What’s the best antenna for Yaesu FT-60R? We know the correct answer.
The Yaesu FT-60R is a versatile two-way handheld HT transceiver that comes in immaculately handy for short-range person-to-person voice communication.
The stock YHA-58 original rubber flex 17.5cm antenna included with the FT-60R is extraordinarily sturdy, but the transmitter doesn’t allow you to exploit the FT-60R’s features. The FT-60R comes with an EAI (Emergency Automatic Identification) functionality that lets you use this radio extensively for different types of search-and-rescue operations.
And to make the most of the FT-60R’s EAI feature, using an aftermarket high-gain whip antenna is essential. Additionally, upgrading to a high-quality aftermarket antenna helps boost the mobile radio’s performance, enhancing the signal quality and better voice clarity. So without further ado, let’s take a look at our list of the best antennas for FT-60R.
The 4 Best Antennas for Yaesu FT-60R
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Comet Original SMA-24 (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Diamond SRH77CA (Close Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | HYS CS TC-80 | Check Price |
 | TWAYRDIO RH771 | Check Price |
Comet Original SMA-24 (Editor’s Choice)
The Comet Original SMA-24 comes across an ultra-performance flexible and slim dual-band antenna compatible with 2m/70cm (VHF/UHF) ham radios and walkie-talkies. This dual-band HT antenna from Comet receives the 25-1300MHz – and broadcasts 146/4 46MHz VHF/UHF bands used by amateur radios and two-way mobile units. The Original SMA-24’s aerial is about 16-inches tall with an incredible degree of flexibility and can handle up to 10-watts of power.
This antenna by Comet sports a male SMA connector that makes the transmitter companionable with most wideband scanners and ham radios featuring SMA female connector base. To put things in perspective, the SMA-24 antenna works with numerous handheld amateur transceiver models of Yaesu, Kenwood, ICOM, Alinco, and many other brands.
This antenna works as a seamless drop-in replacement for OEM dual-band or single-band antennas of various well-known amateur radio models. The SMA-24 dual-band aerial comes with numerous useful features that enable you to extract more out of your handheld scanner or transceiver. In addition, every Comet dual-band transmitter, including the SMA-24, facilitates very effective VHF/UHF person-to-person communication.
This Comet antenna goes a long way in helping boost your HT mobile unit’s radiating range and effectiveness, thus serving as an indispensable upgrade from your stock antenna. Other noteworthy features of the SMA-24 comprise a solid construction, a small base (for effortless fitting on HT’s female SMA), and super slim radiator wire.
Pros
- Perfect upgrade from the stock rubbery duck antenna of your HT
- Performs exceptionally well on both 2m and 70cm (VHF/UHF)
- It also functions as an excellent scanner transmitter/receiver
- 16” inches with a gain of 2.51/3.4dBi
Cons
- A section of the antenna’s connector remains exposed as its base doesn’t fully settle into the radio’s top groove.
Diamond SRH77CA
The SRH77CA by Diamond is one of the most versatile HT antennas, capable of receiving up to 900MHz. So if you’re looking to boost up the capability and efficiency of your HT scanner or handheld ham radio, you don’t need to look any further. This SRH77CA is a Diamond SRH Series dual-band antenna integrated with various practical features letting you use your mobile unit to the hilt.
The Diamond SRH77CA is your best bet regardless of whether you’re looking for practical solutions for your 2m or 70 cm needs or require a superior replacement. With this dual-band high-gain antenna, you can take it for granted that your walkie-talkie’s radiating efficiency will receive a shot in the arm. Diamond by and large configures their transmitter’s gain ratings in keeping with the ‘gain’ of standard HT antennas that are supplied with a brand new transceiver.
This technique makes it simple to gauge the performance of the antennas, especially when they’re used as replacements for OEM models. You bet that the antennas from Diamond have incredible signal reception and transmission capacity, making them stand out as dual-band receivers/transmitters. The SRH77CA supports frequencies in the range of 120MHz and 900MHz with a gain of 2.15dBi at 440MHz.
This Diamond antenna features an SMA male connector, has a length of 15”, and a maximum power handling capacity of 10 watts.
Pros
- High-gain dual-band (VHF/UHF) antenna
- R/X: 120MHz—900MHz
- Length of antenna: 15”
- Maximum power handling capacity: 10-watts
Cons
- It doesn’t support VHF as effectively as UHF
- Not quite flexible as far as bending is concerned
HYS TC-80
The HYS TC-80 is a CS tactical foldable antenna with an outstanding efficiency of accessing all radio stations operating in the 2m/70cm or VHF/UHF bands. Furthermore, the CS TC-80 comes with an SMA male connector that makes this tactical antenna compatible with any HT featuring an SMA female connector. Specifically, this HYS CS TC-80 antenna fits easily and perfectly on a wide range of Yaesu, Wouxun, TYT, and Vertex amateur radio models.
At the same time, this HYS CS tactical antenna works with some specific Kenwood handheld radio – and wideband scanner models. Being completely foldable, the TC-80 is ideal for using both indoors and outdoors in various situations, including but not limited to camping, self-drive journeys, and backpacking treks.
HYS, a highly experienced and acclaimed manufacturer of antennas, is trusted by most ham radio users and professionals who need to maintain communication over short distances. This super flexible tactical antenna is guaranteed to improve over the stock rubber duck antennas usually supplied with new transceivers.
Pros
- CS tactical foldable antenna supports the user’s both 2m and 70cm needs
- Foldable antenna enhances user’s convenience
- SMA male connector: Fits on any mobile radio with SMA female connector
- You can conveniently camouflage the antenna on special occasions, both for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- The antenna’s base connector comes in the way of the speaker/earphone and mic connector
- Not as waterproof as claimed by the manufacturer
TWAYRDIO RH771
When fitted on your ham radio effortlessly, a dual-band frequency antenna, the TWAYRDIO RH771, allows your transceiver to receive both VHF (144MHz) and UHF (430MHz) bands. This dual-band radio antenna supports a frequency range of 145MHz-435MHz (2m/70cm), and the transmitter’s gain for VHF and UHF is identical at 2.5dBi.
TWAYRDIO RH771 has an SMA male connector, and therefore the antenna easily fits on any wideband scanner or handheld mobile unit with a female SMA connector.
The RH771 is a whip-style antenna with a maximum span of about 15” (14.9” to be precise) and handles up to 10W of power. Furthermore, this antenna from TWAYRDIO is fully foldable, which allows you to effectively use the transmitter/receiver indoors or in tight enclosures. Moreover, being a high-quality soft whip antenna, the RH771 lets you receive a longer and wider range on your handheld HT.
Like all other TWAYRDIO dual-band radio antennas, the RH771 has been crafted using premium and sturdy materials for lasting use. On the other hand, the antenna has been subjected to strict quality control tests for ensuring top-notch performance exceeding users’ expectations. The RH771 by TWAYRDIO works with PUXING -, YAESU/Vertex-, Linton-, TYT-, TonFa, BaoFeng-, WouXun ham handheld radios.
You can take optimum advantage of your mobile two-way radio fitted with an RH771 anywhere in your city as the antenna receives and transmits signals within a radius of 1 mile.
Pros
- Soft whip dual-band 144MHz/435MHz (2m/70cm) radio antenna
- The maximum length of antenna: 14.9 inches
- Maximum power output: 10-watts
- Male SMA connector base: Fits on any ham or amateur radio with a female SMA connector
Cons
- It doesn’t include a washer if the antenna base doesn’t fit and sits firmly on top of the radio.
What You Need to Know About Yaesu FT-60R
Yaesu introduced the FT-60R 5-watt FM handheld 144/430 MHz transceiver at Dayton in the year 2004. A dual-band transceiver, the FT-60R is highly sought-after by ham/amateur radio operators and professionals because of its extended receiver coverage, unprecedented CTCSS/DCS adjustability, and exceptional voice quality.
However, it’s the built-in EAI (Emergency Automatic Identification) functionality (that aids in search-and-rescue missions) that makes the FT-60R extraordinarily versatile.
Radio operators also warm up to the FT-60R because of its small and compact form, enabling them to easily carry it during camping, hiking, or casual strolls. At the same time, this transceiver is exceptionally user-friendly, allowing users to operate the unit with ease. In addition, this mobile radio unit comes equipped with a tiny rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery that offers up to 5W of transmission power on the 2m/70cm amateur radio bands.
Additionally, the Yaesu FT-60R furnishes receptivity coverage for VHF AM aircraft band, VHF/UHF TV bands, and other public safety/commercial frequencies.
So, The Best Antenna for FT-60R Is…
All the four dual-band radio antennas explored above will outperform the stock antenna of the Yaesu FT-60R. But the Comet SMA-24 enjoys a slight edge over other antennas listed above on account of its length (16”), which makes this antenna longer than the rest.