In retrospect, I guess I should have clarified the sentence so that
it did not encompass "any antenna". Broadcast arrays certainly were
not under consideration since my question was in the arena of Amateur
Radio antennas. But you are correct; they are long lasting but
"mega-bucks" at today's prices.

Concerning "repeated lightning strikes decade after decade" for
2 meter types. I suspect they don't make them like they used to.

The particular Celwave antenna that I was concerned about is
a 4 dipole vertical. The harness is inside the tube mount and
totally inaccessible. Celwave no longer makes the harness nor the
antenna for 2 meters. (Bottom line: Lack of sales.) However, as
stated in some of the exchanges, 15-20 years for a $500-600
antenna is expected, although the guarantee was for 5 years when
purchased in 1996. Ours lasted 8. Some compatible antennas today are
only guaranteed for 2 years. Times and products have changed. Less
for your money and that applies to most products, not necessarily
amateur related, unfortunately. Again thanks for your input. The
good old days; quality and durability. Wish we had em back.
73, Murray, K3BEQ

Richard Harrison wrote:

Murry Green, K3BEQ wrote:
"---I doubt that any antenna is going to last over 70 years."

There are numerous medium wave broadcast arrays in operation
continuously since 1934, the year of the famous communications act of
1934, and some still stand from years earlier. They receive inspections,
repair, and repainting as required to keep them highly visible.

A two-meter band antenna constructed of stainless steel by a quality
manufacturer should be at least as durable. 1934 was too early in the
use of 2 meters to provide many examples to prove the point.

I worked 26 years for a corporation which used many VHF ground planes
including 2-meter types. Nearly all were supplied by Andrew Corporation.
They were folded monopoles and withstood repeated lightning strikes
decade after decade. They were permanent and like the broadcast antennas
, they received inspections and infrequent repairs when rarely required,
but they weren`t painted.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI