I've been trying to understand the basics of HT radio antennas. The
first part that puzzles me is the "ground" side of an antenna. Or if I
can use a Dipole as an example one side of the dipole. Or if we use a
groundplane the radials. With an HT are we just "doing without"? Or is
this just my dumbness in action?

My second question is in asking how effective is the typical rubber duck
antenna versus say a truly resonant antenna or even a 5/8th wave which
tries (if I understand it) to squish the pattern down from a sphere to a
doughnut so its hears and talks better out then "up and down"

In my mind I would simply like an antenna that was effective but
flexable. Length is not "critical" as I plan to hang it up high on an
LB harness. The idea is a rough and tumble antenna that can work in the
woods on a Search and Rescue mission but will give me the very best
range out (not so much up/dn)

Has anyone done any serious work with HT antennas? Is there anyone
clued into how to match these properly? And has anyone looking into
using spring steel (Such as Measuring tape) for the antenna as the
Military uses in many of their radios?

Thanks for any thoughts on this de Jay W0VNE