Portable Antenna Tripod Mast MK3 - Lightweight Tower for Ham Radio

In this review the Portable Antenna Tripod Mast MK3 is assessed as a compact, field-friendly support for amateur and HF antennas; the main reason to buy is its balance of light weight and stable performance, making it useful for backyard setups and portable activations where ease of transport matters. The reviewer found the tripod delivers dependable support for mobile antennas like the GRA-7350T while staying easy to set up and carry, and the newly designed radio grounding wire adds practical signal and safety benefits.

Key Features

• Aircraft-grade construction: The aluminum alloy legs provide a lightweight yet durable platform that stays rigid on uneven grass or soil.
• Versatile compatibility: The mounting hardware and connectors accept a wide range of mobile and HF antennas, including the GRA-7350T and similar ham radio antennas.
• Adjustable height: The working size adjusts from 4.72 in to 2.6 ft so it can be used as a low backpackable mast or a short field tower depending on the antenna.
• Portable design: The tripod breaks down and transports easily, fitting into a field pack for POTA activations and other temporary deployments.
• Connector options: Includes 3/8x24 and UHF/SO239 connections with the option to add UHF-BNC to suit different radio heads.
• Grounding support: The newly designed grounding wire improves signal performance and offers convenient compatibility with common radio grounding setups.

Who It's For

The tripod is well suited to ham radio operators who need a portable, easy-to-deploy support for mobile and HF antennas during field activations, local POTA outings, or backyard testing. Its light weight and compact folded size make it especially attractive to operators who hike or travel to temporary sites and want dependable stability without heavy gear.

Those who need a permanent, tall mast for fixed base stations or who require very high load capacities should look elsewhere; the maximum load of 6.6 pounds and top height of 2.6 ft limit it to lightweight antennas and temporary installations rather than heavy long-term towers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid build from aircraft-grade aluminum that balances durability and portability.
• Easy setup and teardown, well suited for quick field deployments and backpack transport.
• Good connector flexibility with included 3/8x24 and SO239 hardware and optional BNC adapters.
• Grounding wire improves signal efficiency and safety when used with compatible radios.

Cons

• Maximum load of 6.6 pounds limits use to lighter antennas; not intended for heavy beams.
• Top working height of 2.6 ft may be too short for operators wanting significant elevation.

Specifications

Material	Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy
Compatibility	GRA-7350T and similar mobile/HF antennas
Working size	4.72 in to 2.6 ft
Maximum load	6.6 pounds
Included connectors	3/8x24 and UHF/SO239
Optional connector	UHF-BNC (additional purchase)
Additional feature	New radio grounding wire

Our Verdict

The Portable Antenna Tripod Mast MK3 is a practical, good-value choice for ham operators who need a lightweight, easy-to-carry antenna support for field use or backyard testing. It is not a replacement for tall or heavy-duty towers, but for portable activations and temporary installs it offers reliable stability, useful connector flexibility, and an included grounding solution that enhances signal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What antennas will this tripod fit?
The tripod is designed for mobile and HF antennas such as the GRA-7350T and most similar portable antennas that stay within the 6.6 pound load limit.

How tall does the mast get?
The working size adjusts from 4.72 in up to 2.6 ft, suitable for low to medium elevation of portable antennas.

Are connectors included for different radio plugs?
Yes, it includes 3/8x24 and UHF/SO239 connectors and supports UHF-BNC with an additional adapter purchase.