  We present a comparison of two technically distinct methods for the
generation of rotationally cold, pulsed supersonic beams of methyl radicals
(CH3): a plate discharge source operating in the glow regime, and a dielectric
barrier discharge source (DBD). The results imply that the efficiency of both
sources is comparable, and that molecular beams with similar translational and
rotational temperatures are formed. Methane (CH4) proved to be the most
suitable radical precursor species.
