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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female) vs Nagoya NA-771 (SMA-Female)

Our pick

Nagoya NA-771 (SMA-Female)$23.98

The Nagoya NA-771 is the clear winner for practical handheld use.

The critical difference is electrical length on UHF. At 435 MHz, the NA-771 reaches 5/8 wavelength and delivers realistic performance around 2.9 dBi. The AR-805S remains severely electrically short at 0.07 wavelengths with performance closer to negative 4.9 dBi, despite its overstated 3 dBi claim. On VHF, neither antenna excels, though the NA-771 is less compromised. The AR-805S's claims ignore what its 50 mm length actually supports.

The NA-771's longer physical design (396 mm) and proper electrical proportions mean it actually works as advertised. The AR-805S is essentially a pocket stub that trades meaningful range for convenience; it's overpriced for what it delivers.

Buy the AR-805S only if absolute portability trumps performance and you need something that fits in a shirt pocket. Buy the Nagoya NA-771 if you want a flexible whip that performs decently on UHF where most handheld activity happens.

Get the NA-771. At under $21, it's the better antenna by a significant margin and justifies its price premium through actual usable performance rather than marketing claims.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Everyday carry on a compact handheld

    A 50mm stubby keeps the handheld compact for pocket carry, though it gives up real range.

    AR-805S
  • Budget-focused operator wanting the lowest cost

    It costs less than the alternative and handles short-range simplex chat adequately.

    AR-805S
  • Repeater user working the edge of coverage

    Its 5/8 wave UHF element gives a noticeably stronger signal than the stubby at range.

    NA-771
  • New ham making a first antenna upgrade

    Its 396mm length gives a meaningful UHF improvement over a stock rubber duck for a first upgrade.

    NA-771
  • Maximum 2m simplex reach seeker

    Its longer element keeps the 2m signal noticeably stronger than the stubby for simplex contacts.

    NA-771

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

  • 71% cheaper ($6.98 vs $23.98)
  • 13.6 in shorter to carry (50 mm vs 396 mm)

Reasons to choose Nagoya NA-771 (SMA-Female)

  • Stronger on VHF (-1.0 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)SpecNagoya NA-771 (SMA-Female)
$6.98
Price
$23.98
50 mm
Length
396 mm
0.02 λ, electrically short
On VHF (146 MHz)
0.19 λ, electrically short
0.07 λ, electrically short
On UHF (435 MHz)
0.57 λ, 5/8 wave
3 dBi
Claimed gain
3 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
85
+72% for winner
—
Weight
53g
5cm/1.96 inch
size
Handheld Antenna
Black(1.96-Inch)
color
Black
2
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)

$6.98 on Amazon

Nagoya NA-771 (SMA-Female)PICK

$23.98 on Amazon

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