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The Cushcraft and Hy-Gain antenna are similar in principle. On the lower bands the Cushcraft uses cap hats and traps while the Hy-Gain uses cap hats and loading coils. Both are "no-ground radial" types. I have the Cushcraft R6, which is the same as the R8 except without 40 meters. It's an OK antenna, but my dipoles mounted directly under it usually hear better. The vertical also has a higher noise floor than the inverted Vs. The R6 SWR moves around all over the place so I usually have to use my tuner with it. I would assume the R8 to exhibit the same behavior.
The MFJ you listed is of the type where you need to install ground radials. My guess is that it will probably work better, but I can't say from experience.
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