RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Comet SBB-5NMO Dual-Band Mobile vs Retevis 7.2dBi High-Gain GMRS Mobile
Our pick
Comet SBB-5NMO Dual-Band Mobile$75.99
The Comet SBB-5 is the clear winner here. The critical difference is that its electrical length is verifiable and realistic: a half-wavelength on VHF (3.4 dBi) and 1.4 wavelengths on UHF (5.2 dBi). The Retevis claims 7.2 dBi across both bands, but we cannot analyze its electrical length or verify this specification against any physical data. Without that information, we cannot confirm the claim is achievable. Claimed gain without electrical length to support it is a red flag in antenna design.
The Comet's owner rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 94 reviews reflects what real users report. The Retevis rates 4.4 out of 5 from 135 reviews, which owners report as respectable but lower. At $75.99 versus $79.99, the Comet costs less and delivers known performance.
The SBB-5 should appeal to anyone who wants transparent, achievable specs and proven user satisfaction. The Retevis is worth considering only if you need its specific physical form factor, but verify the gain claim independently before purchase.
Buy the Comet SBB-5 unless you have a reason specific to the Retevis that outweighs the performance uncertainty.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Buyer on a tight budget wanting two bands
Costs less than the alternative while covering both 2m and 70cm from a single mobile whip.
SBB-5NMOGMRS-only operator running a higher-power setup
Covers GMRS natively and handles up to 200W, beyond the Comet's 120W limit for mobile radios.
Retevis 7.2dBi High-Gain GMRS MobileOperator working 2m repeaters at the edge of range
Retevis has no 2m coverage, so 2m repeater work points to the Comet.
SBB-5NMOOperator wanting a gain figure they can verify
The Comet's gain follows from its electrical length, so its figures can be checked rather than taken on trust.
SBB-5NMO70cm-first operator who also wants 2m
Its UHF element is multi-wavelength, giving a realistic 5.2dBi, and it also covers 2m.
SBB-5NMO
Reasons to choose Comet SBB-5NMO Dual-Band Mobile
- 5% cheaper ($75.99 vs $79.99)
- Also covers VHF (146 MHz)
Reasons to choose Retevis 7.2dBi High-Gain GMRS Mobile
- No clear advantages in this comparison
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Comet SBB-5NMO Dual-Band MobilePICK
$75.99 on AmazonRetevis 7.2dBi High-Gain GMRS Mobile
$79.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads