Lil Dude 6 vs HRO Carbon Mast 20: which portable mast is right for you?
Looking at the Ham Radio Outlet Carbon Mast 20 (also listed as HRO CARBON MAST 20)? Here’s how it compares with the Lil Dude 6, using each seller’s published specs.
Quick answer
Choose the HRO Carbon Mast 20 if you want the lightest option you can pick up at an HRO store today.
Choose the Lil Dude 6 if you want to save about $20 and know exactly what you’re getting.
We make the Lil Dude 6, so we’ve been careful to say where the HRO Carbon Mast 20 does better too.
Specs side by side
| Feature | Lil Dude 6 (ours) | HRO Carbon Mast 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.42 | $99.95 at Ham Radio Outlet when we checked |
| Extended height | About 19 ft 6 in (5.9 m) | 19.2 ft |
| Collapsed length | 16 in | Not listed |
| Weight | About 15.2 oz | 10.3 oz |
| Sections | 20 | Not listed |
| Tip thickness | About 5.1 mm (thickest tip here) | Not listed |
| Base thickness | About 37 mm (1.46 in) | Not listed |
| Included | TPU top cap with paracord loop, spare cap | Not listed |
| Where to buy | Ham Radio Dude on Etsy | Ham Radio Outlet stores and website |
Where the HRO Carbon Mast 20 does better
- About 5 oz lighter.
- Sold in Ham Radio Outlet stores, so you can see it in person.
Where the Lil Dude 6 does better
- About $20 less.
- A little taller (about 19.5 ft vs 19.2 ft).
- Full published specs: collapsed length, sections, tip and base size. HRO doesn’t list these.
- Rated 4.98 out of 5 by 269 Etsy buyers.
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 HRO Carbon Mast 20?
For many operators, yes. The Lil Dude 6 is a good pick if you want to save about $20 and know exactly what you’re getting. The HRO Carbon Mast 20 is the better pick if you want the lightest option you can pick up at an HRO store today.
What is the main difference between the Lil Dude 6 and the HRO Carbon Mast 20?
The HRO Carbon Mast 20: about 5 oz lighter. The Lil Dude 6: about $20 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
- Ham Radio Outlet: Carbon Mast 20 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.
HRO Carbon Mast 20 are names and trademarks of their owners. Ham Radio Dude is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.