Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female) vs Nagoya NA-771G (GMRS)

Our pick

Nagoya NA-771G (GMRS)$23.98

The Nagoya NA-771G is the clear winner for its intended purpose, but the choice depends on your primary band.

The single most important difference is electrical length optimization. The Nagoya is engineered specifically for GMRS at 465 MHz, where it achieves a realistic 3.1 dBi gain at 0.60 wavelengths. The Comet SMA-24J is a dual-band compromise that performs well on UHF at 435 MHz (2.9 dBi) but falls short on VHF at 146 MHz, where its 0.22 wavelength length leaves it significantly compromised. The Comet's claimed 3.5 dBi gain is overstated for actual performance.

Buy the Nagoya NA-771G if you operate primarily on GMRS or have a dedicated handheld for that band. Choose the Comet SMA-24J only if you genuinely need dual-band VHF/UHF capability and can accept mediocre VHF performance as the trade-off.

For most users, the Nagoya makes more practical sense. It's cheaper, shorter for easier carry, better optimized for modern GMRS handhelds, and delivers honest performance without marketing exaggeration. Its higher overall score reflects this focused engineering approach.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-focused GMRS operator

    Costs less than the Comet and its 5/8 wave UHF element gives a stronger GMRS signal.

    NA-771G
  • 2m repeater user working at range

    Only the Comet covers VHF, so it is the only choice here for 2m repeater work.

    SMA-24J
  • 70cm-first ham operator

    Its 5/8 wave UHF element edges out the Comet on 70cm, and it is a shorter whip.

    NA-771G
  • Crossover ham and GMRS user

    Its GMRS-tuned 5/8 wave element works for both ham UHF and GMRS on one antenna.

    NA-771G

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

  • Also covers VHF (146 MHz)

Reasons to choose Nagoya NA-771G (GMRS)

  • 31% cheaper ($23.98 vs $34.99)
  • Also covers GMRS (465 MHz)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Comet SMA-24J (SMA-Female)SpecNagoya NA-771G (GMRS)
$34.99
Price
$23.98
450 mm
Length
389 mm
3.5 dBi
Claimed gain
3 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
90
+23% 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-771G (GMRS)PICK

$23.98 on Amazon

Keep researching

Related Buying Guides

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons