RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Comet SBB-224NMO Tri-Band Mobile vs Comet SS-460SBNMO Dual-Band Mobile
Our pick
Comet SBB-224NMO Tri-Band Mobile$99.99
The SBB-224 is the clear winner for most operators, despite nearly identical scores.
The critical difference is band coverage. The SBB-224 covers three bands with useful electrical lengths on all three: half-wave on VHF, five-eighths wave on 1.25m, and multi-wavelength on UHF. The SS-460 covers two bands but is severely compromised on VHF at only 0.23 wavelengths (quarter wave), delivering just 1.6 dBi of realistic gain. On VHF, the SBB-224 performs substantially better. The SS-460 does match the SBB-224 on UHF at 5/8 wave, but loses the 1.25m band entirely.
Owners of both report similar satisfaction: 4.6 out of 5 from 27 reviews for the SBB-224, versus 4.4 out of 5 from 79 reviews for the SS-460. The price difference of 40 dollars favors the SS-460, but you are paying less for less coverage and compromised VHF performance.
The SBB-224 suits operators who use all three bands or prioritize VHF performance; buy it if you want flexible tri-band capability. The SS-460 works for UHF-primary operators on a tight budget who rarely use VHF.
Choose the SBB-224 unless your radio only touches UHF and you need to save 40 dollars.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Operator needing 220 MHz alongside 2m and 70cm
Only this antenna covers the 1.25m band, which is 220 MHz, among the two options.
SBB-224NMOOwner who must lower the whip for garage clearance
It is built to fold for garage clearance, which the rigid shorter whip cannot do.
SBB-224NMOMobile operator wanting stronger 2m repeater reach
Its half wave 2m element realistically reaches 3.2dBi, against 1.6dBi for the shorter rigid whip.
SBB-224NMOBudget buyer upgrading from a stock rubber duck
It costs less than the alternative and still gives a real gain over a stock rubber duck.
SS-460SBNMOEveryday commuter where antenna length matters
At 470mm it is far less intrusive on the vehicle than the 914mm option.
SS-460SBNMO
Reasons to choose Comet SBB-224NMO Tri-Band Mobile
- Stronger on VHF (3.2 dBi vs 1.6 dBi at 146 MHz)
- Also covers 1.25m (223 MHz)
Reasons to choose Comet SS-460SBNMO Dual-Band Mobile
- 40% cheaper ($59.99 vs $99.99)
- Lower profile by 17.5 in (470 mm vs 914 mm)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Comet SBB-224NMO Tri-Band MobilePICK
$99.99 on AmazonComet SS-460SBNMO Dual-Band Mobile
$59.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads