20 ft portable carbon fiber masts compared
A 20 ft carbon fiber mast is the easy way to get a wire antenna up high at a park or summit, and it packs small enough for a backpack. Here are four popular ones side by side, with the specs each maker or dealer publishes.
We make the Lil Dude 6, so we’ve listed where the others do better too. Specs checked October 30, 2026.
Specs side by side
| Feature | Lil Dude 6 (ours) | Explorer POTA20 | SOTABeams Carbon-6 | HRO Carbon Mast 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.42 | $129.95 at GigaParts when we checked | $55.77 plus shipping from the UK (before any import tax) | $99.95 at Ham Radio Outlet when we checked |
| Extended height | About 19 ft 6 in (5.9 m) | 20 ft | 19.6 ft (6 m) | 19.2 ft |
| Collapsed length | 16 in | 17.5 in | 17 in (43 cm) | Not listed |
| Weight | About 15.2 oz | 12 oz | 11.1 oz (315 g) | 10.3 oz |
| Sections | 20 | 18 | 18 | Not listed |
| Tip thickness | About 5.1 mm (thickest tip here) | 5/32 in (about 4 mm) | 2.4 mm | Not listed |
| Base thickness | About 37 mm (1.46 in) | 1.2 in (about 30 mm) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | Not listed |
| Included | TPU top cap with paracord loop, spare cap | Mast and manual | Carry bag | Not listed |
| Where to buy | Ham Radio Dude on Etsy | GigaParts | SOTABeams (ships from the UK) and dealers | Ham Radio Outlet stores and website |
On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Which one is right for you?
Explorer POTA20
Good pick if: Every ounce matters on your hike, or you want the extra 6 inches.
SOTABeams Carbon-6
Good pick if: You count every gram for summit hikes and only hang very light wire.
HRO Carbon Mast 20
Good pick if: You want the lightest option you can pick up at an HRO store today.
Lil Dude 6
Good pick if: You want to save about $50, want a shorter pack size, or want a sturdier tip.
Common questions
Which portable mast should I buy?
It depends on how you operate. Pick the Explorer POTA20 if every ounce matters on your hike, or you want the extra 6 inches. Pick the SOTABeams Carbon-6 if you count every gram for summit hikes and only hang very light wire. Pick the HRO Carbon Mast 20 if you want the lightest option you can pick up at an HRO store today. Pick the Lil Dude 6 if you want to save about $50, want a shorter pack size, or want a sturdier tip.
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! 💀
Where these specs come from
- GigaParts: Explorer POTA20 listing
- SOTABeams: Carbon-6 listing
- 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.
Explorer POTA20, SOTABeams Carbon-6, HRO Carbon Mast 20 are names and trademarks of their owners. Ham Radio Dude is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.