If you operate FT8 and regularly chase DX, antenna efficiency matters more than almost anything else in your station. I recently compared my long-time magnetic loop antenna against a simple 31-foot vertical wire setup, and the results were more dramatic than I expected.
In this real-world FT8 antenna test, the vertical antenna consistently outperformed the mag loop on European contacts from the Great Lakes region. The test reinforced something many experienced operators already suspect: while magnetic loop antennas can be excellent in compromised locations, a properly deployed vertical often wins for low-angle DX performance.
If you’re deciding between a magnetic loop and a vertical antenna for FT8, this comparison should help clarify the strengths and tradeoffs of each approach.
For more antenna setups and practical station upgrades, see my antenna guides and tutorials and the main ham radio hub.
Vertical Antenna Crushes Magloop on FT8 | Real Test Results
What This Video Covers
This test compares two HF antenna systems used for FT8 digital mode operation:
- An MFJ-1786 Magnetic Loop Antenna covering roughly 10–30 MHz
- A 31-foot vertical wire Earchi S9 Antenna using a 9:1 unun
The goal was simple:
- Compare receive capability
- Compare FT8 contact performance into Europe
- Evaluate real-world DX effectiveness
- Assess operating convenience across multiple HF bands
The results surprised me because I had been very happy with the mag loop for years.
The Magnetic Loop Antenna Setup
For many seasons, I’ve used an MFJ magnetic loop antenna covering approximately 10 MHz through 30 MHz. Magnetic loops are popular because they:
- Require limited space
- Reject some local noise
- Work well in restricted environments
- Offer directional nulling capabilities
- Can deliver respectable DX performance
Why Mag Loops Appeal to Many Operators
Mag loops are especially attractive for:
- Apartment operators
- HOA-restricted stations
- Small suburban lots
- Portable operation
- Operators dealing with local RF noise
One thing I’ve always appreciated about this antenna is that it genuinely does hear DX. Over the years, I’ve copied plenty of international stations with it.
However, FT8 performance depends on more than simply hearing stations.
The Tuning Drawback
The biggest operational downside of the magnetic loop is tuning sensitivity.
Every small frequency change requires retuning. On FT8, where operators frequently hop bands or move within portions of a band, this becomes tedious.
Even minor shifts can noticeably affect performance.
That’s one area where broadband vertical antennas immediately feel easier to use.
The Vertical Antenna Configuration
The comparison antenna was much simpler.
The setup consisted of:
- A 31-foot vertical wire
- Mounted on an MFJ fiberglass pole
- Fed through a 9:1 unun
This is a very common end-fed vertical configuration among HF operators because it offers:
- Multi-band capability
- Simplicity
- Fast deployment
- Low cost
- Broad frequency coverage
Bands Used
The vertical was used successfully on:
- 30 meters
- 20 meters
- 17 meters
- 15 meters
- 10 meters
- Even 6 meters
Unlike the mag loop, no constant retuning was required during operation.
That operational simplicity becomes a major advantage during casual FT8 sessions.
For operators experimenting with multi-band wire antennas and digital modes, this kind of setup delivers impressive value relative to complexity.
FT8 DX Test Results: Vertical vs Mag Loop
This is where the comparison became interesting.
During testing from the Great Lakes region into Europe, the mag loop could hear some strong European stations, particularly major stations from:
- Germany
- France
But hearing signals and completing contacts are two different things.
The vertical antenna consistently made better FT8 contacts into Europe.
Contacts Made With the Vertical
Using the vertical antenna, I successfully completed contacts with stations in:
- Serbia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
Those contacts reached farther into Central Europe rather than just stronger Western European stations.
That suggests the vertical antenna was providing better low-angle radiation performance for DX propagation.
Real-World Comparison Table
Feature | MFJ-1786 Magnetic Loop Antenna | Earchi S9 Vertical Antenna |
|---|---|---|
Frequency Coverage | 10–30 MHz | Multi-band HF |
Tuning Required | Constant retuning | Minimal |
DX Reception | Good | Good |
DX Contact Success | Limited in test | Better results |
FT8 Convenience | Lower | Higher |
European Contacts | Mostly strong stations heard | Multiple successful QSOs |
Why the Vertical Performed Better on FT8
FT8 is incredibly sensitive, but antenna radiation angle still matters.
Vertical antennas often excel for long-distance HF work because they naturally favor low-angle radiation patterns. Those lower takeoff angles are ideal for transcontinental and transoceanic propagation.
Possible Reasons for Better DX Results
Several factors likely contributed:
- Better low-angle radiation
- Less tuning loss
- More efficient broadband operation
- Faster band changes
- Improved consistency across frequencies
Meanwhile, magnetic loops can sacrifice efficiency, especially on lower HF bands or when deployed in less-than-ideal environments.
That does not make mag loops “bad” antennas. Far from it.
It simply highlights that antenna compromises become more visible during weak-signal DX work like FT8.
For operators interested in optimizing digital mode performance, antenna efficiency often matters more than transmitter power.
Real-World FT8 Operating Experience
In practical use, the vertical antenna was simply easier to operate.
Instead of constantly retuning after frequency changes, I could move between bands and continue operating immediately.
That matters more than many operators realize.
On FT8, convenience directly affects operating enjoyment because:
- Band changes are frequent
- Propagation shifts rapidly
- Operators often chase openings quickly
- Retuning interrupts workflow
The vertical antenna felt more flexible and more forgiving overall.
Pros and Cons of Each Antenna
Magnetic Loop Pros
- Compact footprint
- Good for restricted spaces
- Can reduce local noise
- Capable DX reception
- Portable-friendly
Magnetic Loop Cons
- Constant retuning required
- Narrow bandwidth
- Lower convenience for FT8
- Weaker real-world DX performance in this test
Vertical Antenna Pros
- Better FT8 DX performance
- Easier multi-band operation
- Minimal retuning
- Simple construction
- Excellent value
Vertical Antenna Cons
- Requires more physical space
- More visible installation
- Can pick up more local noise
- Ground conditions can affect performance
Who This Antenna Comparison Is For
This comparison is especially relevant for:
- FT8 operators chasing DX
- HF digital mode enthusiasts
- Operators comparing verticals vs loops
- Backyard antenna experimenters
- Portable HF operators
- Intermediate and advanced amateur radio operators
If you primarily operate from limited spaces or apartments, a magnetic loop still makes sense.
But if you have enough room for even a modest vertical wire antenna, the performance advantage can be significant.
Operators exploring broader HF monitoring may also want to browse the shortwave listening section and the radio scanner resources.
After years of using the magnetic loop successfully, this FT8 comparison was eye-opening.
The mag loop still works well and remains useful in compromised environments. It can absolutely hear DX and remains a valid solution where space is limited.
But in direct FT8 testing, the simple 31-foot vertical antenna clearly delivered stronger real-world DX performance.
The biggest advantages were:
- Better DX contact success
- Easier operation
- No constant retuning
- Better overall usability for digital modes
Sometimes the simplest antenna systems produce the best practical results.
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