ABBREEHam Radio Antenna 42.5-inch Long Range SMA-Female Dual Band 144/430Mhz Foldable CS Tactical Antenna for Baofeng UV-5R BF-F8HP Pro 5RM UV-21R K5PLUS AR-152 GM-15 Pro UV-5G Plus Two Way Radio

Where its so big it puts a lot of mechanical leverage against your radio and can be cumbersome to carry around or usein tight spaces like a car, but that's as advertised.One negative is there are two joints and both of them loosen easily even when you don't want them to.It is the best HT antenna I've ever used. I bought another one.

I didn't realize this thing is about 4 ft long! But it fits on my radio & increases reception drastically. Great value for the money, easy to assemble, it just screws on & easy to fold & unfold.

Builds kind of ify. Sounds and functions great for fm radio stations. Easy to put on balfing UV-5R. Worth the money.

I bought this antenna to use with my Baofeng UV-5RMK5 (which is really a F8HP that for some reason is marketed under that name, but that is a different review.) It has the female SMA required by the Baofeng HTs, and it fit great. There was a small gap when fully seated that appears taken up by one washer that comes with the antenna.The folding nature of the antenna feels like a strap bracelet or tape measure internal mechanism and after some apprehension about folding it in arbitrary places, I'm over that. You can fold it however you want, but the "into thirds" approach seems to be the best way to go. I store it folded with the included velcro strap with no issues.Now, to performance. I don't have the kit to measure gain or SWR as I'm just getting started with Amateur Radio, but this thing appears to be booming. I can hit repeaters 22 miles away on 2 meters and 70 cms with this antenna and my 8 Watt radio. I've heard nothing but positive feedback and generally get full quieting on the repeaters I'm working. Folded the performance is not as good, so it really needs to be extended to work, but it is good for listening folded up.Even folded the antenna is a long lever and I do live in fear of snapping the SMA off of my radio. I ordered a ultra-flexible signal stick for more mobile use, but this thing is my go-to if I am relatively stationary and need to cover some ground or want to participate in a net / serious conversation and not just "see if I can make it". A friend has the shorter version with the flexible mount / lead to the antenna itself and I'm excited to see if that works well too.I have seen videos online where people construct home ground plane kits for this antenna and rig it for hoisting. I would think it would work great as a field antenna if run up a tree quickly. It really is a beast and I'm glad I bought it. Has made my first contacts much more enjoyable than if I was stuck with the rubber duck. There is no substitute for size when it comes to antennas and this thing proves it.

. have been using and testing the Nagoya 771 whip, along with the collapsible telescoping diamond whip, this abbree 42" folding is the best I've tested. On a second floor apartment, I went from there only being one tiny spot with signal, to full 4 bars and clear as day with this folding antenna with an extension smr cord, and I actually havent needed to string up my Slim Jim into a tree. And im only using an 8 watt baofeng, and the other hams are telling me im coming in crystal clear. Honestly, I knew it would be better than the Nagoya 771 (yes, I have an authentic Nagoya), but I had no idea how big of a difference. Connecting to a repeated 35 miles away (also in a mountain range, so intermittent signal based on proximity) with no issues at all, the other HAMs were surprised at what equipment I was using and still able to penetrate the walls of the house without externally mounting antenna. All In all, absolutely blew me away compared to everything else. Yes, it is but that's part of why it works so well. It is cumbersome, and you would not want to use a handheld radio with this directly attached (the length really stresses the connector), but I caught around that issue by just attaching an extension to the antenna so I dont have to touch it when in use and therefore the stress is greatly reduced.

I've been very impressed with this antenna so far. It is big, almost too big for most radios, but it fits my AR-152 well.It is also the only HT antenna I own that can achieve a near perfect 1.1:1 SWR in it's sweet spot.And the fact that it can fold up into a compact size means that I can go mobile with this antenna attached at all times.Note that this antenna will crease slightly at its folding points over time, as any folding antenna will do; but, this does not affect its performance.Also note that this antenna does come in two pieces, and both pieces must be used.

It definitely looks cool but I'm confused cuz I've seen several YouTube videos of people saying how the Santana can pick up a lot more stuff especially at a high elevation but not in my case it works but it's very picky when it does and how it works and you have to hold it at a weird angle in a specific spot.

I have two Baofeng handheld radios that came with the standard stick antennas. Could barely pick up anything. This antenna greatly improved reception. On my DM-1701, which has two knobs, there is barely enough clearance between the antenna and the middle knob. The knob has knurling(?) on it and when you turn the knob, the wider parts barely squeak past the antenna. It all still works, but if you have a radio with a wider knob there, be prepared it might be a bad fit. It's a good antenna, it's worth a try on any handheld.