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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female) vs Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)

Our pick

Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)$34.99

The Comet SMA-24J is the clear winner for anyone serious about radio performance.

The critical difference is electrical length. The AR-805S is severely compromised at only 0.02 wavelengths on VHF, delivering performance roughly 9 decibels below its claimed 3 dBi rating. The Comet operates at a quarter wave on VHF and reaches 5/8 wavelength on UHF, where it actually meets its stated specifications. Short antennas cannot overcome physics no matter how the manufacturer labels them.

The AR-805S suits only users who absolutely prioritize pocket-sized portability over performance and understand they are trading significant range for convenience. The Comet belongs in any radio operator's kit who wants predictable, honest performance across both bands without sacrificing too much practicality.

At four times the price, the Comet delivers substantially better electrical engineering and realistic gain claims. The 26-dollar difference represents genuine improvement in antenna efficiency and is money well spent for regular operators. Buy the Comet unless your handheld's form factor physically cannot accommodate a 450 mm whip, in which case accept the AR-805S as a compromise tool rather than an actual solution.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-focused operator on a tight spending limit

    Costs less and gives a compact antenna for simplex chat over short distances.

    AR-805S
  • Everyday carry where a short handheld profile matters most

    The 50mm length keeps the handheld compact for pocket and bag carry, though reach suffers.

    AR-805S
  • Operator working a repeater at the edge of coverage

    Its longer element delivers noticeably better signal than the short stubby, which matters at the fringe.

    SMA-24J
  • 70cm-first operator on UHF simplex and repeaters

    At 0.65 wavelength on UHF, it performs far better than the stubby's short electrical length.

    SMA-24J
  • Operator wanting maximum 2m reach from a handheld

    Its quarter-wave VHF length performs far better than the stubby's electrically short element.

    SMA-24J

Reasons to choose ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)

  • 80% cheaper ($6.98 vs $34.99)
  • 15.7 in shorter to carry (50 mm vs 450 mm)

Reasons to choose Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)

  • Stronger on VHF (-0.4 dBi vs -9.0 dBi at 146 MHz)
  • Stronger on UHF (2.9 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

ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)SpecComet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)
$6.98
Price
$34.99
50 mm
Length
450 mm
0.02 λ, electrically short
On VHF (146 MHz)
0.22 λ, quarter wave
0.07 λ, electrically short
On UHF (435 MHz)
0.65 λ, 5/8 wave
3 dBi
Claimed gain
3.5 dBi
Overstated by about 7.9 dB
Is that claim credible?
Supported by its length
SMA-Female
Connector
SMA-Female
whip
Type
whip
Yes
Flexible
Yes
49
Overall Score
73
+49% for winner
5cm/1.96 inch
size
Small
Black(1.96-Inch)
color
Black
2
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)

$6.98 on Amazon

Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)PICK

$34.99 on Amazon

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