Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

ABBREE GMRS 42.5-inch Tactical (SMA-Female) vs Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)

Our pick

Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)$29.99

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

The single most important difference is electrical length. The ABBREE's 1080 mm length at GMRS frequencies produces multi-wavelength resonance that actually degrades performance to around -1.0 dBi, yet it claims 5 dBi. That's marketing fiction. The Comet's 450 mm design works at useful electrical lengths across bands: quarter-wave on VHF and near five-eighths wave on UHF, delivering realistic 2.9 dBi on UHF and honest gain claims.

The ABBREE costs half as much and folds, which appeals to budget buyers and travelers, but you're paying for portability you don't get performance with. Buy the ABBREE only if your priority is compact storage on a handheld and you accept mediocre results. Buy the Comet if you want an antenna that actually delivers what it promises across VHF and UHF, with engineering that matches the claims.

Spend the extra eighteen dollars for the Comet. Its higher score reflects real capability rather than inflated specifications, and it will outperform the ABBREE on both bands where it matters.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Operator needing maximum range on GMRS

    Its extreme length allows for superior signal propagation over long distances.

    ABBREE GMRS 42.5-inch Tactical (SMA-Female)
  • Dedicated VHF/UHF field operator (POTA, hiking)

    The quality build and optimized electrical lengths provide reliable performance in the field.

    SMA-24J
  • Budget-conscious buyer upgrading from a stock antenna

    It is significantly cheaper, offering substantial length for minimal investment.

    ABBREE GMRS 42.5-inch Tactical (SMA-Female)
  • Operator prioritizing reliable performance over sheer reach

    The better materials and optimized design ensure consistent RF performance year after year.

    SMA-24J
  • GMRS-only user who needs a long, simple whip

    This antenna is specifically designed for the GMRS band and provides maximum physical reach.

    ABBREE GMRS 42.5-inch Tactical (SMA-Female)
  • Buyer needing versatility across multiple bands (VHF/UHF)

    It offers optimized electrical lengths for both VHF and UHF, making it highly versatile.

    SMA-24J

Reasons to choose ABBREE GMRS 42.5-inch Tactical (SMA-Female)

  • 60% cheaper ($11.99 vs $29.99)
  • Also covers GMRS (465 MHz)

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

  • Also covers VHF (146 MHz)
  • Gain claim its length supports (the other overstates by about 6 dB)
  • 24.8 in shorter to carry (450 mm vs 1080 mm)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

ABBREE GMRS 42.5-inch Tactical (SMA-Female)SpecComet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)
$11.99
Price
$29.99
1080 mm
Length
450 mm
5 dBi
Claimed gain
3.5 dBi
Overstated by about 6 dB
Is that claim credible?
Supported by its length
SMA-Female
Connector
SMA-Female
folding
Type
whip
Yes
Flexible
Yes
66
Overall Score
75
+14% for winner
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

ABBREE GMRS 42.5-inch Tactical (SMA-Female)

$11.99 on Amazon

Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)PICK

$29.99 on Amazon

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons