I love it when the hamtubers explain their mindset in their decisions. It makes it easy to see how this could fit into my arsenal. Good work!

The cap idea is great. I would be looking for the cap for hours

Your guying solution is very clear. You can now get those HCL nylon 66 clamps with hex or wing nut head direct from HCL. I got spares for my DX Commander. $35 higher now! Inflation at work.

I recently picked up some sports cones (like traffic cones but short, soft & flexible) to put around anything I might put out like dipole legs, coax or guy wires. Also some plastic caution tape looped over the guys would help make them visible.

Good ideas with the mods. Got the sotabeams pole, swear by these things.

I used a sota telescoping pole for 18 feet and I got contacts to Italy, Croatia and South America too with a delta on my chameleon II. But I use a 2, 10 pole made of pvc.

$189. That's actually a good price compared to what I've paid for less inferior fiberglass masts over the years. What was 'state of the art' 10 years ago no longer is. Too bad its taken 10 years for the US manufacturers to improve the quality and the sellers asking for that product to sell to customers. The 10 meter pole I purchased 10 years for $235 was great then, but I had to order from outside the US. I have a 15.24 meter fiberglass push up that weights under 15 pounds and is sold in the US. Certainly not a back packable telescopic mast but useful the type outings that you do. I can put it up alone similar to how you show in this video but it is easier with at least one helper. I use the 3-4-5 guying method. That mast will hold a small yagi and a TV rotator, although the mast is not designed for that use, without much flex at the top provided its guyed, Another manufacturer, outside the US, sells a great 15.24 meter pole and slide on nylon strap guy rings are available. It be great if MFJ had that type of guying for their MFJ 1917. You've peaked my interest for another 'I want' item. 72 KB8AMZ

Nice review. I like the cord mods...good idea!

I have the spider beam. The first time I put my 1000 watt 80 through 10 endfed on it it looked like I had a "wicked tuna" on the hook. I was surprised how much they flex.

Hi Mike, I've had two 12m Spiderpoles outside for almost two years with no guying for my terminated inverted u antenna that have withstood 70 mph gusts and icing. They are attached to the 4x4 posts of the shadow box fencing out back with large velcro buckle straps. 73 WB3BJU

Great video. I have the Spiderbeam 12m pole at my QTD with a Aerial 51 OCF Dipole 20/40. This is a lightweight antenna and on a 12m pole I get fantastic results. Works great on 17,20,30,40, and yes 80 meters too. I use mono to guy it. The 12m height gets great results. Actually thinking of getting the 15m pole. I have a small yard and would never get on the air like I do without this long pole. I recommend 12m, regardless of manufacture if you don't have tall trees or room for a tower. Keep up the good work. John N6NRO

Looks like maybe you were at Kensington Metropark? My old stomping grounds. :) Great video, thanks for making it.

I like your setup for anchoring the base. Also, there's no crying in baseball...

You sold this one for them. I bought mine after watching your video and will set it up tomorrow for a POTA activation. Thanks

I just bought the MFJ-1916 which is the 34ft version =) I'll be using your guying solution for my build. Thanks for the video, you have a new subscriber.

You never cease to surprise me!

Solid "A League of Their Own" reference! I laughed! :-)

New meaning to the word Longboi!

Great video and we'll thought out modifications! In the market for a mast will be watching Black Friday deals! 73

Wow @ that pole. Great job with the video Mike!

You made the price go up! Cool mast. Me want!

this video is Great Mike.

Sure you are not an engineer? Great mods and thoughtful add ons. BTW, to the video on black Fridays. Carabiners, paracord and hose clamps. Great video and some wonderful tips.

Great tips. I just did my 12m SpiderPole in the same way. Easy setup.

Thank you.

Tie some yellow or orange flagging ( engineers tape? ) to the guy strings for better visibility. Even with yellow cord the flagging is much easier to see as it blows in the wind. If they walk in to it with yellow flagging then at least you can say you did your best! =]

I use a lineman hot stick I found on the road side. They are expensive, but stronger. Check em out.

Richard Stubbs is a cool guy.

It’s a nice 👍🏼 setup Mike! 😎👽

Good video, especially the guying technique. I'm wondering, if you lift a dipole with RG8 and an ugly balun, that's a bit of weight. I suspect there will be a good bit of bend. For your Packtenna, do you have a current balun attached. I checked out the Spider beam mast but shipping doubles the cost and brings it close to the MFJ.

The height of that one isn’t really bad. Spiderbeam makes a 26m (85ft) one. Now that’s ridiculous!!! LOL 😂

Tnx for this informative vid Mike. Reading thru your replies, I take it that the Eyelet version SpiderBeam @ $119 is the 'Hands Down' winner over the MFJ @ $189 given that there's no real difference in flex. Is that a reasonable assumption or am I missing something? As you know, DX-Commander's 'kit' is focused on permanent/semi-permanent installations with milti-elements for milti-band ops and also uses radials for a 'No-Tuner-Required' system. Your setup plus adding some features of the DX-Commander's setup would make a great weekend-camp-out aerial. Impressed with your 'Guy to Guy' presentation, are subbing now and will start viewing your other vids Good job OM.....

Excellent video, thanks! Looks like a killer mast. I like all the stuff you've added to it to make it more practical and easy to set up in the field. So here's the big question: What antenna(s) do you plan to deploy with this mast? Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Nice Vid Mike Keep up the great work !!!

Nice video, good ideas for me to use on my mast, thanks!

Thanks for sending the mast URL during the HRCC Livestream. After watching your video, I ordered it. Also ordered the guying rings. If they don't work well, I'll try your method with the carabiners.

Great video, good work !!

I have the old S9 vertical that's like this. It works well, just doesnt like much wind

I would be very interested in seeing how you attach a dipole center to the top.

Great idea about the base stakes. 73 Roger w8rlp

Awesome, gave me some good ideas

Wow, over-priced is right! Granted this was 2014 but I got the same thing for $59 from E-Bay. It looks very similar to this MFJ model.

Upvote for Marla Hooch reference

Nice I'm liking it

I upvote all your stuff anyway, but the Tony impersonation reminded me to lol

Only watching this in 11/2021. Yes, far too expensive. The Spiderbeam 12m pole is a lot cheaper and far stronger - compare the size of the top section of the Spiderbeam 12m to this one, simply no comparison....like comparing a matchstick to a cigar in size. However, I loved your tips for guying, I will use the same for my FG poles. Thanks Mike, great video

Now this mast is $199.95 after coupons and discounts!!!

Flagging ribbon like orchadists or surveyors use is great guy wires.

That a pretty cool stuff how you set up the telescopic mast Pole. The only thing I can think of is that the price is a little bit high . Not all hams can afford to pay the price that MFJis wanting for it. 73 AE4OY WILLIAM EM-81UF

Can you not extend say the top two sections so you could attach like a set of hamsticks on it? Would those smaller sections fall down inside and mess up collapsing?

Now $210 plus $25 shipping most zip codes.

Outstanding video!! Have you had any issues with any of the sections collapsing?

Hi Mike, what do you recommend for a multi band antenna to suit?

How about some of the "danger do not cross" tape on the lower guys to make them more visible?

Nice job. Your right. A little over priced. Like the mods.

Can it be used as a Permanent installation or just when you go out? i need a telescopik system for my repeater antenna on my tripod on my garage,i wonder if this one is hd enough? thanks Gervais ve2ckn

Sir, your mods are genius. Implementing even now and they look like MSR tent pegs very class. Thanks. 73 W6SLA

I've been thinking about this mast and several others. I can't wait to see you connected an antenna and make contacts with this set-up. Question, how is 40 meters and 20 meters with an antenna at this height? It seems like it would be closer to the proper 20 meter height but I'm hoping I could make some good DX contacts on 40 meters too. I've reached England, France and Peru with 5 watts SSB with an EFHW that is about 25 feet up in a tree. I just feel I can tweak a little more performance out of my antenna if it's at a better height. Thank You in advance

Mike I missed the length of guy rope? Thanks

Nice review. Any further thoughts on it a year later? I'm interested in one for occasional use of a dual band roll up j pole - is the top couple sections up to it?

Spiderbeam 12 meter at 109.00 usd can’t be beat. Good on MFJ though. I have lots of their toys.

What kind of plastic tube did you use under the clamp? What size was it?

I wouldn't use paracord, paracord stretches way too much

Does anyone have any idea how the MFJ 1917 compares the SpiderBeam 12M pole. Wondering if the MFJ pole is substantially sturdier ? The Spiderbeam pole definitely bends

I have a 10meter packtenna mast. Would you use the same type of mods for it? 73 from NC - N4JMB

Hi Mike Santa Cheryl bought me this mast for Christmas so I'm watching to add your mods to mine. 73's I hope to work you soon tweet when your setup sometime. Don de kc9dfk

Just ordered the Sotabeams 32-foot travel mast but your's seems to be a little more sturdier

There's no crying in ham radio...

73 dr OM from 🇨🇵...

What kind of antenna do u put on it

Sweet setup, I like the additions you've made. Great for POTA or Field Day. Thanks for the Video. 73 KI5HII

How well can this or the 33ft version support heavy coax? I'm interested in something like this for a slim jim or something with an HT, and I'm not sure where the balance between something heavy like LMR400UF vs something lighter but lossier like LMR200 or RG58.

The diameter of the top looks flimsy to me....just like a fishing pole. Nope...wouldn't want it. Check out DX Engineering's 40 ft mast. It starts at 3" and is a lot bigger at the tip.

I enjoy the video and you and I both setup the same way not walking from the car and at 5 lbs I don't mind carrying it with me. I need a lighter battery when I bring my IC-7200 out in the field. I use my AN/PRC-104 often out in the forest preserve. Will you be doing Winter Field Day in 2020? 73's Mike Kc9dfk I'm thinking of building that setup you have I like it a lot Thanks again

So you have a pole stickup 43 feet. That is NOT an antenna. What do you USE it for???????

Put pool noodles on the guy wires for visability

Now it's $209

OK. You have a 43 ft mast. What antenna are you mounting on it and how? Don't leave us hanging. W4MKH

7:49 $209.95 now. :-( Do you still use it?

$209.95 now :o

What is the connector and band range of this, I can’t seem to find anything about that

I have had toddker kids almost get clotheslined....parents totally oblivious to the lil buggers running amuck...smartphones.

I see your Schwartz is as big as mine!

I feel like the Mods should be standard.... how does Mfj actually recommend guying this antenna mast?

do you get better cell reception @ 43 feet?

Do they still make this?? The link doesn't work at this time

Will that fit in my stocking? ;)

Name the competition. I need one but price is high

Marla Hooch?

anyone tried this as permanent installation at the base station?

Just got mine. Missing the top eyelet. With 18 gage bare copper wire in an inverted v. It’s extremely flimsy. Looks like I got a huge fish on. Definitely not a great product. Wish now I bought something better.

windload?

I just went and looked at their website and it no longer exists

tony montana say hello to my little friend hahahahaha 73 de n3lou

Marla Hooch!!! Lol! A League of Their Own. Tom Hanks was great in that movie. Not thrilled about his politics nor the mess he is in. Great actor though.

I believe it's 43 feet. I don't believe it's 12 meters...if a meter is still 3 feet 3 inches. 😉

I have one of these and had it collapse on me while putting it up. I use clamps at each joint now and wear a hard hat just in case. Like the mods you made. 73! - KC3HUL (kc3hul.com)

220$ now. Wtf

The one I got off them is a pile of shit ! I will never bye off them again

An amateur radio operator has to toss in a "fricking". Define the word please. Oh never mind. Just unnecessary and disappointing to hear. Stupid and you really like it? Oh well, thats my criticism, other than that nice video.