POTA Pounder vs Opek GM-3101: which ground spike mount is right for you?
Looking at the Opek GM-3101 Portable Ground Spike Mount (also listed as GM3101)? Here’s how it compares with the POTA Pounder, using each seller’s published specs.
Quick answer
Choose the Opek GM-3101 if you want to buy at a Ham Radio Outlet store today, or want a longer spike for soft ground.
Choose the POTA Pounder if you want a stainless spike, M10 threads, or a cheaper plate-only option.
We make the POTA Pounder, so we’ve been careful to say where the Opek GM-3101 does better too.
Specs side by side
| Feature | POTA Pounder (ours) | Opek GM-3101 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 (plate only) to $42.99 (complete kit with spike) | $39.95 at Ham Radio Outlet when we checked |
| Spike material | Solid stainless steel | Not listed |
| Spike length | About 8.5 in (22 cm) | About 11.4 in (290 mm) |
| Spike thickness | 3/8 in or M10 (about 10 mm) | 10 mm |
| Spike-to-plate thread | Your choice: 3/8-24 or M10 | Not listed |
| Antenna thread | 3/8-24 (M10 antennas need an adapter) | 3/8-24 |
| Coax connector | SO-239 elbow | SO-239 (Opek SM-1 body plate) |
| Radial connections | Quick-disconnect terminals | Two 6 mm terminals |
| Weight | 12.5 oz complete (spike alone 6.7 oz) | Not listed |
| Can you buy parts separately? | Yes: plate only, plate with SO-239, or complete kit | Not listed |
| Where to buy | Ham Radio Dude on Etsy | Ham Radio Outlet stores and website |
Where the Opek GM-3101 does better
- Longer spike (about 11.4 in) for soft ground.
- Sold in Ham Radio Outlet stores, so you can see it in person.
- Lists a 20 mph wind rating.
Where the POTA Pounder does better
- Solid stainless steel spike. Opek doesn’t list what its spike is made of.
- Choose 3/8-24 or M10 threads.
- Buy only the plate, from $9.99, if you already have a spike.
- Published weight and full specs, plus a build video on YouTube.
What POTA Pounder owners say
Been using this a lot and it was well worth it to me. Built tough unlike aluminum spikes I’ve found sold through big billionaires are us websites. Thank you!
Great devices as usual! Amazing guy!
Well made, sturdy and great concept with the 90 degree angle connector.
See it in use
Common questions
Is the POTA Pounder a good alternative to the Opek GM-3101?
For many operators, yes. The POTA Pounder is a good pick if you want a stainless spike, M10 threads, or a cheaper plate-only option. The Opek GM-3101 is the better pick if you want to buy at a Ham Radio Outlet store today, or want a longer spike for soft ground.
What is the main difference between the POTA Pounder and the Opek GM-3101?
The Opek GM-3101: longer spike (about 11.4 in) for soft ground. The POTA Pounder: solid stainless steel spike. Opek doesn’t list what its spike is made of.
Do I still need radials with a ground spike mount?
Yes, for most vertical antennas. The spike holds the antenna up, but pushing metal into the ground is not a good RF ground by itself. Clip a few radial wires to the mount’s terminals and lay them out on the ground.
What does 3/8-24 mean?
It is the standard thread on most portable HF verticals and mobile whips: 3/8 inch wide, 24 threads per inch. M10 is the metric thread some antennas use instead.
More comparisons
Where these specs come from
- Ham Radio Outlet: GM-3101 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.
Opek GM-3101 are names and trademarks of their owners. Ham Radio Dude is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.