Good morning all

just to add my experience with the Webster Bandspanner (blue version):

Starting in 1969 as VK2ANI based in Sydney  I've used this antenna mounted (when stationary and camping) on the "bonnet of my Land Rover" as I used to say. Mostly on 40m as that was where you could find local and regional ham friends. Was happy with its performance and took it back to HB9 when we returned from Sydney. Still use it when camping, lately mounted on the rear aluminum cabin of - what else - a DEFENDER 130. It sits atop a heavy antenna spring and coupled with a quick-release spring loaded fitting so it can be removed for tuning.

Not long ago a ham friend looked doubtfully at the antenna and took his analyzer out. He was surprised at the good match that can be obtained. Nice resonance dip with the real part a bit below 50ohm. Works very well with or without an internal antenna tuner but remember to connect the coax braid to a good ground just below it (in my case the aluminum cabin and I'm using ferrite beads on the cable too).

YMMV but I wish you luck with your short antennas!

73, Ulrich  hb9aik - vk2ani