RadioRanked verdict
Comet
Comet SS-460SBNMO Dual-Band Mobile
A well-built, honestly-rated mid-size whip. Comet is not overselling this one; if anything it slightly underclaims, which is a good sign.
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 470 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 | 0.23 λ | quarter wave |
| UHF435 MHz | 689 mm | 0.68 λ | 5/8 wave |
Decision helper
Is this antenna right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓Everyday dual-band mobile use where size matters
- ✓Buyers who want a name-brand antenna without going to a 40-inch collinear
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Maximum-gain installs (the CA-2X4SRNMO or a base vertical wins)
- ✕Radios running more than 150W PEP
Tradeoffs
The good and the bad
What we like
- Comet's own gain claims are conservative; our model rates it slightly higher
- Near-ideal 5/8-wave length on 70cm
- Rugged stainless whip with corrosion-resistant hardware
- Reasonable 18.5-inch length for daily driving
What we don't
- NMO mount and coax not included
- $55 costs more than a generic no-name NMO whip of similar length
- 150W PEP caps it below the highest-power mobile radios
Ready to buy?
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Overview
The Comet SS-460SBNMO is an 18.5-inch (470 mm) stainless steel dual-band whip on a standard NMO base, rated for 150 watts PEP with black chrome hardware. Comet publishes 2.15 dBi on 2m and 3.8 dBi on 70cm.
Those numbers are conservative. At 0.23 wavelengths on 2m and 0.68 on 70cm, close to the 5/8-wave optimum, our model actually credits it with a bit more gain than Comet claims on both bands, which is the opposite problem from most cheap whips. It is a mid-length, mid-price NMO antenna: not as compact as the shortest mag mounts, nowhere near the size of a 40-inch collinear, and reliably built. Mount and coax are not included.
Specifications
| Frequency bands | VHF, UHF |
| Gain | 3.80 dBi |
| Connector | NMO |
| Length | 470 mm |
| Antenna type | mobile |
| Flexible | No |
| size | Medium |
| color | Black |
| unitCount | 1 |
Key Features
- The Comet SS-460SBNMO is a precision-engineered dual-band 2M/70CM mobile antenna designed for high-performance VHF/UHF operation, ensuring clear communication and reliable signal strength across both bands.
- Offers optimized gain performance with 3.8 dBi on UHF and 2.15 dBi on VHF, delivering exceptional transmit and receive efficiency ideal for mobile amateur radio, repeater access, and emergency response communications.
- Features a rugged stainless steel whip with black chrome-finished base, combining strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance for years of reliable service under varying weather and road conditions.
- Equipped with a standard NMO mount, the SS-460SBNMO provides versatile compatibility with magnetic, trunk, or permanent roof mounts, allowing easy integration into vehicles, RVs, or temporary base setups.
- Rated for 150 watts PEP, the antenna maintains a low VSWR across both bands, offering dependable performance for mobile operators requiring a compact yet powerful solution for 144/430 MHz operation.