Backstay Insulators/Antennas

For your steel wire backstay to serve as an SSB or ham radio antenna, it must be electrically isolated at both ends. This technically advanced, lightweight insulator is used at the top and bottom of the backstay and can handle well in excess of the authorized radio power input from 1-30 MHz.

Swage end fittings are made from Type 316 stainless steel. For peak radio performance the stainless steel end terminals are insulated from the anodized aluminum body with a special Acetal spacer. The large external webs of the spacer help to minimize power leakage, a problem with conventional insulators particularly when wet.

Note: backstay insulators generally have a shorter lifespan than other rigging components—check them regularly.