The Antennas Direct DB8 is an older model. The DB8e is a redesign for the new, and smaller, UHF band 14-51. The DB8e has two panels that can be aimed in different directions, but you must aim them both in the same direction for max gain. At the present time, the AD DB8e has the best gain for a UHF 8-bay antenna. However, this is only true if the wave front presented to the antenna is uniform. Sometimes a 4-bay antenna will outperform an 8-bay antenna in a non-uniform field.

https://forum.tvfool.com/attachment....9&d=1442362452

Mileage figures for antennas are of little use; they are a creation of marketing departments and are only good for comparing antennas in the same series. What counts is the signal strength at your antenna and the terrain path obstructions between the transmitting antenna and your antenna.

If the transmitter is only 5 miles away but you are behind a mountain, how important is the 5 mile figure?

In this case in Canada the transmitter is only 2.8 miles away, but the reception is poor because of the escarpment:

https://forum.tvfool.com/attachment....2&d=1442432735

https://forum.tvfool.com/showpost.ph...44&postcount=4

The DB8e is about 20% larger than the predecessor DB8 model. It was re-tuned for the narrower range of UHF channels that we ended up with post-transition.

If space is at a premium, I'd go with the slightly smaller DB8 or the single-panel DB4e.

Copied, Rabbit, thank you.

I started off the project last night. As a first test, I fetched a Winegard FlatWave Amped indoor antenna from Costco and stuck it in the corner of my living room by the TV. It was facing the kitchen wall, a refrigerator, cabinets, powder room wall, neighbor's kitchen (it's condo block), neighbor's garage, a birch, other condo blocks, hill ....

I tuned it twice and each time it was the same result. I stuck it on the east facing window and it got worse understandably. But I'll admit I was surprised. ABC was perfect. Comcast wasn't delivering any better. ION was ok. CBS was on and off. PBS was bad but did manage to catch it a few times before it evaporated.

The experience gave me much confidence and a few reference points if you will. Perhaps the DB4e will do. However, I'm thinking the DB8e, even if an overkill, will cover me better for a future home. I'm assuming I'll have to play around so that it is directed within the 20 degree arc. (My stations are between 352 and 8 degrees)

Can ADTech or Rabbit or others suggest how I can stack the add-on VHF dipole on the DB8e?. I have about 8 feet or so to the peak of the attic and about 6-8' width before an A/C duct comes into play laterally. Since the DB8e is short of 38", I think I'll be ok. If they're stacked on a mast (bowties below, VHF above), how much space must be between them? Or could the VHF be snapped onto or behind the bowtie?

That sounds promising.
I suggest that the dipole be on the mast above the DB4e or DB8e. Some photos show the dipole between the two bays of the DB4e.

Do not put the dipole behind the reflector screen.

https://www.antennasdirect.com/05-30...rofit-kit.html

https://www.antennasdirect.com/store...tenna-Kit.html

https://www.antennasdirect.com/cmss_..._201402062.pdf

http://average-joe-consumer-product-...oost-from.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=ante...IViY8NCh2oyw-z

Put the VHF-1 Kit anywhere it works, whether attached or not. It will, of course, clip directly to the reflector of the DB8e or DB4e (but not the original, non-'e' DB-series) so feel free to try it there. Up, down, left right, whatever suits your fancy. It's pretty free-form.

What is important is that you do find the spot where it works - which may or may not be where you wanted it.