RadioRanked verdict
Diamond Antenna
Diamond X50A Dual-Band Base Vertical
The most trustworthy gain claim and the largest review base of any antenna here. If you have a mast to put it on, it is the safe, well-proven choice for a base station.
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 1707 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 | 0.83 λ | full wave |
| UHF435 MHz | 689 mm | 2.48 λ | multi-wavelength |
Decision helper
Is this antenna right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓A shack or home base station install
- ✓Buyers who want the most proven base vertical in the category
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Vehicle or portable use (this is a fixed mast antenna)
- ✕Anyone without a way to mount and feed it at height
Tradeoffs
The good and the bad
What we like
- Gain claims independently confirmed by the antenna's own length
- Best review record of any base or mobile antenna in this catalog (213 reviews, 4.6 stars)
- Factory pre-tuned, no field adjustment needed
- Rated for high wind loads
What we don't
- Needs a mast and coax, neither included
- $123 and over 5.5 feet tall, a permanent installation commitment
- Overkill for anyone who only needs occasional mobile coverage
Ready to buy?
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Overview
The Diamond X50A is a fixed base vertical, 5 feet 7 inches (1707 mm) of fiberglass-radome collinear covering 2m and 70cm through a single SO-239 connector. It is factory pre-tuned, needs no field adjustment, and is rated to survive roughly 135 mph wind without ice loading. Like the Comet GP-3, it is a mast-mount antenna; you supply the mast and coax.
Diamond publishes 4.5 dBi on 2m and 7.2 dBi on 70cm. At 2.48 wavelengths on 70cm, this is unambiguously a phased collinear, and our model independently lands at 4.5 and 7.0 dBi, essentially matching Diamond's own figures. With 213 reviews at 4.6 stars, it is also the most proven base vertical here. As with any base antenna, mounting height will do more for your range than the gain figure on the box.
Specifications
| Frequency bands | VHF, UHF |
| Gain | 7.20 dBi |
| Connector | SO-239 |
| Length | 1707 mm |
| Antenna type | base |
| Flexible | No |
| size | Large |
| color | White |
| unitCount | 1 |
Key Features
- Precision-engineered dual-band base and repeater antenna designed for both 2 meter (144–148 MHz) and 70 centimeter (435–450 MHz) amateur radio bands, offering broad coverage in VHF and UHF frequency ranges without manual tuning
- Gain performance of approximately 4.5 dB on the 2 meter band and 7.2 dB on the 70 centimeter band enhances both transmit strength and receive sensitivity for clearer communications and extended coverage on repeaters and fixed stations
- Built with a robust fiberglass radome and corrosion-resistant stainless-steel hardware to withstand outdoor environments, extreme weather, and high wind loads up to approximately 135 MPH without ice buildup for reliable long-term deployment
- Factory-adjusted design means no field tuning is required, simplifying installation on masts and towers while providing stable VSWR performance below 1.5:1 across the operational frequency range for efficient RF transfer and minimal signal loss
- Standard UHF female connector offers broad compatibility with most coax feed lines and mount systems, making the antenna suitable for base station hubs, repeater systems, community networks, and amateur radio setups
- True dual-band performance covering 144–148 MHz and 435–450 MHz with medium-to-high gain characteristics
- 4.5 dB gain on 2 m and 7.2 dB gain on 70 cm for stronger signal reach and repeater performance
- Rugged fiberglass radome and stainless-steel hardware for all-weather reliability
- Factory pre-tuned design eliminates field tuning and simplifies installation
- Standard UHF female connector for broad coax and mount compatibility