All CATV hybrids currently on the market operate with flat gain. Recently an interest was shown in devices with an up-slope in gain from 14.5 to 18.5dB. Experimental circuits of this kind were assembled and measured. The performance in terms of trunk reach was calculated. Comparisons were made relative to flatgain hybrids and a hypothetical device with 8dB gain slope. It was found that significant improvements in reach could be obtained, provided that tilt and interstage equalization were optimized.