Comet SMA-24 (SMA-Male) vs Diamond SRH770S (SMA-Male)

The Comet SMA-24 is the clear winner for handheld use, where its electrical characteristics matter most.

The single most important differentiator is how each antenna performs on VHF. The SMA-24 works as a quarter-wave on 146 MHz with realistic -0.4 dBi gain, while the Diamond SRH770S operates at 0.34 wavelengths, yielding 1.3 dBi. On UHF, positions reverse: the SMA-24 reaches an effective 5/8 wave at 2.9 dBi, while the Diamond hits full-wave resonance at just 0.2 dBi, which is a significant penalty. The SMA-24's claimed 3.5 dBi gain is backed by its electrical length; the Diamond makes no gain claim. The SMA-24 costs $4 less and owns a higher overall score despite fewer reviews.

The SMA-24 suits operators who want solid dual-band performance without compromise, particularly on UHF. The Diamond suits those whose primary work falls on VHF, though the electrical length trade-off on UHF remains a structural issue, not a data gap. Owners report well for both, but the SMA-24's specifications align better with handheld radio use. Buy the Comet unless your work is almost exclusively VHF.