Just a couple of things to keep in mind.
The position of the loading coil, bottom, center, top, does make some difference in performance. That difference isn't a huge one by any means, some difference but not a lot. That assumes that the antenna is properly adjusted to start with.
Almost any antenna for a certain frequency can be shortened by a ridiculous amount and made to 'work'. That doesn't say how well it will work though. You're right, a 'full sized' antenna can be a real P.I.T.A. for using mobile for some people. The 'catch' to shortening an antenna is that it's radiation pattern changes (shorter = less). If the resulting radiation pattern satisfies your needs then good. If not, then it's too short probably, but then there's always the 'unrealistic' expectations that some have.
Power handling, one of the silliest ratings there are. If it will handle whatever power you send to it, it's working. If it won't, then the individual components are probably not 'heavy' enough. Feeding less power to an antenna than it's 'rated' for is always a very good idea. But just because the thing can handle 50 KW doesn't mean it's gonna be better than one that can't. If made correctly, a 14 gage wire antenna will handle anything the average person will EVER be able to feed it, and more than you'd ever believe.
The biggest difference in most loaded antennas are their mechanical aspects. That assumes that the compared antennas are at least 'ball-park' close in electrical size, sort of. If there's a large 'lump' at the top, then the supporting structure has to be stronger than if there isn't. The larger that 'lump', the larger the stuff under that 'lump' has to be, mechanical thingy. The further that 'lump' comes down from the top, the less 'large' the stuff under it has to be. Simple mechanics, right?
Electrical antenna size.
If whatever the electrical size of the antenna is satisfies your needs (range), then that's the size that works for you and is good. If a different electrical size puts more signal where you want it, then use that. Large number of "if's" and "but's" in that, such as height, whats around the antenna, et. So, the same antenna may not do as well as another one in any particular situation. (Same for toothpaste, a matter of required taste (pun intended).)
What it boils down to is that there ain't no such thing as a 'one size fits all' antenna. 'Better' means better for your particular situation / location / requirements.
Already knew all of that, didn't you?
- 'Doc
