Hi,

I have used a Butternut HF-9VX vertical for many years. Now I am thinking of
getting a HF beam antenna. I am not into contesting. Rather I enjoy
memorable QSO's with hams that like to share thoughts and ideas. Since I
have enjoyed "local" (i.e. mostly Europe) QSO's with my vertical, I would
now like to reach as far as I can, i.e. real DX's. I am doing CW and SSB
equally much.

My interest profile leads me to optimize my beam for a warc band, on a
higher frequency, e.g. 12m or 17meters. But how common is warc out there?
If I got a 12 or 17meter mono bander, would I sit in vain to find the QSO's
I want? Would it be more safe to just optimize for 20 meters?

Given the solar cycle I guess it would be wise to optimize for something in
the "mid-range" wave lengths, like somewhere in the range of 17-20m, to be
able to DX in the solar cycle dip as well. Is it a waist of money to get a
beam for the higher frequencies, except during the high peaks in the solar
cycle?

I would appreciate if anyone could share experiences and ideas on this
matter. Also if some one could recommend a really good, high quality beam
for my interest profile.

Tnx de SM5WVN /Phil