RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026ABBREE AR-771C GMRS (SMA-Female) vs ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
Our pick
ABBREE AR-771C GMRS (SMA-Female)$8.95
The AR-771C is the clear winner for GMRS use. This is a genuine 5/8-wave design delivering realistic 3.1 dBi gain, while the AR-805S is severely compromised as a stubby antenna with wildly overstated claims. At just 50 mm, the AR-805S operates at 0.02 wavelengths on VHF and 0.07 wavelengths on UHF, electrically short by any standard. Its claimed 3 dBi gain is unsupported by physics and overstated by approximately 7.9 dB. Electrical length determines performance in antennas, not marketing claims.
The single most important differentiator is that the AR-771C is properly sized for the frequencies it covers, while the AR-805S is too short to function effectively at either band. The AR-771C suits anyone operating GMRS who wants practical performance and doesn't prioritize pocket size. The AR-805S is only for users who need minimal bulk for brief emergency use, accepting severely degraded performance as the tradeoff. For any regular GMRS operation, buy the AR-771C. The AR-805S belongs in an emergency kit, not daily use, despite costing $2 less.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Everyday carry on a handheld
Its 50mm length keeps the radio compact in a pocket, which matters more than reach for daily use.
AR-805SBudget buyer wanting the lowest price
It costs less, though its short electrical length leaves reach well behind the alternative.
AR-805SCamper or off-roader wanting GMRS range
Its longer electrical length gives noticeably better GMRS performance than the stubby option.
AR-771CRepeater user at edge of coverage
Its longer electrical length gives usable signal at the edge of coverage where the stubby falls short.
AR-771CHiker packing light for POTA activations
Its 50mm size is the most packable choice, though it trades away range.
AR-805S
Reasons to choose ABBREE AR-771C GMRS (SMA-Female)
- Also covers GMRS (465 MHz)
- Gain claim its length supports (the other overstates by about 7.9 dB)
Reasons to choose ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
- 22% cheaper ($6.98 vs $8.95)
- Also covers VHF (146 MHz)
- 13.3 in shorter to carry (50 mm vs 389 mm)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
ABBREE AR-771C GMRS (SMA-Female)PICK
$8.95 on AmazonABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
$6.98 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

