Abbree vs Nagoya Triband Antenna Shootout - HAM Radio - TheSmokinApe

Abbree vs Nagoya Triband Antenna Shootout - HAM Radio - TheSmokinApe
Here's a video where I test the Abbree and Nagoya Triband antennas for Handheld Ham Radios. The testing includes using traditional SWR Meters (Nissei RS-40), a NanoVNA using NanoVNASaver and finally we used an RTL-SDR Software Defined Radio using SDR-Sharp. The Radios Used in this video were the Baofeng UV82x3 from Radioddity and the Wouxun KG-UV8E.
NOTE: The Baofeng UV82x3 used in this video was sent to me free of charge by Radioddity for; test, evaluation and review purposes.
Links to products in the video: www.amazon.com/shop/TheSmokinApe
Get the Abbree Here: amz.run/3GSw
Get the Nagoya Here: amz.run/3GSu
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Thanks,
TheSmokinApe

[@twohandsandaradio]

It's pronounced Ab- beret. I just wanted to be that one person. LOL I have no idea just made that up. VERY cool I didn't see that winner coming. I think I shall order the abba dabba doobie beret! Another excellent video Ape!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Best comment 👍

[@ErnestGWilsonII]

Thanks for making this video and sharing it with all of us! Watching this I was laughing, I remember I purchasef the Abree and have not tested it myself yet, still laying here beside the HT, which currently has the Nagoya on it right now LOL. I have been wanting to do a range test between these two antennas and then I forgot all about them for several months, I will revisit this after watching your video. I am subscribed to your KZbin channel with notifications turned on and of course thumbs up!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man, let us know what you find 👍

[@mikeZL3XD7029]

Ape, That is quite telling, like yourself, I'm a Nagoya fan, I didn't expect the Nagoya to perform so poorly during the tests. However, the tests results are what they are. Thanks for this!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking it out Mike 👍

[@morriswilliams3142]

I have both the Nagoya NA-771 and the Abbree tactical antenna. They both work great on my Baofeng UV-5R

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad to hear it, thanks for the comment 👍

[@ikesteroma]

This is an excellent analysis. Very well done!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Ike, glad you liked it 👍

[@Locksnut]

Good work! Thanks for doing the tests. I had similar results testing the Nagoya NA-320A. I had also ordered an Abbree tribander that looks like the Nagoya but also had subpar results. Was using my Comet CAA-500 for testing. After seeing your vid I feel a little more confident to try the folding one. 73 N4WLC Bill

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Bill, glad you liked the video. Good luck with the new antenna 👍

[@unclecow]

Finally able to watch this really great man good info

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks UC, glad you liked it 👍

[@GentiluomoStraniero]

I have an F8HP and I ordered a Nagoya NA-320A Antenna as well as an Abree 18.8n folding antenna. I get lots of feedback from other operators on the repeaters that I have low signal with the Nagoya. I immediately swap antennas and it is night and day.

[@NickWindham]

Good feedback

[@Johnysoutherner]

Just watched this again, & caught that the offset was setup on the radio. I watched in some shots the tx freq. change.. The frequencies you put in were not what you transmitted on, so there is some error in the reporting. Does it make a difference? Perhaps not, but I thought I should point it out as it does leave unessecary errors.

[@commontater652]

I love antenna reviews. As Hams, we know that 1/4 wave whips are usually the best choice, but there's always that little spark of curiosity where I ask myself: "is _this_ dual-band antenna better than _that_ one?" And those Abbree antennas have that cool form factor. Practical? Maybe. Cool lookin'? Yeah man. Made from tape measures? Possibly. Thanks S.A.!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, I like to play around with the HT antennas. Thanks for the comment!

[@richardfiegen7378]

Just psaaed the technician test. Not in the fcc database yet. Thanks for all the info.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Congrats on passing 👍

[@johninvalleyforge]

God test video. I was afraid I was biased because I spent money on an Abbrrrrrreeeeeeeeee but I really like it. I picked up a net talking the other night fro 23 miles away. With the stock antenna I can barely hear 5 miles here (hilly area)

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man. These Abbree antennas perform quite well 👍

[@jay-rus4437]

Have really been considering the abbree 42” (?) for my go box setup. I have a 15ah 12v batt, built in mfj power supply (in the event I have access to 110v power, and the icom IC-2730a. This antenna may make sense for the go box

[@TheSmokinApe]

I have really come to like these antennas, that said just make sure they are rated for the the wattage you are planning to use.

[@johniler1505]

Should the washers be used with the Abbree antennas on the Baofeng UV-82s or the UV-5Rs? Or does it matter? I realize the NaGoya NA-771 has its knockoffs, but what of the packaged TD-771s, made, or packaged by TIDRadio? Are those any good or should they be trashed? How do they compare with the stubby-jack default antennas? The Supreme Court has ruled that the airwaves being to the people and that we have to have a ham radio license. But so far, the only broadcast I've heard is the FM radio, and that's it, regardless of what antenna I use when I scan. I get more traffic when I scan using a CB low power walkie-talkie using the crummy antenna that came with it. All I can say, is “Baofeng...You make my heart sang! You make everything...groovy!" I just got a couple of UV-82s and they don't seem to have call buttons. Am I overlooking anything? 🔹🌞🌛✨

[@TheSmokinApe]

If you have a gap, I'd use the washer.

[@cephasmartin8593]

Your tests make me wish I had bought the Abbree tri-band instead of the Nagoya. I have several Baofeng UV-5R radios. Most have fake Nagoya antennas, a couple have real Nagoya antennas, but I have one UV-5R with a 42 inch Abbree that I love. I saw a review on another channel that showed the Abbree was a terrific antenna, so I have added one to my Amazon shopping cart, so when I get over 25 dollars and qualify for free shipping the order will go in.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’ve been impressed with the Abbree antennas. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@chrisscott1547]

On all suspiciously broadband antennas, it's important to test each with some power, maybe 50 watts, and make sure nothing on the antenna is heating after a few minutes. This checks for resistive loading, which makes the antenna very inefficient. The other issue is that impedance matching is only one of several antenna metrics. Elevation angle is a common pitfall - that is to say, peak radiation angle is above or below the horizon.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Agreed, thanks for the perspective Chris 👍

[@BorisEkner]

I have the Nagoya 771G as well as the Abbree 18” and the 48”. The Nagoya is best at GMRS frequencies , but the two Abbree’s are way better at other frequencies.

[@357Muzzleblast]

I just now got my new Nagoya NA-320/A and I was a bit disappointed. It says the power rating is 10W, but my Radtel RT-470 6-band radio measures 13W-14W on VHF and 11W on UHF (measured on three radios). The Radtel is _supposed_ to be 10W, but unlike most radio's, these Radtels are actually more powerful than advertised. My local repeater transmits on 146.355, which measures 13.92W on HIGH on my Radtel. Should I be able to use the 320/A on the Radtel in your view? The Abbree antenna has a power rating of 20W. I'll have to see which one works out best in your view.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey MB, you would probably be fine with the Nagoya but you should use the antenna that's rated to handle your power output. Best of luck!

[@BorisEkner]

I have six different antennas which I tested on the 4 frequency bands that my UV-S9X3 has. In general, my test shows that single band antennas are better than multi band’s.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Boris, I would agree that single band antennas perform better. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@betheking2222]

Thanks for the great review. I did have a question though if I were to use a sma male to male connector to attach this to a yeasu vx-6r how will that affect the swr and will it affect the radio negatively? I have been researching but not making a lot of headway. ironically I seem to pick up the 1.25 much more than the 2m or 70 cm bands in my area. Also any good mobile solutions for triband or just do a Dual band and separate 1.25 antenna? New to the hobby and trying to learn. Thanks for any help! Wirt KO4KMA

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’ve used it on a bunch of HTs without an issue. For triband radios I use these triband antennas

[@betheking2222]

@@TheSmokinApe thanks so much for the great info.

[@KenCunningham921]

Ok if we dont want the Nagoya with the terrible SWR, and dont want to carry that giant ass abbree antenna around what is a third good option for a tri-band HT antenna for Baofeng? Looking for recommendations.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Ken, I use the Nagoya but believe the Comet makes a tri-bander 👍

[@hopefuldad]

I just received the Abbree 18”. Receiving Prescott repeater 80% scale with Nagoya. Zippo with Abbree.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sounds like a nice setup 👍

[@Johnysoutherner]

Is there any chance you could compare the different size Tri-Band Abbree antennas? Thanks for the information here, its truly helpful. ~ KK4PGM

[@TheSmokinApe]

I can check and see what is in inventory, allot of the gear tested does move on to different owners.

[@58Alpha]

Perfect video, i wanted to find the exact antenna comparison and this video helped confirm which antenna I wanted. I'll definitely go with the Abbree antenna.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome DAB, good luck with it 👍

[@paulgrindley8192]

Having owned a couple Nagoya antennas with great results, I ordered one. Watching this video ten minutes after ordering it, I promptly cancelled and ordered the Abbree

[@TheSmokinApe]

lol, good luck with the Abbree 👍

[@paulgrindley8192]

@@TheSmokinApe The Abbree arrived yesterday and I’m hitting a repeater 60 miles away. Granted that particular repeater’s antenna is 500ft in the air. I’m also consistently hitting other more “local” repeaters that are 20-30 miles away.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@paulgrindley8192 Awesome 😎

[@eijentwun5509]

what is that Device in the Background? I know its a raspberry Pi but I mean the add on that seems to make it onto an SDR?

[@TheSmokinApe]

It’s a MMDVM for Digital Radio, it’s running an app called PI-Star. I have a video on the build.

[@Boldsen16]

Hi. Do you know how the Nagoya NA-771 is compared to the NA-320A? Especially for Baofeng (UV-5).

[@TheSmokinApe]

The UV-5R isn't a tri bad radio so no need to use the NA-320A.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@Sven3xs we are all new at first. For this particular test we looked SWR where you want a lower number.

[@media6969]

NA-320A is the newer model of NA-771. The prior supports Tri-band & known to be chosen for the BTech UV-5X3 Tri-band radio

[@StucklnAWell]

Huh.. I bought an 18.8in abbree on amazon but it doesn't list it as triband... But I wonder if they actually manufacture two different antennas of that length?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Maybe they have two of the same size or maybe they are marketing the same antenna for two purposes 👍

[@Johnysoutherner]

There are some matched only to 2/440 & another model made for triband.

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

@@Johnysoutherner but…. How do they actually check out on a sweep … same or different

[@skygod2019]

What happens if the Abree is operated in the folded position?

[@TheSmokinApe]

You would likely have SWR problems and a compromised radiation pattern 👍

[@4000marcdman]

Does your antenna have measuring tape in it like the ones in the link in the description?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Never opened it up

[@johnroberts6695]

I'm just stunned that the Nagoya didn't do better in this test. It also has a power limit of 10 watts, while t the Abbree has a limit of 20 watts. But now about the Abbree AR-771? It seems no one can produce a tri-band whip antenna that works well. If be surprised if the AR-771 worked as well as its tactical brother.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I was pretty surprised myself

[@503Nick]

Well done

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Nick 👍

[@01cthompson]

How were you doing the sweep test? Does your sdr transmit?

[@TheSmokinApe]

The sweep tests were with the NanoVNA, I’m working on a video that explains

[@TomTravelling]

Would have been nice if you included the radios' stock antennas, too

[@TheSmokinApe]

Fair feedback. I will say that I have multiple Baofengs that came with different "stock" antennas.

[@vne2328]

Looks like the Nagoya was a little too long on all three bands. Trim it a smidge and you might be able to keep it below 2:1 vswr. Many whip antennas are made long under the assumption that you'll want to trim it to the perfect length for your particular setup. It still won't match the vswr of that plasti-dip tape-measure, but it would improve.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’m not sure I’m qualified! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@pep729]

28 or 18 inch? Which one should I get? I'm not getting the 42 inch.

[@TheSmokinApe]

The 18 is fine

[@wrenchmonkey3920]

Just picked up the UV-5Riii tri band, and went for the 18.8" so I picked a winner. Loads of microwave testing /manufacturing around here in the 315, but not my thing.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Congrats on the pick up, hope it works out for you 👍

[@johnroberts6695]

Abbree now has a tri-band whip antenna it calls (surprise) the NA-771, the same model number as its dual-band antenna. (I suspect they're the same.) I'm not certain the SWR readings actually have a whole lot to do with the range one gets, so you reviewers would do well to test the antenna range. So thank you for that! But I wish you had run a test from further distances. I'm also not sure a tri-band whip antenna can be made as I've never seen a good one. The Abbree tri-band tactical antenna has worked well for me, but I'd like to see how the Abbree NA-771 tri-band antenna would stack up against the Nagoya.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the heads up about the antenna John, I had no idea.

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

When I bought my 2 pack UV5R that came with longer antennas, high output batteries, programming cable etc… the antenna that came with them is the Abbree 771 -- (they don’t say triband on them) I’ve run these and even though their best resonance is 139mhz they sweep through 2 meters and 1.25 with excellent resonance and low SWR. The 70cm band has a nice dip as well I’ve purchased more of the non-triband Abbree 771 and get the same results Most likely the dual band and tri band are the same antenna with different markings I think they’re a great triband antenna!

[@johnroberts6695]

@@stevenwilkinson8373 » Thank you for that. Have you tried the Retevis RHD-771? I've been trying to get there lowdown on that and the Abbree. I bought two Radtel RT-470s and tested both, getting nearly 14W on VHF (rated 10W). That's why I'm a bit shy about 10W antennas. The Retevis antennas have a maximum 20W, and the Signal.Stick antennas have a 100W max.

[@johnroberts6695]

@@stevenwilkinson8373 » Oh, one more thing. Have you also tested the Abbree tri-band _tactical_ flat antenna? You said you suspected Abbree might be selling the same antennas and just changing the model numbers --- and I have suspected that for some time --- but I've been too lazy to actually buy and test them. But if you uncover anything interesting, is love to hear it. I've seen some negative reviews on the Abbree 771, but that could be different radios. If you haven't tried the Signal.Stick, I recommend them. They apparently also do very well with GMRS frequencies.

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

I know i'm late to the party but I purchased the Abbree AR-F3 18" after watching this video and I have to say my testing results were wildly different. I got high swr, using the NANO and verifying with a Socom swr meter, and poor resonance across all 3 bands whereas an Abbree 771 gave really good results. I have initiated a return and will test the replacement when I get it. Hopefully it was just a bad one.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Dang Steven, hope you get it worked out

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

@@TheSmokinApe I received the replacement, ran it through the tests, SWR was 1.8 on 220 but both 2 meters and .25 meters SWR were over 6. Makes me wonder......

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

I’m trying a 3rd one, but this time not the tri band

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

FINALLY A GOOD ONE! It’s the dual band version and by golly flat SWR across all 3 bands!! I’m so happy

[@aesthetic8780]

​@@stevenwilkinson8373 Stop buying fake crap on Amazon. Why y'all supporting fake scammers instead of the real manufacturer? 10 bucks on top is not the world...

[@K5ATA]

Good video..... all I have to say is... ABREEEEEEE!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks GG, I really didn’t expect it to go down this way 🤔

[@oscaropont]

You're missing 3 e 😁.

[@TheSmokinApe]

👍

[@jamiewillaert5371]

The RS-40 power/swr meter will not provide accurate 220mhz results. It's frequency range is 140-150 & 430-450mhz.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Fair point and great callout!

[@vagrantus]

Diamond 320A for the win!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Diamond makes great stuff!

[@mdc21787]

Does the Nagoya collapse down to about normal size?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Not this one.

[@mdc21787]

@@TheSmokinApe appreciate the reply, typed it out before finishing the video lol. Looking at a smiley super stick, saw some reviews seems to give more clear transmission and collapses.

[@tom_olofsson]

Short attention span? Skip ahead to minute 15:50. Thanks for doing the research.

[@TheSmokinApe]

The journey is more important than the destination, hope you like it. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@BorisEkner]

Agreed on not using an antenna with an SWR above 1:2.0. There are better antennas for those frequencies.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking it out Boris 👍

[@BorisEkner]

@@TheSmokinApe To anyone watching your video; Get a SWR meter and make certain you use the best antenna for your frequency.

[@johnroberts6695]

Yes, I've used the adaptors for my TYT TH-UV8000 and I can't tell the difference. My Abbree flat-tact antennas are my second favorite, and my favorite antenna is my glow-in-the-dark Signal Stick SMA-Male. Many a night I've lit that baby up and watched it until falling asleep. My wife says my second childhood is rapidly setting in, but the antenna's still worth the money. It's only a few dollars more, and it's better than melatonin! BTW, Signal.Stuff doesn't make a tri-band antenna because the folks there can't figure out how to do it. They do make a 200-260MHz antenna, but it's only about 12 inches in length. They're open to accepting designs, so any of you antenna jockeys want a shot at it, touch base with Signal.Stuff. Now my big problem is talking Abbree into making glow-in-the-dark flat-tact antennas.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Great post John, made me laugh a few times. Yes, the Signal Stick is a good one! Thanks for watching 👍

[@mmyr123]

Maybe the diamond 320a

[@AA0Z]

Aaaaabbbbbbrrrrreeeeeee

[@TheSmokinApe]

LOL. Thanks for the comment Kyle!

[@HamRadio2]

LOL

[@TheSmokinApe]

Ham Radio 2.0 Right

[@temporarilyoffline]

Aaaaabbbbbbrrrrreeeeeee

[@TheSmokinApe]

Temporarily Offline 👍

[@Moonshine54321]

Tri-band antennas are often subpar. Duo band performs better.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I'd agree, thanks for watching MS

[@VicGreenBitcoin]

Haha his Nagoya is fake!

[@w4mpx]

I have been buying some antennas from China, very cheap, most are fake and don't work well, my fear is to buy another useless stick again.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I get comet antennas from R and L these days 👍

[@w4mpx]

@@TheSmokinApe I was there after your recommendation, the prices are good, the products are original, I liked it, but they want my kidney to send to Brazil, and I will still use this kidney for a few more years

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@w4mpx oof, I heard shipping to Brazil is brutal

[@w4mpx]

​@@TheSmokinApe China sends "anything to BR for 2 dolar only

[@TheSmokinApe]

Crazy how that works

[@mikes11220]

Clearing your throat in the mic. I hate when people do that, second time, I stopped the vid. Did I say I hate when people clear their throat in the mic.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked the video 👍

[@freacadadisc]

I want to see what is inside, on the link there are allot of negative reviews with tape measure inside, why not dissect the thing ???

[@TheSmokinApe]

I'd dissect it but don't have it anymore.

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

There are videos where Abree antennas have been taken apart. The one I watched show flat black spring steel like a tape measure is made of, but not an imprinted tape measure 🤣

[@leonardhall7203]

Most of my antennas are abbree's all of them work well.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I've used a few att his point and I would agree, they work well.