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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Comet SBB-224NMO Tri-Band Mobile vs Midland MXTA26 6dB Gain Whip

Our pick

Midland MXTA26 6dB Gain Whip$69.99

The Midland MXTA26 is the better choice for most buyers. The Comet SBB-224NMO scores higher on RadioRanked's composite, but that gap reflects only the Comet's tri-band coverage; the antennas are electrically equivalent on their common UHF ground. The Midland's single-band design at 465 MHz achieves 4.9 dBi through efficient 1.26-wavelength phasing, matching the Comet's UHF performance while costing 30 percent less.

The decisive factor is the owner feedback: the Midland has 1633 Amazon reviews reporting 4.7/5 satisfaction, versus 27 reviews for the Comet at 4.6/5. That enormous difference in sample size gives real evidence of field reliability and user experience.

Buy the Comet SBB-224NMO only if you need genuine tri-band flexibility across VHF, 1.25 meters, and UHF. Buy the Midland MXTA26 if you operate primarily on GMRS or want proven performance at lower cost.

For most mobile operators, the Midland offers better value and stronger owner support. Go with the Midland.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • One-antenna operator covering 2m, 220 and 70cm

    Only this whip covers the 1.25m band alongside VHF and UHF, so one install serves all three.

    SBB-224NMO
  • Off-road and overlanding GMRS user

    Its GMRS-tuned length suits open-terrain touring, and it skips paying for bands the buyer will never use.

    MXTA26
  • Budget-focused buyer needing only UHF or GMRS

    It costs less than the tri-band option, which matters when 2m and 220 are not needed.

    MXTA26
  • Owner with garage clearance limits

    Its listing says the whip folds for garage clearance, which the rigid Midland cannot do.

    SBB-224NMO
  • Operator needing 2m reach

    Midland has no VHF band at all, so the Comet is the only choice for 2m reach.

    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 MXTA26 6dB Gain Whip

  • 30% cheaper ($69.99 vs $99.99)
  • Also covers GMRS (465 MHz)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Comet SBB-224NMO Tri-Band MobileSpecMidland MXTA26 6dB Gain Whip
$99.99
Price
$69.99
914 mm
Length
813 mm
6.2 dBi
Claimed gain
6 dBi
Supported by its length
Is that claim credible?
Supported by its length
NMO
Connector
NMO
mobile
Type
mobile
—
Flexible
No
65
Overall Score
72
+11% for winner
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

Comet SBB-224NMO Tri-Band Mobile

$99.99 on Amazon

Midland MXTA26 6dB Gain WhipPICK

$69.99 on Amazon

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