Eddie im not sure why it surprises you that i like the astroplane,
an efficient dc shorted 1/2wave with current maxima higher above ground than a 5/8wave,
i wish id compared my old astro at the same tip height as other antennas on a 1/2wave mast the first time around,
37 years is not that long to get up to speed is it ?
its far from perfect, if it was tuneable that would be a big plus,
single piece legs hoop another plus,
a higher power rated feedpoint,
its also much stiffer in the wind than a 5/8wave,
big downside is the astroplane puts more wind load on your mast than any other vertical i can think of at the same tip height.
