HYS Pre-Tuned Dual-Band NMO Magnetic Mount vs Retevis Heavy-Duty Fiberglass GMRS Mobile

The Retevis Heavy-Duty Fiberglass is the clear winner here, though both antennas have merit in different contexts.

The single most important differentiator is electrical length. The HYS operates as a quarter wave on VHF (delivering realistic 2.0 dBi) and an awkward 0.74-wavelength stub on UHF. This makes it a compromise antenna that doesn't excel at either frequency. The Retevis, by contrast, is a dedicated GMRS antenna operating at 1.90 wavelengths, delivering a realistic 6.3 dBi gain. That's a genuine 4+ dB advantage where it's designed to work.

The HYS's lower price makes it tempting for users who operate across both VHF and UHF, and its compact 508 mm profile suits tight vehicle spaces. The Retevis suits operators running primarily GMRS who want serious performance and don't mind the 1224 mm height.

Buy the HYS if you need a true dual-band antenna and accept moderate performance on both bands. Buy the Retevis if GMRS is your focus and you have the mounting space. The Retevis's 4-point score advantage reflects its superior engineering for its intended purpose. For most GMRS users, the Retevis is the better investment.