Just because one gets by by folding back or other wise changing the antenna does not change the fact that they now have less range. All valid scientific tests show that performance is degraded when the antenna is shortened. That doesn't mean that you can't successfully fly with the degraded equipment, it just means that ,in that case at least, maximum performance was not required. If range is a problem or you need maximum range, then, DO NOT fold back or shorten the antenna by any means. If you want to take the time to investigate this a little more thouroghly, check out RCCAM's site. He has the equipment and the knowledge to perform valid tests and has published some of them.