't done this kind of testing. Thanks for the video Josh.

[@CraigMullins1]

Let's go fishing!

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

It'd be hilarious if Ben was a neighborhood kid that just followed you around like Dennis the menis yanking on antennas in the middle of ft8 lol

[@woozei]

Thanks! What kind of s biner do you have which connects to that rod like that? I can't seem to find one.

[@wambroser]

I'm also curious about the s-biner

[@kbcubed7986]

We also stock Ed Fong antennas. We are getting a new shipment shortly so if we are sold out, we thank you for your patience.

[@Sparkfly88]

I was gonna comment about Yall. Fongs website has you listed on there and I bought from yall because of that a year or so ago.

[@kbcubed7986]

@@Sparkfly88 Thank you for supporting Dr. Fong and his students!

[@Biff2136]

My friends swear by the Ed Fong, but I just have got a dud. I will try again in though.. His build quality looks 👍

[@exgenica]

Any pointers to comparisons between either one of these two and a home-built roll-up j-pole...perhaps the simplest one using twin-lead television antenna line?

[@Mottersmotters]

Great video. I made one awhile ago but had issues with the tuning and not used it since 😳 what is the antenna with the coil thing in the middle you have on your HT? Great video loved the ending this kind of stuff happens to all of us 🤘🏽 Motters M7TRS 🇬🇧 73 👍🏻

[@jaksmith6465]

ty ty ty. been waiting for a comparison like this... hope one of those radio tests is a waterproof digital , capable of also doing analog uhf vhf. ... :D

[@andreVE4BK]

Is the pole carbon fibre? Does it not affect RF at all? Cheers & 73 Andy

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It is, both antenna are being subjected to the same variable.

[@mikepowell5488]

I'm trying to find the ed fong page you listed and I am having problems . Is that web page correct?

[@spearsjg]

I still use my DuckBuster that I acquired many years ago. Great antenna. Looks like the Ed Fong is a great replacement when I need to go there.