RadioRanked verdict
Comet
Comet SBB-5NMO Dual-Band Mobile
A tall, sensibly rated dual-band whip for a roof or trunk-lip NMO mount where height is not a problem. If you park under low clearance, the 18.5-inch Comet SS-460SBNMO is the shorter option, at some cost in range.
Proprietary RR score
How we scored it
Performance is derived from the antenna's length in wavelengths on each band it covers, not from the advertised gain. How we score →
Length versus wavelength
What 965 mm Buys You
An antenna radiates according to its length measured in wavelengths, not according to the number on the packaging. Here is where this one lands on each band it covers.
| Band | Wavelength | This antenna | Works out as |
|---|---|---|---|
| VHF146 MHz | 2053 mm | 0.47 λ | half wave |
| UHF435 MHz | 689 mm | 1.40 λ | multi-wavelength |
Decision helper
Is this antenna right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓Roof or trunk-lip installs on cars, trucks and SUVs
- ✓Mobile radios on 2m and 70cm up to 120 W
- ✓Operators who want more range from a single whip on both bands
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Low garages and heavily wooded roads
- ✕220 MHz operators
- ✕Buyers who want a ready-to-mount kit with mount and coax
Tradeoffs
The good and the bad
What we like
- 2m length is 0.47 wavelengths, so it depends less on the roof as a ground plane than a quarter-wave whip
- Comet's 70cm claim of 5.5 dBi is within 0.3 dBi of what our length analysis supports
- Comet publishes gain for both bands (3.0 dBi on 2m, 5.5 dBi on 70cm)
- 120 W FM rating covers any amateur mobile radio
- NMO base fits standard NMO magnetic, trunk-lip and roof mounts
What we don't
- NMO mount and coax not included
- 38 inches tall: a tall target for branches and low garages
- Reported SWR varies with the mount and roof, so check it after installing
- Covers 2m and 70cm only, no 220 MHz
Ready to buy?
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Overview
The SBB-5NMO is Comet's tall 2m/70cm whip: 38 inches (965 mm) on an NMO base, rated for 120 W FM. Comet publishes 3.0 dBi on 2m and 5.5 dBi on 70cm and calls it the most popular antenna in its line.
The claims are reasonable. At 0.47 wavelengths on 2m and 1.40 on 70cm, our model credits about 3.4 dBi on 2m and 5.2 dBi on 70cm, so Comet slightly underclaims on 2m and is only a little generous on 70cm. Comet describes it as ground independent, and a half-wave on 2m does lean less on the roof than a quarter-wave whip, but reported SWR still varies with the mount and the roof, so check it after installing.
It is a tall target for low garages and tree branches. Mount and coax are not included: you need an NMO mount and a cable run to the radio.
Specifications
| Frequency bands | VHF, UHF |
| Gain | 5.50 dBi |
| Connector | NMO |
| Length | 965 mm |
| Antenna type | mobile |
| Flexible | No |
| size | Medium |
| color | black |
| unitCount | 1 |
Key Features
- 38 in (965 mm) stainless whip on an NMO base
- 0.47 wavelengths on 2m, 1.40 wavelengths on 70cm
- Comet claims 3.0 dBi on 2m and 5.5 dBi on 70cm
- 120 W FM power rating
- VSWR 1.5:1 or less (Comet's figure)
- Covers 144 to 148 MHz and 430 to 450 MHz