I’ve had two Nagoya NA-771 dual band antennas for SMA-M HTs. One fell a very short 18 inches into a wicker waste basket and BROKE right at the base. I was surprised that it broke so easily. The other began to pull loose at the base. IOW, the antenna itself started to come LOOSE from the base and had about 2mm of play in it if you pulled on it. I Super-Glued it, and so far so good. Nagoya antennas “technically” perform well, but they’re just a little more delicate than I’d like for them to be. Smiley Antennas (https://www.smileyantenna.com/) makes ruggedized antennas, but NOT a suitable dual band antenna IMHO. I’ve got a couple of their 2M “Slim Duck” antennas and they’re rugged as hell. But tuned for 2M only.
I saw a guy at the range who had a very flexible antenna folded and tucked into his plate carrier. But I wondered what that did to the range and the reception.
I guess the plate would interfere somehow.
L