Why is a five-eighths wavelength vertical antenna better than a quarter-wavelength vertical antenna for VHF or UHF mobile operations?

In mobile VHF/UHF operations, you generally want your signal to travel parallel to the ground (towards the horizon) to reach other mobile or base stations. A five-eighths wavelength vertical antenna compresses its radiation pattern closer to the horizon compared to a standard quarter-wavelength vertical. This lower angle of radiation concentrates more of the transmitted energy exactly where it is needed, effectively giving the antenna more broadside gain compared to shorter designs. It is incorrect to say a five-eighths wave antenna does not require impedance matching. In fact, it typically requires a base loading coil to match it to a 50-ohm system. Thus, its true advantage is strictly the increased gain.