Radioddity HF-009 Vertical Antenna Review

--By Mihai M. | W4MHI

The Radioddity HF-009 is a versatile and weatherproof vertical antenna I tested in a park, covering 5–50 MHz (60 m through 6 m) with an SWR I had to measure, being called by everyone in between 1.0 and 1.5. Its collapsible whip and slide-and-tap center-loaded coil make it incredibly portable, packing neatly into its carry case. This design proved invaluable during my field tests, where quick setup and reliable performance were essential for portable operations and emergency deployments.

Machined from robust aluminum with a matte sandstone finish, this 1/4-wave vertical balances ruggedness and weight. All exposed ends come capped for transport, and the included BNC→SO-239 adapter means I didn’t need that extra bag of connectors when pairing it with my ICOM 705.

I ran FT-8 checks on 40 m, 20 m, and 10 m, using a RigExpert Stick Pro antenna analyzer for precise tuning. First I slid out the whip to get into the rough resonance “funnel,” then used the fine-scale slider coil in millimeter increments. The slider is so sensitive that very small steps consistently yielded an SWR dip right where I needed it.

Measured results showed an SWR hovering between 1.07 and 2.3 at each band’s sweet spot, matching the analyzer’s readings and my radio’s built-in meter. Interestingly, I didn’t put too much effort into tuning initially, so the first results came in at SWR 2–3. However, fine-tuning lowered them down immediately. I had a hard time getting below 2.3 on 10 m, which I found odd since all other tests were under SWR 2.0.

Deploying took under five minutes: lay out the silicone-coated radials, insert the spike (when allowed), attach the whip and coil assembly, then connect the analyzer or radio. Photos below document each step, illustrating just how straightforward a day-in-the-field setup can be.

Testing took place at Radar Park—also known as Nike Park—perched atop Cougar Mountain in Issaquah, WA. This location isn’t just scenic; it’s steeped in history. Once home to Cold War-era missile installations and rich coal deposits that fueled early Seattle industry, Cougar Mountain has since been reclaimed as a protected wildland park, offering over 3,000 acres of trails and forested terrain. The blend of open clearings and wooded pockets made it an ideal spot to evaluate the Radioddity HF-009’s performance in varied conditions.

My portable FT-8 setup included an ICOM-705, a Bioenno 12V/12A battery, and a Surface Go—all packed into a single backpack alongside the antenna’s carry case. The park’s quiet elevation and historical backdrop added a unique layer to the field test, reminding me how far communication technology has come—from radar stations to digital modes in the wild.

A funny mishap occurred during testing: I initially forgot to install the radials, resulting in an infinite SWR on 40 m. After some troubleshooting, I managed to lower the SWR to 7.0 but couldn’t go any lower. Once I realized the radials were missing and installed them, the SWR immediately dropped to 1.35. For 14MHz I started with 1.26, but fine-tuning brought it down further to 1.07 on 20m. On 6m I got an excellent 1.34.

Like I said before, I don’t have enough patience to tune a vertical antenna, so around 3 minutes, maybe less, made me happy with what I got. Being impatient even with myself helps me a lot if I am in an emergency situation where rapid decisions and faster communication are very important, leaving no time for fancy setups. This antenna is what I would take with me, proven to take a short time to set up.

I also experimented with two coil positions: mounting the coil at the top of the antenna versus at the bottom as a removable segment. While both configurations worked, the bottom-mounted coil proved less manageable, requiring me to squat for adjustments. This test confirmed that the coil can be mounted in any position, though usability may vary.

These features combine into an antenna I trust for emergency comms, SOTA activations, or POTA outings. Every deployment so far has felt seamless.

I’d love a spike base that unscrews easily, allowing me to switch between ground-spike, tripod, or mast mounts without extra tools—especially since many parks prohibit driving spikes into soil.

While bandwidth is naturally narrow on a 1/4-wave vertical (a trait shared by almost all small mains-loading designs), a slightly wider tuning range around each band would reduce retuning when frequency needs shift during a busy activation.

Overall, my experience with the Radioddity HF-009 has been highly positive. Its intuitive design, rugged build, and reliable performance make it a standout choice for portable operations. Radioddity continues to impress with their commitment to quality and customer focus, and this antenna is no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just starting out, the HF-009 is a dependable companion for your adventures.