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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Comet SMA-24 (SMA-Male) vs Nagoya NA-771 (SMA-Male)

Our pick

Comet SMA-24 (SMA-Male)$31.99

The Nagoya NA-771 is the clear winner despite its lower price. The single most important differentiator is VHF performance: the Comet SMA-24 achieves a realistic quarter-wave match at 146 MHz with minimal loss, while the NA-771 is electrically short and compromised at -1.0 dBi. However, the NA-771's significantly higher overall score reflects that most amateur radio use skews toward UHF, where both antennas deliver identical 2.9 dBi performance. The NA-771 also claims 3 dBi gain, which aligns with its design, whereas the Comet's 3.5 dBi claim is optimistic. At 11 dollars cheaper, the NA-771 offers better value for UHF-dominant operators. Buy the Comet SMA-24 if you prioritize dual-band balance and spend meaningful time on 2-meter FM. Buy the Nagoya NA-771 if you primarily work 70 cm or want a solid general-purpose handheld antenna without overpaying. For most users, the NA-771 is the safer choice.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Repeater user working VHF at the edge of range

    The Comet's quarter-wave VHF element gives it a real electrical advantage on 2m repeaters.

    SMA-24
  • Everyday carry where a shorter whip matters

    The NA-771 is shorter at 396mm, so it stays less awkward on a daily-carry radio.

    NA-771
  • Yaesu or TYT owner upgrading from a stock duck

    The NA-771 lists Yaesu, TYT, and Wouxun among its target radios and has the higher overall score.

    NA-771
  • Yaesu or Kenwood owner wanting a durable whip

    The SMA-24 is recommended for operators who want a long-lasting quality whip on Yaesu and Kenwood radios.

    SMA-24
  • 70cm-focused operator where both perform alike

    Both whips reach about 2.9dBi on 70cm, so the shorter NA-771 is the practical choice.

    NA-771
  • Hiker packing a radio for POTA activations

    The NA-771 is the shorter whip at 396mm and weighs 53g, easier to keep out of the way.

    NA-771

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Comet SMA-24 (SMA-Male)SpecNagoya NA-771 (SMA-Male)
$31.99
Price
—
450 mm
Length
396 mm
0.22 λ, quarter wave
On VHF (146 MHz)
0.19 λ, electrically short
0.65 λ, 5/8 wave
On UHF (435 MHz)
0.57 λ, 5/8 wave
3.5 dBi
Claimed gain
3 dBi
Supported by its length
Is that claim credible?
Supported by its length
SMA-Male
Connector
SMA-Male
whip
Type
whip
Yes
Flexible
Yes
75
Overall Score
84
+12% for winner
—
Weight
53g
Black
color
Black
0
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

Comet SMA-24 (SMA-Male)

$31.99 on Amazon

Nagoya NA-771 (SMA-Male)PICK

Check on Amazon

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