Nagoya NA-701G (GMRS) vs Nagoya NA-771G (GMRS)

The NA-771G is the clear winner for GMRS use.

The single most important differentiator is electrical length. At 0.60 wavelengths, the NA-771G operates as a proper 5/8-wave antenna with realistic performance around 3 dBi. The NA-701G falls far short at only 0.22 wavelengths, delivering approximately negative 0.4 dBi despite claiming 2.15 dBi, a significant overstatement that doesn't reflect its actual performance. For handheld GMRS radios, electrical length determines everything, and the 701G is simply too short to function effectively.

The NA-701G's only advantage is cost and portability. Its compact 140 mm length makes it convenient to carry and less prone to snagging, but this convenience comes at the cost of real performance. The NA-771G at 389 mm is still reasonably portable for a handheld antenna and delivers substantially better radiation patterns.

Buy the NA-701G only if you absolutely must minimize size and accept weaker performance. Buy the NA-771G if you want functional GMRS communications from a handheld radio.

Get the NA-771G. The modest price difference is insignificant compared to the performance gap, and at 389 mm it remains practical for field use.