EFHW, EFOC, and EFLW Explained: Which End-Fed Antenna Is Right for You?
When you hear terms like EFHW, EFOC, and EFLW, it can feel overwhelming. Let’s break them down so you can decide which one fits your operating style and station setup.
EFHW (End-Fed Half-Wave)
This is the most popular type—but also the most misunderstood. The wire length equals a half-wave (or multiple) at the target band. While it does resonate on harmonics, the idea that it is a “universal multiband” solution is misleading.
- ✔ Excellent efficiency on fundamental and harmonic resonant bands
- ✔ Easy to hang from trees or masts
- ✔ Works well in dual-band dedicated versions (e.g. 160/80m, 80/40m, 40/20m)
- ⚠ Needs a 49:1 transformer with very high impedance transformation—prone to heating and losses
- ⚠ “All-band EFHWs” (like the EFHW8010) are too long for most properties, develop chaotic lobe patterns, and often use capacitor tricks to fake a broadband match at the cost of efficiency
- ⚠ More sensitive to installation height due to the extreme voltage node at the feed
In our experience, EFHWs excel in dedicated dual-band cuts, but the classic “80–10m EFHW” is a poor compromise for multiband operation. For 160m and 80m, an Inverted-L EFHW with higher-ratio transformers (68:1–70:1) is far more stable than the typical 49:1 design.
EFOC (End-Fed Off-Center)
This design feeds the wire about 29% off-center, yielding a more practical impedance (~200 Ω) that is easy to match with a 4:1 unun. The result is lower ferrite stress, less loss, and more predictable multiband behavior.
- ✔ Works on multiple bands with fewer “dead spots” than EFHW
- ✔ Lower transformer ratios mean less heating and higher efficiency
- ✔ More tolerant of installation height and placement
- ✔ Excellent choice for DX and general HF multiband operation
- ⚠ May still need a tuner for fringe bands
The EFOC29 is a proven performer, outpacing both EFHW8010 and EFLW37 in real-world multiband operation.
EFLW (End-Fed Long Wire)
The long-wire approach: non-resonant, random lengths of 16–50+ m, fed with a 9:1 unun and tuner. It’s simple, flexible, and portable—but efficiency varies a lot.
- ✔ Maximum flexibility: can be zig-zagged, L-shaped, or sloped
- ✔ Covers many bands with a wide-range tuner
- ✔ Great for field, stealth, or emergency setups
- ⚠ Always requires a tuner
- ⚠ Efficiency depends on length, ground, and counterpoise
- ⚠ Typically noisier in urban environments
Which Should You Choose?
- EFHW: Best in dedicated dual-band versions. Avoid “all-band EFHWs”—too lossy and unpredictable.
- EFOC: The best multiband compromise. More efficient, more predictable, and less lossy than EFHWs. Our recommended choice for most operators.
- EFLW: Best if you want flexibility and portability with a tuner, especially in portable or stealth installs.
Each type has its place—but the idea of a one-wire, no-compromise “all-band EFHW” is a myth. The EFOC29 offers the strongest balance of efficiency, DX performance, and practicality.
Mini-FAQ
- Are EFHWs really multiband? — Only at harmonic resonances. The “80–10m EFHW” is full of compromises and transformer losses.
- Why prefer EFOC? — Lower ratio, less loss, more predictable multiband performance.
- Is EFLW inefficient? — It can be, but with a good tuner and layout it’s flexible and useful for portable ops.
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