RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female) vs Bingfu 42.5-inch Foldable Tactical (SMA-Female)
Our pick
Bingfu 42.5-inch Foldable Tactical (SMA-Female)$21.99
The Bingfu 42.5-inch Tactical is the clear winner here. It costs less than three times the price of the AR-805S while delivering substantially better performance across both bands.
The most important differentiator is electrical length. The AR-805S is electronically tiny at both frequencies, delivering only -9.0 dBi on VHF and -4.9 dBi on UHF. Its claimed 3 dBi gain is misleading marketing, unsupported by its 50 mm physical size. The Bingfu, by contrast, achieves a legitimate half-wave on VHF at 0.53 wavelengths, yielding 2.6 dBi, and performs reasonably on UHF despite being longer than ideal for that band. Its 3.5 dBi claim is honest and achievable.
The AR-805S is only suitable for someone with an extremely tight space constraint who accepts severe performance penalties. The Bingfu suits anyone who wants reliable handheld performance without compromising on UHF capability or budget.
Buy the Bingfu Tactical. It delivers real gain where it matters most, costs a reasonable premium for the improvement, and doesn't misrepresent its performance. The AR-805S trades distance for portability with no honest claim to justify it.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Everyday carry on a compact handheld radio
Its 50mm length keeps the handheld compact in a pocket, which matters more than reach for short simplex chats.
AR-805SBase or mobile operator focused on 2m
Its half-wave VHF element delivers the stronger 2m signal needed for base or mobile work.
Bingfu 42.5-inch Foldable Tactical (SMA-Female)Budget buyer wanting the lowest upfront cost
It costs less than the other option, so it suits a buyer who wants a cheap stubby replacement.
AR-805SRepeater user working the edge of coverage
Its better VHF electrical length gives a stronger signal where a weak repeater link is marginal.
Bingfu 42.5-inch Foldable Tactical (SMA-Female)70cm-first operator wanting better UHF than a stub
Its multi-wavelength UHF element outperforms the stubby, making it the better pick when 70cm matters most.
Bingfu 42.5-inch Foldable Tactical (SMA-Female)
Reasons to choose ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
- 68% cheaper ($6.98 vs $21.99)
- 40.6 in shorter to carry (50 mm vs 1080 mm)
Reasons to choose Bingfu 42.5-inch Foldable Tactical (SMA-Female)
- Stronger on VHF (2.6 dBi vs -9.0 dBi at 146 MHz)
- Stronger on UHF (-1.0 dBi vs -4.9 dBi at 435 MHz)
- Gain claim its length supports (the other overstates by about 7.9 dB)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
$6.98 on AmazonBingfu 42.5-inch Foldable Tactical (SMA-Female)PICK
$21.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

