MURDER Spike vs Nomad GearWorks Freedom Spike: which mast ground spike kit is right for you?
Looking at the Nomad GearWorks Freedom Spike Ground Mount Kit (POTA20 size) (also listed as Freedom Spike POTA20)? Here’s how it compares with the MURDER Spike, using each seller’s published specs.
Ham Radio Dude designed the original Dude Spike, a PVC tube with a threaded cap and stainless spike that turns a telescopic mast into a stand-alone ground mount. The MURDER Spike is that design sized for the GigaParts Explorer POTA20. Other makers now sell kits in the same style.
Quick answer
Choose the Nomad GearWorks Freedom Spike if you don’t want to do any assembly, or want the lightest kit possible.
Choose the MURDER Spike if you want a stainless spike, machined parts, or to save about $12.
We make the MURDER Spike, so we’ve been careful to say where the Nomad GearWorks Freedom Spike does better too.
Specs side by side
| Feature | MURDER Spike (ours) | Nomad GearWorks Freedom Spike |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.99 | $36.99 at Nomad GearWorks when we checked |
| Fits | Explorer POTA20; POTA33 option (not 33H or 33B). Buyers report it also fits the SOTABeams Carbon-6 and Tactical 6 | GigaParts Explorer POTA20 (28 mm) |
| Spike material | Stainless steel | Aluminum |
| Spike thread | Your choice: M10 or 3/8-24 | Not listed |
| Mast tube | 1/2 in PVC (included) with machined ABS end parts (not 3D printed) | 3D printed ASA |
| Threaded insert | Brass, made in USA, pre-installed | Pre-installed (type not listed) |
| Assembly | Quick DIY: glue the parts to the PVC | Comes assembled, ready to use |
| Length with spike | About 22 in | Not listed |
| Weight | About 11 oz | Not listed |
| Where to buy | Ham Radio Dude on Etsy | Nomad GearWorks website |
Where the Nomad GearWorks Freedom Spike does better
- Comes fully assembled, so there’s nothing to glue.
- ASA plastic holds up to sunlight better than ABS.
- Aluminum spike is lighter than stainless.
Where the MURDER Spike does better
- About $12 less ($24.99 vs $36.99).
- Stainless steel spike instead of aluminum, so it holds up better in hard, rocky ground.
- Machined ABS end parts, not 3D printed.
- Choose M10 or 3/8-24 spike threads, plus a POTA33 option.
- The original design, rated 4.94 out of 5 by 98 Etsy buyers.
What MURDER Spike owners say
It was an easy process to purchase. It is a kit so you have to do some work to put it together. Mine is together. That being said I haven't used it yet so I can't say 100% how well it'll work, but I have very high hopes.
As every other purchase from Dude it is as described and great.
Delivered very quickly, nice product.
See it in use
Common questions
Is the MURDER Spike a good alternative to the Nomad GearWorks Freedom Spike?
For many operators, yes. The MURDER Spike is a good pick if you want a stainless spike, machined parts, or to save about $12. The Nomad GearWorks Freedom Spike is the better pick if you don’t want to do any assembly, or want the lightest kit possible.
What is the main difference between the MURDER Spike and the Nomad GearWorks Freedom Spike?
The Nomad GearWorks Freedom Spike: comes fully assembled, so there’s nothing to glue. The MURDER Spike: about $12 less ($24.99 vs $36.99).
Will it fit my POTA 33H or 33B?
No. This kit fits the POTA20 and the standard POTA33 only. For the POTA 33B, see the KDTSRE-5000M (MRD Spike 33B) kit in the shop.
How do I get a spike into hard ground?
Pour a little water on the spot first to soften the soil, then tap the spike in with a rubber mallet. Avoid steel hammers, which can damage the parts.
More comparisons
Where these specs come from
- Nomad GearWorks: Freedom Spike 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.
Nomad GearWorks Freedom Spike are names and trademarks of their owners. Ham Radio Dude is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.