SE0X Wins #1 in Sweden with RF-Guru EFHW16080 in CQ WPX SSB 2025
When SE0X (SM0MDG) entered CQ WPX SSB 2025, the main low-band vertical was unexpectedly out of service. To stay competitive, a new antenna was quickly installed: the RF-Guru EFHW16080. The result? A first-place finish in Sweden in the Single-Operator High Power category.
EFHW16080: Purpose-Built Inverted-L Performance
The EFHW16080 by RF.Guru is a full-size end-fed half-wave antenna specifically engineered to be used in an Inverted-L configuration. That’s exactly how SE0X deployed it—rising vertically from the feedpoint and then bending horizontally—to restore strong coverage on both 160 and 80 meters.
Despite the antenna change, the station achieved excellent signal reports and stable performance across both bands. This clearly demonstrated the robustness and design efficiency of the EFHW16080Â in demanding contest conditions.
Why It Worked
- Excellent match and SWR on both 160 m and 80 m
- Clean reception and effective noise rejection
- Easy deployment as a rugged base antenna in an Inverted-L layout
"With my 160/80 m vertical offline, I deployed the RF.Guru EFHW16080... It worked really well" — SM0MDG
Additional Configuration
SE0X also tested the EFHW16080 in an Inverted-U configuration, with both ends sloping down at a 45-degree angle from a horizontal top section positioned 10 meters above ground. This layout provided further insight into the antenna’s flexibility and efficiency in different deployments.
What This Shows
- Full-size end-fed antennas, especially in Inverted-L configurations, can deliver top-level contest results
- RF.Guru's EFHW16080 is a reliable, well-designed choice for serious operators
- Smart deployment makes the difference when it matters most