Shark HF Hamsticks, American Made, Review And Testing, Ham Radio Antenna

[@cw4karlschulte661]

Thanks for nice review. This type of antenna was developed decades ago by Mark Products, later Anixter-Mark. One of their lines, for CB mostly, was the Firestick. Mark made medium power and thicker versions with heavier guage wire for 1 KW. Motorola had these custome made for various cmcl channels for special customers. I tested them and found the types we used, no whip, all helixal wire on glass, to be only a few dB below full size whips above 8 Mc. The heat shrink has the added effect of reducing static in rain, btw. They could be tuned down a MHz or so with a tuner, but only slightly above resonance. The coils act as an rf choke above resonance. They change resonance depending on local ground plane, as that is really part of the antenna. So we specified the customer's vehicle and location on it and they were made to that. Small adjustments downward by adding some extra shrink tubing over part of coil is possible The whip add on was started as very short ones to fine tune CB whips, then evolved to the hamstick type, long after Mark Products had sold (or others just copied) the design. They are a very practical compromise. The higher up they are the better they work, but then there are those nasty trees, overpasses, florescant lights at gas stations (guess how i know that) and power lines. So check the heights of such things and adjust mounting location accordingly. 73 WA2KBZ.

[@chrissewell1608]

How well does a Shark, Ham Stick work as a permanent mounted HF antenna, for the home station?

[@James_Bowie]

The thing about items manufactured in Asia (and elsewhere), is that there are hundreds of American companies who deliberately outsource that manufacturing. Start, for instance, with Apple.

[@aldewitt9]

I agree. Buy American!

[@jackK5FIT]

Good review. Just ordered a set of 10-75 from Gigaparts. I want them for portable use with a 3/8x24 mount and ground radials and/or a ground rod. We'll see how they work. You can't beat American made!!

[@8vRocco]

Yes! I'm glad Shark antennas got a shout out. They where my first pair of hamsticks I purchased for the 6m band, and works like a charm on 2m when you shorten the tuning rod. I purchased them on eBay last year and glad to see them for sale on Gigaparts. I also recommend them for on the go! 73, WX7UTE

[@SuperCapsfan101]

Hi, Eric. Using Shark hamsticks for about 10 years now. Back in May, I worked S79KW in the Seychelles from my home in Maryland with 5 watts and a 15M hamstick (got his card!). I’m a believer. 73, Mike K3CXG

[@southjersey10]

I’m saving for an HF system in 2021 - trying get on the air with the $1,000 challenge in an HOA situation. My draft budget for major components: Transceiver- $500 Antenna system- $300 Power supply - $80 (bought a used Astron 35 amp unit last year) Coax- $120 Total:$1,000 The ham sticks combined with the “spider” looks like an excellent compromise to get going. Thanks for sharing this idea.

[@RaiderDonnie]

You can look for a nice used older Hf rig or grab a Xiegu g90. It’s only a 20w rig but it’s a workhorse and has a great internal tuner. If you want 100w there’s always the Yaesu ft-891 which you might be able to get during the holidays for under 600.00 but it doesn’t have an internal tuner. Best of luck to you on building your shack! 73

[@southjersey10]

@@RaiderDonnie Yo, great advice. Thx.

[@RaiderDonnie]

@@southjersey10 You’re very welcome!

[@RegNatarajan]

Just one more comment if the good people at Shark Antennas happen to be reading. This Canadian would love to buy American but these antennas don't seem to be distributed at the big Canadian online retailers. I hope that's something Shark will consider as I am definitely impressed with the quality I saw.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

To be honest, I have no idea if they are in the UK either? They might be. For those with very limited space joining two together will give you a reasonable dipole (done it in the past for CB) Vertical or Horizontal, or four give you both on the same mast. One on a mast with a few ground planes gives you a compact mast in a tiny garden. What I have found in the past (though this is over 20 years ago) American made stuff used to rust (Like K40 antennas and mounts along with others that came across when CB kicked off here) but that was 20 odd years ago. Things move on and the quality of the steel may have improved. I am stuck waiting to go through the test, but this virus has me stuck waiting. No equipment right now either, not even a cheap Chinese radio. I suspect I will try to make my own antennas as that is hat I did for CB (even built a CB on FM as FM was what we were allowed, it only had two channels) it was hard getting parts so the Grid Dip meter came in handy, moving house twice and all the parts went missing for the meter! Sure the wife had nothing to do with it, she wanted me away from radio!). I won't be able to build a radio that will be useful for Ham Radio though, even if I were allowed to. I like working lower power, but I need something that will work properly all the time. Does not need to be fancy but SSB is where I want to go. The Antenna will be a home built job but restricted in space and Landlord will not be happy, but the wife works for the Landlord, so I have got away with a few things others don't so far. I think getting some antennas like this will allow some operation rather than long wires that I have no room for. I did have plenty of room, then they built more houses around me :-(( so now just small garden. Anyway, I have to get through the test and this is no easy thing for me either as my memory was badly affected through Chemo' over 7 months. I just have to go over simple things hundred of times until it sinks in, but I am stubborn and will keep going. I hope to work you on the airwaves some day. I always used to throw away the Allan Hex bolts and put in a machined screw with copper grease, always came back out without any problems. Coper Grease will stop these grub screws from rusting in the threads. I was only going to make a short comment and it is already a book of things no one wants to know anyway.

[@grahamauld8894]

Good review again, you previously changed my life with the MFJ-1979 telescopic. Ham radio is a worldwide hobby.....other countries are available. Take a look if you can at the DX Commander antennas, made in the UK.

[@greasydot]

Most impressive is both of these products are American based companies and the money stays here. Thanks for the reviews!!! Just starting out in the ham world we need honest Elmer's.

[@Barty.Crowell]

Looks perfect for running mobile/portable once I get my general!

[@UncleVinnys]

Very helpful. Just what I was looking for. Thanks for the info. Need more specs on the base.

[@gearhartraymond]

"The CHA TACHAT will double & triple the band width of the typical ham stick, depending on the band." Would like to see a video on that product that is also at GigaParts.

[@deanberglundkc9ren346]

Made in the USA!!! Awesome. Gotta be good.

[@doccpu7]

I have used dipoles and a 3 ele tribander for years. Got hamsticks 4 years ago and use them as verticals, horizontal and vertical dipoles, and multiples on a plate for a multiband wspr station. I have always found them to be within 1 db on both xmit and receive to various Websdrs all over US and Australia against EFHW's , full sized verticals and dipoles and even a Magloop which did poorly. For mobile, base or most anything the Hamsticks are awesome as verts or dipoles. As a vertical they get a bit more noise but just lay it more as a horizontal and be surprised.

[@roblit79]

I have owned a Shark mini 10 meter stick for several years. I sometimes set it up in the yard on a tripod with 4 radials spread out. I usually setup up on the porch and run my old HTX-100 on battery power. The Shark has worked very well when 10 meters opens up. KE0LJG

[@keithcronk7980]

Iam new 2 this & ure channel I like how you break it down where a 3yr old can understand it. Thank you keep up the GREAT WK. I'll have to STREAM URE channel wit a NOTE BK to help me navigate THREW this MATERIAL HAVE a great day sir.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

You did say I would see longer, yep, they are, but lower in the band. Very nice for a quick dipole with two of them if restricted for space.

[@myles3100]

Excellent video I had never heard of Shark Antenna! Will be checking them out. Stay safe and healthy!!

[@johnfloy]

I have a ton of these, they work fantastic and a great choice for POTA for sure

[@eliwilson3714]

So glad to see this new vid before I retired for the night to the Golf channel. I've been looking for an inexpensive 20m vertical to test with my first HF radio. I need to sink as little money as possible into this test because my HOA President lives behind me and he's an animated prick. If he picks up RF in his surround sound again he'll bitch at me like he did in 2005 and I had to shut down my CB SSB station. I'm thinking a cheap test antenna and an ICOM-7300 (selling my KSD J70 5 string backup bass) I can either return, sell, or use as a mobile in my truck. I'll be looking for your next video! You're a good guy Eric.

[@brianrose2487]

Great video will be purchasing a set soon! Take care and stay safe Eric.

[@Sky1]

You can put a KW in but shrink will melt at the top a bit 🙂

[@k2cjbradio]

I use them on my truck with a 7100. The 20m has great bandwidth. The 40m needs a shunt coil at the base to get a little more usually bandwidth. Shark ham sticks are really good.

[@WesPsWorld]

YES BUY AMERICAN MADE!!! I'd like to have that chameleon set up, it would work perfect with where i'm at.

[@timg5tm941]

Hamsticks work great, I use the Ampro version in the UK and have done for a few years. Made loads of DX contacts as I’ve shown a few times. 73

[@tglenn3121]

I got a couple of the 20m hamsticks, and wow, they are a major pain in the butt to tune to a decent SWR.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks Erick another great video from hamradio conceptos 73 by safety

[@RegNatarajan]

Very interesting. I hope you do some performance testing on them in the future. That would be really interesting, especially if you did a back-to-back with the MFJ alternatives.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

If I get around to it. I have a lot of MFJ hamsticks and have made a lot of contacts on them... I'm sure these work just as good. I don't think I could do a suitable performance test, because I can make contacts on both of them just as easy. The difference is the quality..

[@chrissewell1608]

Good video. I am just discovering how well these Shark ham sticks are! (It is weird. To watch this video in 2023. 2 years after all the Covid19, panic-demic happened! And to hear you say, you can't leave home. In, Ga. We were able to move freely about. I wasn't going to be to scared to leave home. Ironicly, Covid19 was the best thing to happen, to ham radio! I'd lay money on that!)

[@americaswayout4489]

I talked to the folks at Shark antennas and discussed the idea of making a updated version of a HAM stick to use them with the various hubs, octopus etc making them less of a compromise. They may contact you, or if YOU are in contact with them, encourage the idea of the market for these antennas to use not mobile but at home or portable multi band or even just a much better single band dipole. A 16 foot or even a 3 part 12 ft. version would still be usable and be way more efficient especially 20 meters and above.

[@gearhartraymond]

QuickStick™ (Hamstick) 10-Band Antenna Package is also USA made and has some bands that Shark doesn't seem to have.

[@SteadArcFab_Ministries]

Thanks for the video Eric!

[@MrRadiorobot]

Nice Vid Eric.. Ham sticks are really convenient, I have a selection of the Pro-whip antennas, 40, 30, 20, 15, 10 bands with a tri-magmount.. Ive used them stationary in the car with the FT-817 on battery power, so most definitely in the qrp area of operation..these antennas were for many years part of my lunch break qrp Station from the parking lot at work. In years of favourable solar activity I've worked east coast of Canada, USA, far flung corners of asiatic Russia, India sub continent, Northern countries of Africa...all of Europe.. All on cw... Brilliant.. Very handy to have in the trunk of the car on standby for on the go operation. Stay safe Eric and all our hams around the world. De M0TWA Dave x

[@fullsaildigital]

I use shark mini ham sticks and they are amazing. Worked into VK easily on 20m fro east coast USA

[@bobwendoloski6970]

I have 20/40 MFJ Hamsticks, they seem well made, they work great for POTA. None of my MFJ stuff has any obvious country of origin, I just guessed it all came out of China. I will check out the Shark Antennas.

[@KX4UL]

Thanks! Good to know about these American made "Shark" hamsticks. Unfortunately for me, I just purchased 10m, 20m, 40m and 75m 7ft. sticks as well as the shorter 20m and 40m versions from another company. It will be "Shark" for me if/when I buy more. Stay safe Eric!

[@HowardOchs]

What is the difference between the "mini" and "standard"???

[@radioastronomy2001]

Like always, very good video. Hamsticks work well for the money you pay for them. I also tried Hustler resonators where you can have up to 3 resonators on one common mast. Hustler seems to be American made as well.

[@daverhodes7235]

I like these. I’ve been running a fold over mast with the Hustler coils, both low and high power models, and they’re 40 years old and still rock-solid operation. Still ya have to pull over to change bands. Guess the idea is: If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. That being said, I still drool over a Tarheel.

[@K88MUD]

I wish some of these shark antenna's were available in the UK

[@davidenglund]

Got the link for the Ham sticks, but do ya have a link for that Camilian hamstick mount?

[@Joe-KN4IFI]

Great Vid Eric. 73 and Stay Safe

[@w4gap]

Hey brother, thanks for an excellent video overview. I'll have to check these peeps out. Praying that you and your fam are safe and well. Keep up the good work. --W4GAP :-)

[@tglenn3121]

What's better to aim for, a low SWR or RS = close to 50 ohm?

[@1crazynordlander]

I'm frugal and decided to buy the Shark Distributing fiberglass whips. I watched a video from K2CJB Radio where he installed two of the Shark Distributing fiberglass whips on his pickup and a coax switch to cover two bands. I bought the quick disconnects from Shark Distributing which come with enough disconnects for five antennas. I have a recent video on my channel of the install in my 01 Jeep Cherokee. I have an IC-7100, LDG IT-100 tuner and a Diamond K400 mount. I love the price on these antennas. Because of your previous video I have my eyes on the Chameleon Quad and Spider setups. Looking forward to a chance at your giveaway. Great Video! Kevin KA0KAE

[@earlkisiel]

I am a big believer in hamsticks on my RV. I use 20, 40 and 80. I will try a shark on a different. Thanks again for some useful information. KJ7DGO

[@sleeve8651]

These are new to me ! I used to run the Original Ham Stick antennas on a pick up, until I got tired of stopping to change Bands, and purchased a Yaesu ATS 100. But to avoid confusion, shouldn't these with the screw in tops be called, " Shark " Ham sticks ? Although similar, they are different animals ! 🤔....? Just Say'n !

[@tglenn3121]

I'm trying to use two of these in a dipole configuration and they're a major pain in the ass to tune.

[@cw4karlschulte661]

1/2 bw of one whip

[@kasken719]

What great info. Thank you. I've been looking at a mobile setup on a bug out vehicle. This is one of the best I've seen so far. Thanks again for such a well done review!

[@tglenn3121]

Where does MFJ have their parts made?

[@goodxrvn2053]

Thank you for the review.

[@johnk8091]

I have 4 of the original USA made Hamsticks, which were made by WD4BUM (I think) before he stopped production. They are a quality product, and all stealth entirely in black, no shiny chrome or stainless steel. They are now about 25 - 30 years old, and still look and work like new. So sorry he went out of business.

[@dangermandave67]

How would you use one of these away from your vehicle? I guess you'd have to put out some radials, right? What length and how many? I'm interested in trying to use one for SOTA mounted on a tripod or a stake. Think it would work?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Sure it could work. What you should do instead is look at the shark antennas dual ham stick mounting bracket and run it horizontal.

[@dangermandave67]

@@HamRadioConcepts Yeah, I've got another 20m and another 40m hamstick on order, plus the dual mount bracket. Will be interesting to see if I can get my SOTAbeams Tactical Mini telescopic pole to support the weight of the two hamsticks, bracket and coax a few metres above the ground. I just watched a video where a guy had a single stick and used a counterpoise. He was able to get an acceptable SWR.

[@XTarantis]

Keep going with your vids - altb from SQ2GT

[@jackb2374]

Just got licensed last week. Having fun listening to my repeater in my office, but my transmissions from my office are weak. What kind of antenna would you recommend buying/making for a noob? I live in a home with a garage and both structures have attics. Thanks for your help!

[@kylefreemason]

I see they sell the original version and now the mini version for each band. I don't see lengths listed to see how much shorter the minis are. How long is the 20m you demo in this video? Also, I like your 7100 mount, do you have a link to where I can buy it? Just bought a 7100 that is on backorder at the moment. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@ErnestGWilsonII]

Great video!

[@thecrow5798]

Yes..I like American made...Durable and it will last long

[@christophersmith1155]

looks like my Fire Stick and my Wilson antennas that I use with my 10meter "11cb" and 12 meter HF radios.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Who says you can't go portable? I sat out in my back yard for over an hour with my Wolf River Coils antenna and made some really distand contacts! 🎧

[@kirkgoins7214]

Reading the length info and then seeing both your video and another, I have a question. 44in tube and a 48in whip comes to 92in or about 7.6 ft. In the videos they don't look that long. Are they?

[@richlovin2173]

GOOD INFO.

[@stevemendoza4666]

Sorry for the dumb question, but...........is the ham stick a nvis antenna?

[@tglenn3121]

Would you please be willing to 'share' what lengths you set the shark hamsticks to for 20 and 40m? I'm trying to tune them but having a really bad time getting a low SWR. :( :(

[@GregD_in_PG]

Thinking about one to replace the mag mount that was a 'temp' solution. - Thanks for the info/Video - K4PGD Florida.

[@mattcoffelt8382]

Just curious Eric, I've been thinking about the MFJ cobweb. Now you have me thinking of trying out the ASB with the Sharks. What would your opinion be on that?

[@keno4755]

Enjoyed the video as always, looking forward to the giveaway!

[@keno4755]

Did some research on shark antennas, good stuff!

[@Inkling777]

Thanks for the review and the description of how well made they are. I may try a pair as a dipole on top of the little sailboat I just picked up. Those outside to U.S. who're having trouble finding a source might check ebay. I've seen them there. --Mike WA4MP

[@mikeh4524]

Which would you choose if you could only have one: screwdriver or Chameleon with ham sticks?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

What kind of screwdriver? Need more info on the installation

[@mikeh4524]

HamRadioConcepts An MFJ 1668. Installation for a mobile. Specifically a 5th wheel RV. For use on 20 and 40 meters with 100 watts.

[@dutchthurman3169]

Question... For SWL radio in my truck, yes I have an 857 AND a general coverage radio, would the 80m be better for all band RX than 10m?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

well, a lot of times you can pick up the SW stations on just about anything, but you might get better receive strength with an 80m antenna than a 10 meter... Maybe try it with someone elses 10m and see if its decent enough

[@rickmerritt1834]

Eric, after watching this review I was ready to order the Chameleon Spider and the 4 bands you recommended (10,20,30,40) I downloaded the user manual for the Chameleon and it said that I would have 3rd harmonics issues with the 30 and 10. Are these serious issues across the whole bands? or just a small portion of them? I want a multi band antenna for my base but didn't want to spend the money for the HyGain 680 so this seemed like a great option until I saw this..

[@CLoak183]

How did you get such a good match right near 50 ohms? I have several hamstick and the best I can get is about 22 ohms both on my van and my pick up truck. I've also rf ground strapped everything on both venicles. Any suggestions? Thanks

[@paulplack490]

The old Hamsticks sold in the '80s used to come with a capacitor for use across the base, a different value for each band. If they're not including those now, it's probably because (a) cheap and/or (b) the capacitor will be the limiting factor in power-handling.

[@StanCook]

Funny to see this video today since I have been looking at Ham Sticks all day since I have a mobile unit coming soon. Again, thanks for the information and all that you do. 73. KH6JMK

[@tangobayus]

Even at SWR 1.5 you get about 95% power through the antenna.

[@dixieinstrumental805]

I would like to know where I can get my amateur radio license during this SARS -COVID 19 pandemic.

[@sixdollarfrog]

Friend has signed up for an online test.

[@keesvanoosbree5911]

I am thinking about getting one...

[@rickmerritt1834]

Eric if you had to live with just 4 bands - which 4 would they be?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Rick Merritt 10, 20, 30 and 40... 30 is AMAZING for digital modes like PSK, RTTY, FT8, CW etc. it’s ALWAYS open it seems NO MATTER when you check

[@rickmerritt1834]

@@HamRadioConcepts Thank you

[@RKStripes74]

Eric, do the Shark hamsticks have a 'bottom' past with you're not supposed to push the radiator down into the hamstick body? I bought several hamsticks years ago and half of them do not work as this 'bottom' was broken by me in an attempt to tune them. If the Sharks do not have that issue, then I will pick up several. KC5RET

[@smadajoe]

How high up did you guys have that spider? What distance were the contacts? Thinking about this as a semi-permanent solution at my QTH.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

It was up probably over 10 feet. Some of the contacts were from Florida to New England and Midwest.. If propagation is there, it doesnt matter what antenna you use.. The most important feature is the smaller footprint this will have while giving the ability of multiple bands... And can be set up in an HOA as a temp solution, or taken to field day without spending hours setting this up.

[@rohnkd4hct260]

looks like good antenna

[@darkglass1]

If only we had a plethora of American made radios to go with American made antennas.

[@cedricvillani8502]

“Ham stick “ haha a new made up word for antenna, this was a nice commercial thanks

[@mylt1z28]

Um, it's not a "new made up word" these antennas have been around for years.

[@mikemcdonald5147]

that's amazingly affordable for American made quality.

[@justme9287]

I'm looking for any antenna. I have yet to buy them . Great video . KN4TOG.

[@MoTown44240]

Thanks for this great video Eric with great information. 73 KB8AMZ

[@rontexas2]

Thanks for the presentation W5SWB

[@gblan]

Slap that Made In USA antenna on that Japanese radio!

[@dutchthurman3169]

Dammit, just got all mine for my Octopus....

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Which brand?

[@JohnTarbox]

I was so impressed by your review that I just ordered the set of five HF wips. Thanks. WA1KLI

[@BobBruns]

Buy American and support the local businesses please. If possible that is.

[@edbrackin]

In 2024 that Shark Antennas S-FM80 is now $53. I hope you lived through COVID.

[@wiskersmcmeow9112]

👍

[@2SD251Jim]

STAY HEALTHY MY FRIEND..KB8YBG JIM

[@HamRadioConcepts]

2SD251 Jim hey man hope to get you today on 20m while mobile

[@2SD251Jim]

Let's try it...im home all day

[@HamRadioConcepts]

2SD251 Jim I’m on 14.264ish

[@stephenwilliams5201]

Happy medium. If you can get it to 1:1:3 any where in band and choke it near top . Got a ten meter that has lasted like 30 years. Qrp ? why not? Biggest qrp DX for me? From pinewood TN to Utah. On a pixie 2 and nine volt battery tks Fer good show de kv4li.

[@mumi009]

Did you mention you can use two quarter wave hamsticks and make a dipole a la "buddy pole?" There's a special connector for the ham sticks that also mounts on a camera tripod, I think. Not too much height above ground, but it will work. A little. With two hamsticks for the 20 meter band you can make a 40 meter dipole. If you are into NVIS, the lack of height above ground is no longer a liability. Thanks for the video! SV0SGS

[@paulplack490]

No - If you use two 20m hamsticks you'll have a 20m dipole. The Hamstick is a quarter-wave vertical. A dipole is a half-wave antenna. Two quarter-waves make a half-wave.

[@renegadebt1374]

Great info, Thank you brother, Keep them coming... KE8NYY

[@vinboughton4751]

American made, easy choice Then.

[@applejacks971]

You should delete the Gig link. They've been outta stock on these for 6 months and aren't even taking back orders on anything. I'm going with MFJ

[@ubergeek318]

only a 1.1 is acceptable XD

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Welcome back :)

[@ubergeek318]

@@HamRadioConcepts welcome back , I never have left. Sitting here waiting to upgrade to general, and if it waits any longer maybe even general. Keep up the good videos. You keep my attention. 73s from ki5fwj