How to Choose Among MFJ Heavy-Duty Tripods for Portable Antenna Use

Choose by how high you need the antenna feed point and whether you already own a mast. MFJ lists three options on its site: the MFJ-1919EXAL at $199.95 for an 18-foot setup, the MFJ-1918EX at $129.95 for a 10-foot setup, and the MFJ-1918 at $84.95 for the tripod alone without a mast. All three are described as portable tripods that fit in a trunk or back seat and are aimed at QRP, POTA, Field Day, and travel operating.

The three configurations at a glance

The height figures are the heights MFJ advertises for each package, so treat them as the practical starting point for planning radials, guying, and feedline length rather than as a guarantee for every antenna you might mount.

How to decide

Start with the antenna, not the tripod

The tripod is only the base. The real question is what the antenna needs:

• A small vertical, whip, or lightweight wire support that works fine at roughly 10 feet: the MFJ-1918EX covers it at the lowest package price.
• A taller vertical or a center support for a wire antenna where extra height meaningfully changes the radiation pattern or keeps the element clear of people and ground clutter: the MFJ-1919EXAL buys you 8 more feet for $70 more than the 10-foot package.
• You already own a mast that fits the tripod: buy the MFJ-1918 and save the cost of a mast you don't need.

Consider the practical cost of height

An 18-foot setup is not just a taller version of a 10-foot one. Before choosing the taller package, plan for:

• Guying or anchoring. A taller mast with an antenna on top has more leverage against the tripod, so plan on securing it, especially in wind or on open field-day sites.
• Transport length. MFJ says the tripods fit in a trunk or back seat, but confirm the collapsed mast length against your vehicle before committing to the 18-foot model.
• Setup time and reach. Raising and lowering an 18-foot mast takes more care than a 10-foot one, which matters if you are setting up alone or moving between POTA activations.

If you operate mostly in calm conditions, on short activations, or with a light antenna, the 10-foot package is the simpler choice. If height is the point — for example, getting a vertical's feed point and radials clear of ground losses — the 18-foot package is the one to budget for.

Check what else you need

The tripod packages do not include the antenna, feedline, or guying hardware. MFJ's site also lists accessories that often travel with a portable setup, such as the MFJ-9219 QRP tuner/SWR meter/dummy load at $119.95 (20-watt handling, 3/4 pound) and the MFJ-557 code practice oscillator at $69.95. These are separate purchases, so factor them into the total if your station needs them.

A quick decision path

1. Do you already have a compatible mast? If yes, the MFJ-1918 at $84.95 is the direct answer.
2. If not, how high does your antenna need to be? Around 10 feet points to the MFJ-1918EX; around 18 feet points to the MFJ-1919EXAL.
3. Can you transport, raise, and secure the taller mast? If not, take the 10-foot package even if you wanted more height.
4. Confirm current price and availability before ordering. The prices above are those listed on MFJ's site at the time of this information; check the product pages for the latest figures and stock status.

Common sticking points

• Assuming the tripod alone gets you on the air. The MFJ-1918 is a base only; without a mast it does nothing for your antenna.
• Buying height you can't manage. The 18-foot package is the right call only if you can guy it and raise it safely.
• Forgetting the rest of the station. Budget for feedline, guying, and any tuner or meter you need alongside the tripod.

For questions about a specific order or repair, MFJ's site directs customers to email [email protected], and it asks that products sent for repair have an RMA requested by email first.