OK this post has several questions.
I understand/accept the for local/distant line of sight and a little beyond a high quality well tuned dedicate 27MHz vertical (with/without radial elements) is the ideal solution.
I'm also believe? that for true long range DXing a long wire/horizontal antenna is better for maximising ground wave and "skip" properties
This begs some questions that maybe you guys and gals can answer. (Legal 4W and 12W SSB)
1) With a vertical what is the furthest distance you have operated (assume no ground obstructions and decent elevation)
2) With tuned long wire what is the furthest distance you have operated
3) Has anybody tried a long wire/vertical combo. (feed goes directly to connected vertical and long wire)
For me 3) is an interesting option which avoids duel feeds and an antenna switch. Will require an ATU and yes the tuned combo may not be optimal for both antennas but there may be/is there some mileage in running a combo.
Thoughts please.