RadioRanked verdict
Comet
Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)
The Comet SMA-24J is the upgrade pick when you want a whip that will outlast a handful of cheap Nagoyas. The performance edge is modest; you are mostly paying for build quality.
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 450 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 | 0.22 λ | quarter wave |
| UHF435 MHz | 689 mm | 0.65 λ | 5/8 wave |
Decision helper
Is this antenna right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓Operators who want a quality antenna that lasts
- ✓Baofeng-style radios
- ✓Hard field use where cheap whips fail
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Tight budgets (the NA-771 is most of the performance for less)
- ✕SMA-Male radios (get the SMA-Male SMA-24)
Tradeoffs
The good and the bad
What we like
- Premium build from a respected maker
- Superflex element resists kinking
- Strong 70cm performance
- SMA-Female fits Baofeng-style radios
What we don't
- Costs more than a Nagoya for a similar size
- Long at 17.7 inches
Ready to buy?
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Overview
The Comet SMA-24J is a 17.7-inch superflex dual-band whip from one of the most respected antenna makers in amateur radio. The SMA-Female connector fits Baofeng-style radios.
Comet's published figures are 2.15 dBi on 2m and 3.5 dBi on 70cm, and the build quality is a clear step above the cheap clones; the superflex element resists kinking. It costs more than a Nagoya, and whether that premium is worth it depends on how hard you are on your gear.
Specifications
| Frequency bands | VHF, UHF |
| Gain | 3.50 dBi |
| Connector | SMA-Female |
| Length | 450 mm |
| Antenna type | whip |
| Flexible | Yes |
| size | Small |
| color | Black |
| unitCount | 1 |
Fits These Radios
Radios we track that take a SMA-Female antenna and cover this antenna's bands. Top-scoring picks first.
Key Features
- 17.7-inch superflex dual-band whip (144/430 MHz)
- Comet-rated 2.15 dBi on 2m, 3.5 dBi on 70cm
- SMA-Female connector for Baofeng-style radios (UV-5R and similar)
- Superflex element resists kinking and stress on the antenna port
- Japanese-made build a step above budget clones