3 Masts Everyone Needs for Ham Radio

Sota Beams Mast - www.sotabeams.co.uk/carbon-6-ultra-light-6-m-19-6-… TN07 Green Mast - tn07.com/32-portable-antenna-mast Fiberglass Big Mast - tn07.com/telescoping-masts

I have a 40’ Spiderbeam supporting a multiband doublet (18 gauge) and the 32’ TN07 green mast supporting an 84’ EFHW. Both have endured three tropical force storms with no issues. I’d buy both again. Really helpful video, Jason.👍

The Mast Company sells a 32 footer that is virtually identical to the green mast. My fave as well. Cheaper too.

Nice list. I'm partial to the Spiderbeams mast these days but I've used that tn07 green may many times too

My TN07 32' mast hasn't held up well at all. The top section broke holding a packtenna efhw. The edges of the fiberglass tubes started chipping and unraveling, and the whipping that holds the small clip on the side started to come undone day one. If you want it to have a chance of surviving, get some thin superglue (don't use the gel) and soak the edges of the tubes (you just want it to soak into the fibers not coat them) and then coat the whipping on that clip to hold to together. You can also peal off the TN07 sticker and put your own over the Made in China branding.

I have the SOTA Beam Carbon 6 and a Spiderbeam 10M Mini mast (only 28" collapsed) and an 7M long fiberglass fishing pole mast. Also a bunch of the 4 foot long fiberglass surplus military mast poles with an aluminum tripod core (you use 3 4 foot military masts for the legs).

I just purchased the Chameleon CHA HD 15' Mast with Topper and Wheel Mount. It's incredible.

I am a big fan of the Sotabeams mast. The others look like great options too. Thanks!

Just used a 16.5’ crappie pole and an old DeWalt work light tripod to hold a homemade 70cm dipole yesterday for a half day event. Worked just fine.

That green TN07 mast is a beast! I've had mine for 3 years now. The walls are nice and thick and it has the chrome support rings on the largest section (which yours doesn't have). It puts the black MFJ mast to shame.

A nice small and stable 6m mast is the tactical mini. Not as lightweight as the sotabeams, but u can use a small logperiodic on this.

Hey Jason, thanks for the 3 reviews. I'm liking the green tn07 mast for POTA activations. I'm sure tn07 will be at Hamvention. I'll add this to my list and look for them there. See you soon.

That's awesome that the TN07's can work with the Elk antenna. Thanks!

The Sotabeams Tactical Mini and the KM4ACK EFHW are my go-to POTA combination.

I have a 40' Spiderbeam that I love and a 20' carbon fiber fishing rod that, like your Sotabeams mast, is meant for much lighter applications. I've not had a problem with either and would recommend having both for portable situations no matter which brand you choose. I like the big mast for much heavier antennas or ones that need rock solid support. Thanks for the reviews. Jack K5FIT

Another solution for deploying the Carbon 6 in the field where there are no trees is to put a ring on it that will accept guy ropes. MFJ sells guying rings in a few inside diameters. That's what I use on SOTA activations in UT, AZ and NV.

I use a collapsible flag pole from Harbor freight.

I love my MFJ 1917 or Spiderbeams mast. The DX Commander mast is high quality as well.

Another excellent video Jason. I appreciate your relevant, factual content without the "click bait" drama so common to other amateur radio channels. 100% agree on that Carbon 6 mast - its my goto "backpack mobile" SOTA antenna, although in the mountains of north Georgia there are so many trees a mast isn't often needed. Indeed, as you pointed out, its biggest strength is its biggest weakness. I tried to deploy this antenna on the beach at Jekyll Island and the wind didn't destroy it, but it bent it over like the St. Louis Arch (ha). I'll have to check out the other masts. Keep up the great work and maybe we'll see you at Atlanta Hamfest (June) or again in Huntsville (August). 73 from Atlanta.

I use the Gigaparts telescoping Fiberglass and Carbon fiber masts. The carbon fibers are extremely tough and durable. However, the fiberglass masts are very good for EFHW at 25+ feet. I have a Fiberglass push up holding an EFHW at 35' in my backyard and it has been up 2+ years through 85mph straight winds. The Carbon 6 would be nice but it is nearly always sold out and at this point, I have other options.