Today I am reviewing the BAOFENG VHF/UHF 18.8-inch 144/430MHz Tactical (Folding) Antenna. It’s important to note that this has an SMA-F connection that should work with Baofeng HT’s.
Many GMRS and Ham Radio RT owners are familiar with Baofeng, as the company is known for making the most economic handheld transceivers that have a big following worldwide.
The company also sells accessories including antennas. This particular Dual Band antenna is a tactical antenna, which can easily be folded when stored. But make sure you extend it all the way up whenever your radio is in use (do not operate your radio while this antenna is folded).
The first thing I did was test out the SWF (Standing Wave Ratio) via my NanoVNA. Typically these dual band antennas are 136-174MHz (VHF) and 400-480MHz (UHF).
Most importantly, it’s important for everyone to know that this is an SMA SMA-F antenna. If you are using a radio that has a male SMA connection, you will want an antenna to have an SMA Female. Otherwise, if you accidentally purchased, if your radio features a female connection, then you may need to purchase an adapter.
OK, so on to my SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) tests. I tested this on my meter and tests were as follows:
The results are as follows:
155MHz 1.1
174MHz 2.3
430MHz 1.7
For the most part, the SWR was higher than its whip counterpart. The VHF frequencies were going over 2 with the highest at 2.3. For those not familiar with SWR, if 3.0 or over, this can destroy your radio. Anything with 2.5-2.9 is not good but you may want to change antenna positioning.
But I was able to pick up repeaters around 141 miles away and many dispatch frequencies 45 miles away. Overall, I was happy to see how this antenna tested and I do recommend it.
For the most part, I do own several tactical antennas and the BAOFENG VHF/UHF 18.8-inch 144/430MHz Tactical (Folding) Antenna worked well but SWR was higher than the whip antenna from BAOFENG.
Tactical antennas are a subjective because they are taller and can be folded and put in your bag. But for the most part, it’s all preference but do know the BAOFENG whip dual band antenna has a lower SWR than this tactical dual band antenna.
