Test: "Sunker Elite CB115" vs. "DV27-S an PNI-145/DV"

So, the results are in. After hearing only good things about the inexpensive "Sunker Elite CB115" (apart from an alleged water ingress into the coil housing), I promptly bought one of these magnetic-mount antennas and measured and tested it for the first time today, comparing it to my beloved all-round antenna, the DV27-S (on a PNI 145/DV magnetic base). I had previously tuned both antennas to channel 28 (27.285 MHz), see the measurements in the photos. My CB radio friend Gerald (Z80) kindly positioned himself 14 km away near the Old Danube, his signal blocked in my direction by tall apartment buildings. A slight elevation difference in the terrain between us further hampered our connection, see the terrain profile – all in all, less than ideal conditions. Anyway, I won't keep you in suspense any longer, here's the result: The Sunker, at 151cm (16cm longer), delivered a (just a touch, a nuance, a tiny bit) stronger signal than the DV27-S (at only 135cm long, mounted on a PNI 145/DV magnetic base). But take a look at the S-meter reading of the George-II from Z80 yourself:    • Test: "Sunker Elite CB115" vs. "DV27-S an ...   Conclusion: The difference is truly minimal and probably only due to the missing 16cm 😜, meaning the two antennas are practically identical. The Sunker's advantage: Thanks to its flexible steel whip, the radiator is less likely to break if it accidentally brushes against something (e.g., an underground parking garage). The rigid DV27-S would almost certainly break in that situation. Advantage of the DV27-S: Due to its rigidity, the DV27-S doesn't bend backward as much while driving, resulting in a more stable signal that is less prone to fading (i.e., fluctuating) than the Sunker. Furthermore, water cannot penetrate the coil housing of the DV27-S. In terms of cost, both antennas are roughly equivalent. And the two magnetic bases of the Sunker and the DV27-S are virtually identical except for the connector (PL or DV) and are presumably from the same manufacturer. Important: Both magnetic bases have an aluminum foil on the underside (for capacitive coupling to the vehicle's bodywork). For an explanation, see:    • Der Schwachstrom-Stummelfunker 😜   Photos: https://postimg.cc/gallery/tF6Yp0t Terrain profile: https://i.postimg.cc/YMNQqK5m/14km-Pu... My locator: https://what3words.com/frauen.kurve.r... Location Z80: https://s1.directupload.eu/images/260... Antenna A: Sunker Elite CB115 (base-loaded): https://de.euroelectronics.eu/product... Antenna B: DV27-S (top-loaded): https://www.keimfunk.de/shop_artikel.... PNI 145/DV: https://amzn.eu/d/08hSQftG S-meter comparison:    • Test: "Sunker Elite CB115" vs. "DV27-S an ...   Aluminum foil:    • Test: "Sunker Elite CB115" vs. "DV27-S an ...   Protective film: https://amzn.eu/d/0hM5SDMB T3-27 (not included in this comparison): https://www.sirioantenne.it/en/produc... (only used for the ride home) Hope this first test has been of service to you all 🙇 My sincere thanks go especially to Gerald (Station Z80) who helped me with the test 👍, and of course to "FleMa" 🙂 and all the other "participating" stations in the background (i.e., all the eavesdroppers, carrier builders, and pirates 😉) Your incompetence, the Vespa_300 😜