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I've had good luck with the DB-4e picking up VHF-HI channels,
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VHF reception on a stock DB4e can be quite variable due to the effect of the balun and the coaxial cable.
Very generally, reception of the highest VHF channels is skewed from 30 to 60° to the LEFT of antenna boresite and the net gain is decidedly negative. I'd have to go back and review the data from my range and field testing for the last two years and see if those general observations can be fine tuned.
The bottom line, and one I've actively promoted for several years, is to actively PLAN for VHF reception instead of relaying on chance. The simple VHF dipole kit that we offer is a very good example of a very predictable VHF antenna since the behavior of a simple dipole is widely understood. It's not intended for "long range" reception, but, as someone who has tested it extensively, it's way underrated as it doesn't have any of the typical compromises in a simple set of "rabbit ears".