RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Comet SBB-224NMO Tri-Band Mobile vs Midland MXTA25 Ghost Antenna
Our pick
Comet SBB-224NMO Tri-Band Mobile$99.99
The Comet SBB-224 is the clear winner for serious amateur radio use. The single most important differentiator is electrical length: the Comet operates at realistic electrical lengths across three bands, with VHF at half-wave (3.2 dBi), 1.25m at 5/8 wave (4.9 dBi), and UHF at multi-wavelength (5.0 dBi). The Midland Ghost is electrically short at 0.14 wavelengths on GMRS, delivering compromised performance no matter the marketing claims. Its claimed 6.2 dBi gain is supported by its physical length; the Midland makes no gain claim, which is appropriate given its short design.
The Comet costs forty dollars more but delivers tri-band capability with proper electrical lengths. Owners report 4.6 stars across 27 reviews; the Midland's 4.8 stars come from 1199 reviews, but these reflect a different use case: a compact single-band solution for GMRS users who need portability over performance.
The Comet SBB-224 is for operators who want multiband coverage with genuine gain on VHF and UHF. The Midland Ghost is for GMRS-only users prioritizing compact size on a budget.
Buy the Comet for amateur radio; buy the Midland only if GMRS portability is your sole requirement.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Mobile operator working 2m, 1.25m and 70cm
Its 1.25m band coverage and higher real-world gain on VHF and UHF suit one antenna covering all three bands.
SBB-224NMODriver needing low-clearance parking clearance
Its 89mm rigid profile clears garages, car washes and covered lots where a longer whip would not fit.
MXTA25GMRS-only operator on a budget
It is built for GMRS and UHF and costs less, so buyers who never need 2m or 1.25m can skip the extra spend.
MXTA25Buyer wanting the lowest-cost option
It costs less of the two and suits short-range use where maximum antenna performance is not the priority.
MXTA25Operator chasing distant 2m or repeater reach
Its longer electrical length gives a meaningfully higher real gain on VHF, which matters for edge-of-range repeater work.
SBB-224NMO
Reasons to choose Comet SBB-224NMO Tri-Band Mobile
- Also covers VHF (146 MHz)
- Also covers 1.25m (223 MHz)
Reasons to choose Midland MXTA25 Ghost Antenna
- 40% cheaper ($59.99 vs $99.99)
- Also covers GMRS (465 MHz)
- Lower profile by 32.5 in (89 mm vs 914 mm)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Comet SBB-224NMO Tri-Band MobilePICK
$99.99 on AmazonMidland MXTA25 Ghost Antenna
$59.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads