[aprssig] RE: Which Cable To Buy?

[KC2MMi]

Josh, cable is a personal thing. RG8X is great in that it is cheap and light
and flexible, but some folks also call it disposable cable, use once and
throw away because the insulation can break down so easily and then the
impedance changes. Ooops.<G> Personally I like to use the heaviest cable
that I can, i.e. I'll use RG8 for jumpers because it has excellent
qualities, lower loss, and is physically robust. Plus it needs no adapters
for UHF fittings. If it is going from "A to B" and needs to withstand many
hands and stay intact...I'd go with RG8, the best grade available. Probably
solid not foam (more robust) but stranded (a compromise for handling) core.
And make up a second set of jumpers to be kept in a box labeled "spare
jumpers", since the best price will be for a spool anyway.

Check out
http://shop.vetcosurplus.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1361&osCsid=443f4a54d8bdeb72f816ea6a1d8427f3

for a real steal on Belden 8237 on dented spools. Premium RG8, $20/100'.
About $10 for UPS cross-country.