RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026ABBREE 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-805SBudget-focused operator wanting the lowest cost
It costs less than the alternative and handles short-range simplex chat adequately.
AR-805SRepeater user working the edge of coverage
Its 5/8 wave UHF element gives a noticeably stronger signal than the stubby at range.
NA-771New ham making a first antenna upgrade
Its 396mm length gives a meaningful UHF improvement over a stock rubber duck for a first upgrade.
NA-771Maximum 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
Made your choice?
ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
$6.98 on AmazonNagoya NA-771 (SMA-Female)PICK
$23.98 on AmazonKeep researching
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