NORMALLY, when we think of a dipole, especially when it is fed with a "Balanced Feedline" such as open-wire (i.e., ladder-line or window-line), we consider this antenna to be balanced.

Physically it is balanced. 

But is it electrically balanced?

Unless we mount the antenna high in the air, several wavelengths above ground, there is always capacitive coupling between the wire legs of the antenna and ground. This coupling affects each leg's impedance.

The relationship of Z1 to Z2 determines whether the antenna is balanced or not . . .

If it is truly balanced, then Z1 = Z2.

If not, we have an imbalance.

In real-life, it is rare that Z1 = Z2.

SOMETIMES "SH@T HAPPENS"

(Forest Gump)

Is this antenna still balanced to ground? 

Guess what that does to the current?

In reality, SH@T is happening all the time with every antenna installed here on mother earth! 

It isn't always this bad

but it is rare that Z1 = Z2.

Forget "balanced" !

If an antenna is not really balanced,

is there any advantage in using a

balanced matchbox to match it?

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