Xiegu VG4 vs Traditional OFC Dipole

Band: 40 meters Mode: FT8 Method: Back-to-back A/B test

TL;DR: The VG4 vertical consistently showed more DX reach (especially across the Atlantic), while the OFC dipole produced denser North America coverage and typically cleaner receive. Neither is “better” overall — they’re optimized for different jobs.

Why I Ran This Test

Antenna talk is full of opinions, modeling screenshots, and marketing claims. That stuff has its place, but I’m more interested in one question:

How does the Xiegu VG4 perform in the real world compared to a traditional wire dipole?

So I put both antennas on the air under the same conditions and let FT8 and propagation do the talking.

Test Setup

Band: 40 meters
Mode: FT8
Power: Same output on both antennas
Timing: Tests run back-to-back within minutes
Duration: About 5–7 minutes each
Station: Same radio and setup; antenna switched at the station
Verification: PSKReporter reception maps

Antennas Under Test

Xiegu VG4 (Vertical)

A compact trapped vertical designed for multi-band operation. Verticals are known for low takeoff angles, which is exactly what you want for DX when conditions are right.

Traditional OFC Wire Dipole

A reliable, time-tested horizontal wire dipole made with oxygen-free copper. Dipoles often shine with lower noise and strong regional performance.

What I Saw on the Air

Even with short 5–7 minute runs, the difference showed up fast. On 40 meters at night, the band is often active enough that antenna pattern differences become obvious, especially on FT8.

VG4 Vertical: More DX Reach

Stronger long-haul paths (especially transatlantic)
Classic low-angle “spray” on reception maps
Often a bit higher noise floor — but still decoding fine

OFC Dipole: Dense NA Coverage

More regional + mid-distance stations
Often cleaner receive
Less deep-DX compared to the vertical during this test window

PSKReporter Map Evidence

Below is where the comparison gets real. I ran the vertical first, then switched to the dipole. Same band, same mode, same station — just a different antenna.

PSKReporter map showing 40m FT8 reception differences between Xiegu VG4 vertical and OFC dipole

Screenshot used for this comparison: vg4-vs-dipole.jpg (40m FT8, back-to-back antenna swap).

What this tells us: The vertical is doing what verticals do — pushing more energy at low angles for DX. The dipole is doing what dipoles do — solid regional coverage and often a quieter receive.

Why FT8 Is Perfect for Antenna A/B Testing

Weak-signal decoding makes differences show up quickly
Consistent timing reduces “human” variables
Huge reporting network (PSKReporter) gives a real map of performance
Back-to-back runs keep propagation changes minimized

My Takeaway

This test reinforced something I’ve learned over and over in ham radio: the “best” antenna depends on what you’re trying to do.

If I’m chasing DX on 40m FT8, the Xiegu VG4 vertical is a monster.
If I want strong North America coverage with a cleaner receive, the dipole still rules.

Bottom line: I’m glad I have both. The VG4 has earned a spot in my lineup, and the OFC dipole remains my dependable workhorse.

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