Equipment / Antenna · Diamond
current

Diamond X-700HNA

$$$$·

2m · 70cm
Bands
9.3 dBi
Gain
2005
Introduced
Frequency144-148 MHz, 440-450 MHz
Gain9.3 dBi
ModesFM, SSB, CW, digital
ConnectorType-N Female
Year2005
Connectors
feedpointType-N Female (the "N" in X700HNA). Non-N version was X700HA (discontinued).
highest-gain Diamond dual-band base collinear 24 ft (7.2m) 9.3 dBi VHF (4×5/8 wave C-Load) / 13.0 dBi UHF (11×5/8 wave C-Load) 200W Type-N Female connector 90 mph wind (no ice) DC grounded heavy-duty fiberglass radome with overlapping shells stainless steel hardware 3.8 kg (8.4 lbs)
Strengths

Diamond's highest-gain dual-band base collinear: 9.3 dBi on 2m (4x5/8 wave C-Load) and 13.0 dBi on 70cm (11x5/8 wave C-Load), from 24 feet of fiberglass radome. A Type-N connector minimizes UHF loss, handling 200W. It is DC grounded and factory pre-tuned, with heavy-duty construction, overlapping outer shells, and waterproof joint couplers.

Weaknesses

24 feet of fiberglass needs a very sturdy mount (45mm+ mast recommended). The 90 mph wind rating is not extreme. The very low radiation angle at this gain can create coverage holes nearby in hilly terrain. The price is steep for a VHF/UHF antenna. Some reports of waterproofing failure after several years.

Verdict

Diamond's highest-gain dual-band vertical. The X700HNA suits repeater operators, APRS iGate stations, and hilltop installations where maximum range matters. The N connector and 11x5/8 UHF phasing deliver serious performance.

The Diamond X700HNA is the high-gain flagship of Diamond's dual-band base verticals, a tall fiberglass collinear for 2 meters and 70 centimeters that wrings out maximum gain. It is a big antenna, and it rewards the height with around 9.3 dBi on 2 meters and a substantial 13.0 dBi on 70 centimeters, among the highest of any single base vertical in this class.

That gain comes from a long multi-element collinear stack, so the antenna is heavy and needs a solid mount and mast. As with all high-gain verticals, the radiation pattern is squeezed flat toward the horizon, excellent for reaching distant repeaters, but less forgiving if a station is sharply uphill or downhill from you. It uses a Type-N connector and handles high power.

It is a current product aimed at operators who want the most reach from a single base stick. The Diamond X300A is the more manageable mid-size choice, and the compact Diamond X50A is the easy-to-mount entry option.