Comet SS-460SBNMO Dual-Band Mobile vs HYS 21-inch NMO Kit with L-Bracket

The HYS 21-inch wins this matchup despite the Comet's higher overall score. Both are competent NMO mobile antennas, but electrical length tells the real story here.

The critical difference is VHF performance. The HYS reaches 0.26 wavelengths on VHF, yielding a realistic 2.2 dBi, while the Comet struggles at 0.23 wavelengths with only 1.6 dBi. On UHF, they're nearly equivalent. The Comet claims 3.8 dBi, which is overstated for its length; the HYS honestly claims 2.15 dBi and actually delivers it.

The HYS also costs fifteen dollars less and includes a bracket, adding practical value. Its longer physical length of 533mm versus 470mm directly translates to better VHF coverage without compromising UHF.

Buy the HYS if you use both VHF and UHF regularly and want better all-around performance at a lower price. Buy the Comet only if you prioritize UHF-heavy work and prefer the slightly more compact form factor, though the performance difference doesn't justify the premium.

Choose the HYS. It's the better engineered antenna at the better price.