If you already have the copper pipe and you can get it in the ground I
doubt you will ever notice the difference.

I live on red clay in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. There are
times when I could push three feet of #3 rebar in the ground with one
hand. At this time of year I doubt I could drive it more than about 6
inches!

Two years ago I had a pro install lightning rods. They added two
galvanized 1/2 inch ground rods at diagonal corners of the house. They
then tied one of these to the power ground. They also tied one corner
to my tower with a massive clamp. A whole house surge protector was
installed at the power panel. I have since added a vertical antenna
(28 feet) with 35 radials 70 feet long.

I have not had a lightning strike since they did the install. I think
the charge bleeds off before it builds up to a serious level.

Before the install I was averaging about $500 a year in VCRs, TV sets,
Stereos, etc. The best advice I can offer is to use conventional
materials available in your area, meet code and keep your insurance
company satisfied.

BTW, I still unplug antennas and rotors when not in use!

John Ferrell W8CCW
"Life is easier if you learn to
plow around the stumps"