Antenna DB upgrade

[WRXQ831]

I've got a repeater set up at my house. My antenna was damaged but I was able to fix it. I'm looking at replacing the antenna anyway. It's currently rated at 7.5db. I can get a comet that is rated at 9db for around 150 quid.

I'm going to replace it either way, I'm just wondering if the extra DB and a half will make a noticeable improvement. I want to get the highest performing antenna I can under, say $200. It seems like there's an astronomical increase in price above 9db. The cheapest 10dbi can find is $2,000 it goes from $150 to $2,000.

The antenna is mounted as high as I can get it and I've replaced the coax. I found a deal on 1/2 inch heliax. 

[Socalgmrs]

I use a comet 712efc. It’s awsome from my location with a 20w radio 200 miles is no problem.    I also have a 9nc with a 50w radio.  Not much difference in distance just more clear but boy can I hear everything much more clear.  I always say get the highest gain you can.   I have no negative effects in close.  

[kidphc]

If your antenna is 100 feet in the air an additional 1.5 db might be worth it.

As you increase db the antenna's radiating pattern on an omni-directional antenna gets flatter. It sends more of it signal to its horizon. I would recommend plugging the info into a one of the free typographical antenna coverage calculators to quickly ascertain if it is worth it.

They changed this tool it seams. It use to allow you to map it out and set each site differently with gain and antenna values. This is what I use to recommend. https://www.scadacore.com/tools/rf-path/rf-line-of-sight/

Have you thought about a yagi on with a TV rotator?

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