All begin reading the advice of a reseller on a Italian ham magazine, that
claim this (translated):

"The MFJ 1796 antenna only at XXX euro !!! 2,6,10,15,20,40 meters Superior
Half-Wave configuration !!"

Oh well, i'm really a rookie on antenna theory, but - thinking into myself -
someone at MFJ can please explain me what the hell make on this antenna to
shrink an half wave antenna on 40 meters into a stick shorter than quarter
wave??

Before posting the question on this NG to learn more, a look on MFJ site and
i read on the description:
"Full size halfwave on 2/6 Meters."
Ah right, someone here in Italy forget to specify *where* is 1/2 wl designed

But the funny thing is not what i tell until now... the funny (or sadly)
thing is that 7 local hams over 10, asking them if on 40 meters perform well
the MFJ 1796 or a common quarter wave antenna, reply "the 1796 for sure ! Is
a half wave designed antenna" someone adding also " you know antenna theory,
not ??"
Of the remaining 3 hams, 2 of this 3 replied with approximately my same
doubt ("what?? an half what ??")
A special mention to the last one that replied the dipole is the only
antenna that he consider. He said that vertical antenna is the best system
to deliver half or more applied power to the earth, no matter how is
designed. So he don't ever read the advice and don't reply to the original
question
....
Well, marketing and language misuse can add gain on an antenna, now i know
this

Sorry for my english, i hope that the sense of the story is clear to
readers.

73,
-.-. --.-