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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female) vs Nagoya NA-320A (Tri-Band)

Our pick

Nagoya NA-320A (Tri-Band)$20.98

The Nagoya NA-320A is the clear winner here. Both antennas share identical physical dimensions and deliver the same performance on VHF and UHF, but the Nagoya adds a genuine third band at 1.25m where it achieves 1.2 dBi gain. That extra band coverage costs $9 less than the Comet.

The single most important differentiator is band coverage. If you operate on 223 MHz, the choice is obvious. Even if you don't, the Nagoya's flexibility justifies its score advantage without any performance penalty on your primary bands.

The Comet SMA-24J makes sense only if you specifically need a radio-specific connector or have stock compatibility reasons with existing equipment. The Nagoya NA-320A is the right choice for anyone wanting broader capability at a lower price.

Get the Nagoya. It delivers the same performance where both antennas operate, costs less, and adds a usable band. There's no scenario where the Comet's advantages outweigh losing both price and capability.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Tri-band radio owner active on 1.25m

    Its dedicated 1.25m element gives a usable match on that band, which the Comet SMA-24J does not cover at all.

    NA-320A
  • Budget-conscious VHF and UHF operator

    It costs less than the Comet while matching its electrical length on both VHF and UHF.

    NA-320A
  • Operator chasing the best on-air performance

    Its slightly higher RF performance rating edges out the Comet on the same VHF and UHF elements.

    NA-320A
  • Daily VHF and UHF user prioritizing longevity

    It suits everyday dual-band use where lasting through repeated handling matters more than the lowest price.

    SMA-24J

Reasons to choose Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)

  • No clear advantages in this comparison

Reasons to choose Nagoya NA-320A (Tri-Band)

  • 40% cheaper ($20.98 vs $34.99)
  • Also covers 1.25m (223 MHz)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)SpecNagoya NA-320A (Tri-Band)
$34.99
Price
$20.98
450 mm
Length
450 mm
0.22 λ, quarter wave
On VHF (146 MHz)
0.22 λ, quarter wave
0.65 λ, 5/8 wave
On UHF (435 MHz)
0.65 λ, 5/8 wave
3.5 dBi
Claimed gain
3.5 dBi
Supported by its length
Is that claim credible?
Supported by its length
SMA-Female
Connector
SMA-Female
whip
Type
whip
Yes
Flexible
Yes
73
Overall Score
87
+19% for winner
Small
size
Handheld Antenna
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)

$34.99 on Amazon

Nagoya NA-320A (Tri-Band)PICK

$20.98 on Amazon

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