Lil Dude 6 vs Explorer POTA20: which portable mast is right for you?
Looking at the GigaParts Explorer POTA20 Carbon Fiber Mast (also listed as GigaParts POTA 20)? Here’s how it compares with the Lil Dude 6, using each seller’s published specs.
Quick answer
Choose the Explorer POTA20 if every ounce matters on your hike, or you want the extra 6 inches.
Choose the Lil Dude 6 if you want to save about $50, want a shorter pack size, or want a sturdier tip.
We make the Lil Dude 6, so we’ve been careful to say where the Explorer POTA20 does better too.
Specs side by side
| Feature | Lil Dude 6 (ours) | Explorer POTA20 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.42 | $129.95 at GigaParts when we checked |
| Extended height | About 19 ft 6 in (5.9 m) | 20 ft |
| Collapsed length | 16 in | 17.5 in |
| Weight | About 15.2 oz | 12 oz |
| Sections | 20 | 18 |
| Tip thickness | About 5.1 mm (thickest tip here) | 5/32 in (about 4 mm) |
| Base thickness | About 37 mm (1.46 in) | 1.2 in (about 30 mm) |
| Included | TPU top cap with paracord loop, spare cap | Mast and manual |
| Where to buy | Ham Radio Dude on Etsy | GigaParts |
Where the Explorer POTA20 does better
- About 3 oz lighter.
- About 6 in taller fully extended.
- Fewer sections (18), so slightly quicker to extend and collapse.
- GigaParts sells replacement sections for it.
Where the Lil Dude 6 does better
- About $50 less.
- Packs 1.5 in shorter (16 in collapsed).
- Thicker tip (about 5.1 mm vs about 4 mm), so the top is less likely to snap under a wire antenna.
- Thicker base for a firmer grip in a ground spike or clamp.
- Rated 4.98 out of 5 by 269 Etsy buyers.
Already own the Explorer POTA20?
We make a ground spike kit that fits it: the Mast Spike Kit for Explorer POTA 20 & POTA 33 ($24.99). Push it into the ground and your mast stands on its own, with no tripod or guy lines.
What Lil Dude 6 owners say
Not much to say, this mast is exactly as described. I really do like it a lot. This is the 2nd one I have bought, because it is what it is, a great, quality mast from someone who just wants to make quality stuff and not rip people off.
Thanks DUDE!!! Always great products. Just put my pre-order in for my second HRD25 vertical whip!! Patiently waiting.
Very happy with the mast, perfect for light setups/travel
Common questions
Is the Lil Dude 6 a good alternative to the Explorer POTA20?
For many operators, yes. The Lil Dude 6 is a good pick if you want to save about $50, want a shorter pack size, or want a sturdier tip. The Explorer POTA20 is the better pick if every ounce matters on your hike, or you want the extra 6 inches.
What is the main difference between the Lil Dude 6 and the Explorer POTA20?
The Explorer POTA20: about 3 oz lighter. The Lil Dude 6: about $50 less.
Can a 20 ft carbon mast hold a vertical antenna?
These masts are made for light wire antennas, like an end fed half wave or a dipole hung from the tip. They are not made to hold heavy verticals or beams at the top.
Is a carbon fiber mast safe near power lines?
No. Carbon fiber conducts electricity. Always look up before you raise any mast, and stay well away from power lines. YOU WILL DIE! 💀
More comparisons
Where these specs come from
- GigaParts: Explorer POTA20 listing
- Our own specs come from our product listings.
We checked every listing on October 30, 2026. Prices and stock change often, so check the seller before you buy. Where a seller doesn’t publish a spec, we say “Not listed” instead of guessing. Spot a mistake? Message us on Etsy and we’ll fix it.
Explorer POTA20 are names and trademarks of their owners. Ham Radio Dude is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.