What's the easiest method of determining which antenna works the best
for a particular situation? Simplest answer is to try it and see
(experience). Then again, what happens when that 'situation'
changes? Hmm, try something else? Great answer, isn't it? Very
helpful, right?
There is no 'best' answer for all situations unless you do some very
comprehensive testing, with some very expensive equipment, done by
people who know what they are doing. That 'best' answer is still a
'maybe'.
So. A "Can you hear me now?" tends to work well. Accept the fact
that there are always going to be times when everybody isn't gonna
hear you. That's what relays are for (the 'INFO' line on a message
header?). For almost any range, but especially for VHF/UHF, higher is
usually better. Produces more usable range than the antenna design
(within reason!).
Everybody wants the 'best'! Very few, except in particular instances,
ever get it.
- 'Doc


(Don't you just hate answers like that?)