2:58 Excellent video. A couple points. Even if your signal is received immediately, there is an additional step I didn't hear you mention. The Mission Control Center gets a lot of false PLB alarms, so they will attempt to contact you before dispatching help. They call the two emergency contact phone numbers associated with your registration. Then, if they fail to make contact, they forward the SOS to someone who can actually go look for you - SAR, local sheriff's department, Coast Guard, whomever it might be. Of course, getting to you takes time as well. I wouldn't be surprised if first contact with rescue personnel realistically takes a couple hours, maybe more if you're in a very remote place.
Another advantage of an inReach (or similar device) is that, if you “go missing”, your previously sent messages (which include GPS derived position) can be used to establish your general direction of travel and “Place Last Seen” (aka “Last Known Position”) for the benefit of searchers.
Excellent overview Cris. You're a gifted communicator. Really appreciate your offering. Feeling totally confident now in knowing the difference between both units. Will be getting both...just to be on the safe side. All the best.
Thank you thank you, I appreciate that. I always try to make these topics as easy as possible to understand. Enjoy your devices, may you never have to use them!
Wow, this is an excellent video. Finally someone who went into detail about these things. I carry an ACR personal locator beacon and I really like it for all the reasons she said the extra power the five-year battery, no subscription fee and I do feel like if I had to choose one, I would go with that one because I would have the best chance of getting me rescued. But I’m about ready to buy a Garmin in reach because there’s definitely value in being able to text friends or family or just being able to communicate with the rescuers. Best of both worlds have both units think of it as insurance save up for it and so you spend $600 on both of them it’s your life you’re talking about here or maybe the life of someone else as you also said. The only thing I would say is I personally keep my beacon attached to my person not in a backpack, not clipped on a backpack. If a backpack goes over a cliff and you can’t get to the Beacon it won’t do any good. I take the lanyard and Lupa through my belt loop when I’m hiking that way it’s on me. Thanks again for the detailed review and discussion.
Great video Cris. Very detailed. Another important point is that Personal Locator Beacons come programmed to specific countries, so make sure you buy one that is programmed for the country you live in so that you do not need to get it reprogrammed. Stay Safe Out There Everyone!!
@@bigglyguy8429 No. Its just programmed for the Country you live in, say The USA! If you never move out to live in another country, its good for life. It is recommended though that if visiting a different country, you add that on your Cospas website, for information purposes! But, press that button anywhere in the world, you will be rescued!
@@computerbob06 Well I've bought one, but not registering it yet because NOW, for obscure and unknown reasons, the Malaysian island I live on NOW, after 16 years of happy care-free boating, is demanding boats must be 'registered' (with Neptune?) and I need a "license". I jus' wanna go fishing and get away from exactly this kind of BS FFS! *rant
@@bigglyguy8429 Register it anyway, it costs nothing and might save your life in 9 years time - they have a battery life of 10 years. Then also go with the Neptune program/thing as well! Personally, I always give a little food and drink to King Neptune as I leave Port anyway!
Good video. Thanks. Redundancy is a great tip. I've got both an ACR EPRIB and now an ACR PLB top model with the text. (I had a SPOT with the blinking lights, it never worked consistently and I had trouble figuring out the blinks.) I have a sailboat, and I'm scheduled to crew on a boat crossing the north Pacific. I wanted a personal PLB for a couple of reasons. First, I usually sail solo - until they make a boat Autopilot that can turn around and come back my best bet is the Coast Guard or another boat. My PLB also broadcasts an AIS (ship ID) signal at 161.975 MHz (curious how this works in conjunction to the 121.5 MHz homing signal you mentioned). So what (I guess) will happen is, I'm in the water, I trip my alert and rescue monitors either send out the Coast Guard (if I'm just sailing off California) or if I'm in the north Pacific all the local (? 100 miles?) ship traffic will know someone is in need of rescue, where they are with a homing signal when they get close. I specifically wanted the AIS signal because coast guards will often be too far away. If you've ever sailed with AIS you'll never want to be without it. Tells you the name of the vessel, it's speed, heading and how close it will be to you when it passes. And in my registration additional information I mentioned the dates I expect to be sailing across the Pacific. I also think it's far more likely that anyone prepared enough to have one of these devices will more likely need it for someone else who's less prepared and in an emergency. As a member of a crew we'll have the boat's EPIRB, and 3 - 4 PLBs on our PFDs. I know these devices have limited battery power, EPIRB 48 hours, PLBs 24 hours. Should tripping these sequentially be part of the emergency plan? Boat sinks, take to the life raft, trigger the EPIRB... 48 hours, trip one of the PLBs.... no 'we're on our way' signal, maybe wait a couple more days before tripping another. (The CG should have within the first battery multiple data points of drift and windage.) Who gets sent? I've made two emergency calls. One on VHF to the USCG just off the coast of Southern California. They sent out the L.A. County Life Guards. Another time my radio didn't seem to be working so I used my cell phone 911, they also sent out the Lifeguards. I think who ever gets your signal already knows who's best positioned to help you. And of course monitoring VHF Emergency Channel 16, the USCG often alerts anyone in the vicinity of someone in trouble that they go to help.
OMG! I have to buy PLBs for two of my kids and was trying to figure out which ones to get. I have the ACR and like it, but... Very informative. Many thanks. Great video. I will send them the info and let them decide.
Thanks Cris for the video. Very helpful. I'd been using the inReach for a few months but returned it for the ACR. The reason I did so is the inReach can send back-and-forth texts, but only theoretically. It doesn't work like a cell phone in that very few of your texts will actually be successfully transmitted - in my experience no more than 10% were actually received. Now I'm in the Appalachians so your own mileage may vary but the only advantage of the inReach is the ability to communicate with it, and since that feature doesn't work very often if at all I couldn't justify the higher up-front cost plus the monthly subscription cost. You also have to consider the activation fee, and if you use the least expensive Garmin "Freedom" plan you will need to pay that fee every time you deactivate (winter for me) and then reactivate. So if your reason for buying the Garmin is as a sort of substitute cell phone you probably will be disappointed.
Something is def wrong if you are only getting 10% of the texts through. I'm almost positive that it was some kind of a hardware error. Did you reach out to Garmin support? Overall (once you get it running of course!) the InReach is great with the 2-way messaging. I've had readers email me that they've used it in the Arctic and Antarctic and it's been solid. And I've actually used mine on the west coast, east coast, and Europe with only the occasional lost message. So my wordy response being that the 10% rate is def off in some way. This map is handy - if you are covered here it should be working > www.groundcontrol.com/Iridium_Coverage_Map.htm
I have an ACR PLB for me and one for my dog who I always hike with. If I'm hurt I will activate both, I want him found. I also carry a Sat phone they are less than $60 a month now.
Keep in mind, you can order a replacement battery for the ResQLink (at least the model I have, PLB-375) and install it yourself in minutes for about $40.00. If you can solder CR123 batteries together, you can make your own replacement battery for even less.
Yup, good point. I noticed that the ACR battery replacement dealer page's language is toned down a bit. I think it used to have some statement in their warning you not to do it yourself, but today there's probably enough RUclips videos out there outlining the process to make it fine for most folks to tackle.
For those worried about being out of communication with the rescue teams, you can always carry a walkie talkie of some kind. I personally carry a 5w CB radio that I could use on the designated emergency channels here in Australia. While I normally set it to either the general national parks channel or whatever channel my friends are on, it could always be switched to 5/35 in an emergency after activating my PLB, and the emergency channels are monitored quite heavily here
Problem is that the inreach isnt reliable. 50 self tests all over the USA and I got a 55-60% hit rate. NOT good when your life depends on it. The PLB is a vastly improved satellite system and monitored by Govt.s worldwide. Not only does the PLB have a GPS signal, but an additional close range transmission. When your life is at stake, go for the PLB and the better coverage.
Thank you - not following on the lecture reference but maybe this will help? hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/when-to-initiate-a-backcountry-rescue-with-your-garmin-inreach-plb-or-spot/
Thanks for the very complete review. I just purchased the ACR boating kit which includes an EPIRB and a plb and a ditch bag and other signaling implements, I can be 40 miles out in search of halibut or tuna. I really appreciate the full explanation on how they work. I think we will also purchase an inReach device for our trips to MOAB and similar areas where my wife and I frequently venture out on our own and don't see anyone for hours and hours in our RZR or hiking. It's pretty cheap insurance really.
Nice, that's a sound investment in my book. I used to live on a sailboat and had an EPIRB too. And if you get an InReach, you can use it offshore too. You can even get marine weather via satellite.
You're welcome! Glad it was helpful. And yea, the ACR is a good first buy. You have the safety without the monthly cost or hassle of battery charging, etc.
@@Hikingguy Yeah the ACR is hands down the best first choice especially with the new MEOSAR satellite system now operational. The capabilities seem to have been increased significantly in these 2nd generation beacons. I feel that the Garmin interface is a little clunky as well. Going to wait a couple of years for the software to catch up.
Another thing to cosider if you travel abroad is that satellite phones/messengers may require licenses or be straight up illegal in some countries or jurisdictions while PLBs are legal and free to use (after registration) virtually everywhere. That's precisely because PLBs don't allow two way communication and simply send a distress signal with your position so there's no way you could use them to bypass censorship or conspire to subvert governments 😅
Excellent video and very informative. I’m recently retired and will be doing far more outdoor sports such as mountain biking, hiking, backpacking and back country skiing. I usually go alone and would like to purchase the best and most reliable PLB. What are your thoughts on the Spot X? I like that it’s a two way communication device and does not rely on a cell phone to type messages. I would prefer to carry only one device, but I do understand the wisdom in having two different devices. Thank you for posting your informative videos.
Thanks for the note and glad the video was handy. I've had bad luck with reliability on the SPOT units and haven't used them in a few years. If you want to have a keyboard you can pair an InReach with your phone, or get a new Garmin Montana 750i. I should have a review up for that this week.
Thanks for the in-depth review. I’ve been looking at my options for diving besides the Nautilus. I like that the Nautilus can get you help from any boat without an actual SAR, bug the VHF range is really limiting.
Listening to this as a sea kayaker: I was out on a trip offshore and saw my Spot Gen3 was not working, it had leaked and fried. I did the screws up tight. No way!
I like the idea of both .. the inreach I can talk to a professional .. the acr has a stronger signal , is a gvt service .. press the button and pass out , wake up in hospital .
I just googled ACR for my country (Norway) as I’ve never seen it in your usual hiking stores - turns out you need permission from a national authority (nkom) to own and operate this device as it’s on an emergency frequency band. Permission is only granted to Norwegian residents. In addition, an annual frequency fee is charged by the same authority. I have an inReach, and there’s no such requirement (but Garmin charges you, of course).
The COSPAS-SARSAT agreement that this uses is an international treaty, and is respected by all members. It looks like some Swedes have used a PLB in Norway sucessfully. oceansignal.com/rescue-stories/plb-activation-saves-wounded-transcontinental-hiker/ Based on what I've seen in other countries, charging a fee for PLB use is an anomaly. Is the fee substantial? You might want to reach out to your local political representative and ask why Norwegians have to pay for a service that others do not.
Excellent review, thank you. I go for solo hiking not very often though and I don't have either of the devices. During my last difficult-rated mountain hiking, I had a very bad knee injury but I could hike down with slow pace. Do you think that InReach would have helped (in case I was having InReach with me) in any way by giving better directions with two-way communication? Trying to understand a real life situation, but will get ACR ResQLink for sure when back to outdoors next. Thanks in advance.
The inReach definitely has an advantage because of the two-way communications. For example, you can tell dispatch about your knee, they can advise on a route out, advise on treatment, etc.
Is the ACR style in this video Waterproof? I assume it is since it can be mounted inside a Mustang life jacket with an ACR special mount for attaching to the self inflate tube of the auto deploy HIT jacket. Thanks
Just a question on shared usage. I was hoping that there would be some way to share a unit, (either the ACR, or Garmin In-reach) with a family member. I am an active back country camper myself, and being older now, having this type of backup is becoming more important to me. Also, my son is now starting to venture out on his own back country adventures, and as a parent, I'd like to see that he is safe as well, but the thought of having to buy 2 units right now is not feasible. So, my question is this. Can any of these units be used for 2 separate individuals, on a rotating basis? Thanks.
Not sure what I'm missing but when I type the latitude and longitude shown on the display into google, it shows up as being in the middle of the Caspian Sea..... not likely given where you say you are in the video.
Very informative video! I used a SPOT messenger for years while fishing offshore. I could send "We're OK" messages but also I could call TowBoat US or SOS for rescue. I too didn't like the one way street aspect of it so I upgraded to an inReach last year and it works great, so nice to know I can text and pass on any information, get a reply back, or a conversation if needed. So I am a redundant gear guy as well (2 is 1, etc) and will be adding a PLB to my safety gear and wanted the best, which brought me to your video. My question is, when you let the other injured hiker use you InReach and contacted GEOS, was that an SOS type call or did you just initiate a text? My understanding is if you are not the GEOS member in need, they will not initiate rescue. Even if you were a past member with an expired account they won't. Can you explain more on that? If I lend my InReach to a buddy boat for a day and they imitate rescue is that the same scenario? Thanks, Scott
Hey Scott, thanks for the note and glad the video came in handy. The InReach / ACR combo is a good one. So in my case, I initiated an SOS for another person and they did indeed send rescuers. You can give your PLB/InReach to someone else, but they just are not covered by any insurance that you may have opted into with the InReach subscription. But you can definitely initiate a rescue no matter what. This article may be helpful too: hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/when-to-initiate-a-backcountry-rescue-with-your-garmin-inreach-plb-or-spot/
Waterproof specs here: www.acrartex.com/products/resqlink-view && After a rescue you need to get the battery replaced ($100-$200 depending on where you go)
Great video. Will the rescue service with the ACR work anywhere in the world? Say Gambia? I am just returning my Garmin Inreach Mini after 10 months of use. When charging it places where the power is weird, it burns the battery. It happened twice now. The first time Garmin replaced it, which was OK, but cost me a lot to have send to Africa in Freight and customs fees. The second time it happened, Garmin just suggested, they return my money and I find another solution. 😕 So now looking into the SPOT or ACR.
Sorry to hear about the Mini, I never heard of that problem before, interesting. You might want to try a regulated power supply in the future. I think that type will make sure the amps / volts don't exceed the spec. re:Gambia - this is interesting > www.icao.int/NACC/Documents/Meetings/2018/SAR/SARMeeting-IP05.pdf but I think the response is routed through the country where you register it - so if you register in USA but activate in Gambia, my assumption is that our military would contact local Gambia SAR, and if no response, move to neighboring countries
did you know that rechargable batteries just discharge they need to make ones that take regular batteries that way if your batteries ARE low you put new ones in them just a thought getting a bit warm to walk just the way it is
agree, the ACR and InReach both don't offer user replaceable batteries, BUT, having a 5 year battery life for this ACR PLB is a good second best I guess
@@Hikingguy but what if your out there for 8 days the inreach is like 50 hours (2 days) ? I don't know much yet about the other one even if the item is off the battery is still discharging I carry a couple packs of batteries for my etrex 30x been using a lot for prospecting lately
@@greedygringoprospecting6941 yea, InReach you need to recharge, but ACR is just a distress beacon, so no need to do anything with the batteries aside from every 5 years if that makes sense... but yea, extra batteries with the 30x is a great move
@@Hikingguy I think there's a reason these PLBs do not have replaceable batteries, but the batteries in them are more stringently tested than general off the shelf ones you might encounter. I think it's some government standard or something, which makes sense for the bulk of these units in commercial vessels and not the niche hiker use of the PLB tech. It would be very very nice for the "personal" PLBs to be allowed to have user replaceable batteries though.
@@paulandalyssagetmarried7888 Yea, agree 100%. Would be nice if ACR worked with the regulators to create one that is user chargeable. Think tech is moving much quicker than whatever regs they have to comply with.
Does the ACR track location if hypothetically you were abducted while hitch hiking on a through hike? Or does it just sent the coordinates where you triggered the SOS
Yes, the co ords of the ACR are updated every 5-10 minutes & those co ords are provides to the helicopter pilot or ground personnel that are out looking for you.
II have seen specs on waterproof rating , but do you have any real world feedback on water resistance of either device, including in water-based settings, like sea kayaking?
Great review. The question to be answered is does the additional functionality of the Garmin inreach outweigh its substantially higher long term cost? Assuming you replace the battery every five years, the ACR ResQlink View would cost $499 over five years, which includes the unit at $350 (I found it on sale for $319) plus a $150 battery replacement (estimated based on research). The total 5-year cost of the inreach mini with the cheapest annual plan is $1,037 (Unit at $320 on sale, plus $11.95 per month annual contract x 60 months). I used the annual contract because the month-to-month Garmin subscription is not practical for most avid backpackers/outdoor enthusiasts. It would impose on the user a constant need to remember if they activated the subscription that month, in addition to the required task of remembering to charge it for every trip. At that point you start to compromise peace of mind, and you're sort of defeating the purpose of having one of these in the first place - which is peace of mind. In summation, the annual plan for the Garmin is a given in my opinion. If you go with anything other than the basic annual plan, the cost climbs dramatically. The next step up would run you $1,817 over five years, and Garmin's most comprehensive annual plan would run you $5,117 over five years (both include the cost of the unit). Even if you replace the ACR unit itself every five years, you're still spending less money than the Garmin coupled with their cheapest annual plan ($700 ACR vs $1,037 Garmin).
Great analysis, thank you, and yes, the Garmin cost is way more over time but like you said, the Garmin offers many more benefits. Just two things to address. With the freedom (monthly) plan you don't have to constantly renew or top-up, it automatically renews each month until you cancel or put it on hold, which incurs a fee. And yes, on the plans higher than the basic (Safety) plan the annual discount is dramatic and worth the money for sure. I think most folks use the Safety plan though, in which case you're saving $3/mo, which isn't so much. I think the Safety plan is a good way for folks to dip their toe into it and then they can upgrade if they use more features like LiveTrack.
@@Hikingguy - thanks for mentioning that auto renewal feature. This might be the one product using that feature to the benefit of the customer, ha. I'm still torn between the two - but as you said - you can't go wrong by buying both as long as you don't mind carrying a bit of extra weight (and of course, the cost).
To be fair to the PLB, once you've replaced the battery, you've really covered 10 years of service. Also, note that there are annual fees for the Garmin, respective to the plan you choose. If you're cheap like me, you'll weigh it out on a yearly basis as to which is better for your current level of activity. I like numbers, so thanks for the initial leg work on the cost analysis.
Cris Hazzard - I ended up getting the Inreach Mini, for this primary reason: I think that non-life threatening but urgent scenarios are more likely than dire emergencies (e.g., sprained ankle, running out of gas on a deserted road, etc.). In these situations, activating a PLB is not warranted, so the communication ability of the Inreach becomes invaluable. The ongoing cost kind of sucks, but I think it’s worth it based on the flexibility to serve as both a PLB and communication device.
Thanks for this, best video on the subject and for sure helped me make a decision, I’m a fisherman so I’m going with BOTH units, or perhaps a sat phone with prepaid minutes to avoid a subscription... Do you have any experience with the sat phones? Or an opinion on inReach vs Sat Phone?
PLBs and InReach have their pluses and minuses (which I go over in the video) - for some the no plan / set and forget for 5 years is the best, for others who want 2-way communicationn, InReach is worth the $12 monthly fee.
Thanks for the video. I have a ResQLinhk+ which is due for registration and battery replacement this coming August. If I want to switch to the ResQLink View is it possible to upgrade my old model or do I just have to pay the full cost of a new one? Another question with the InReach - can it send a text message to a cell phone if that cell phone is someplace with no reception - I guess that wouldn't work. I am thinking of a situation where I was hiking out to a remote trailhead and I wanted to text the driver picking me up with a change of pickup time. Thanks in advance for your response.
You can text to a phone but the phone needs reception to receive. If you have a car service, you'd just have to text them while they are still in civilization (before they leave). & You'd have to buy a new ResQLink unit, they won't upgrade you unfortunately.
Hello great video! I'm looking for a device to give to family members if and when they go hiking./ Camping. My concern is that I notice a lot of missing persons surrounding national parks and that's pretty much where they go. Can these devices be tracked without interaction from the person carrying them? For example if they just turned up missing and the device was not activated but they're carrying it would I be able to track / find them somehow?
You have to initiate an SOS with these devices. If you want tracking without the owner doing anything, get a Garmin inReach with a tracking plan. It will send a location every 10 minutes.
WHY is this even a question? What do you care? If you're in a situation & need to be rescued do you really have no self-worth & are more concerned with money than your own life?
I think the rescuee gets charged, not the signaler, unless the the PLB trigger was fake. And in most places you don't pay for a rescue, but it's murky. Check this out: www.outsideonline.com/1986496/search-and-rescue-public-service-not-exactly
so if you travel overseas, you update your contact page additional data, and they'll still find you? it seems goofy to me, that if my plb is registered in USA, and I activate it on Mt Fuji in Japan, they'll try contact me in USA first, instead of Japanese rescue right away.
The located you based on the GPS position being broadcast by your beacon. There's a worldwide agreement to monitor the PLB frequencies. The info that you put on the beacon page is used to understand who you are when they are looking for you.
This was the same question I wanted to ask until I saw this comment since my beacon was advertised as NZ coded. This was registered in New Zealand, but I'll be taking it with me to Canada during my next holiday. I hope not be able to activate it for any rescue but be assured that it would work wherever in the world I might need it.
Hi buddy I enjoyed watching the beacon comparison video. I recently had a heart attack and will be traveling to remote areas of NZ therefore needed to know which beacon is more appropriate ( pLB or Satellite phone). Many thanks and appreciate your support
Thank you and glad that you came trough the heart attack okay. You'll love NZ, it's spectacular and the people are great. I was lucky enough to live there for a year and miss it (so far away...). Have fun!
You can buy new 5 year lithium batteries online for about 30 bucks and any idiot can remove the 4 screws on the back to replace. If your life is not worth that then bye bye.
98% of my use is overseas in islands while kitesurfing. i have a older ACR, (4 years old) how is the N-reach rated for use in other smaller countries, thanks, good video
That is a great question, and I have no idea, but you could call GEOS and see. My guess is that it would cover any rescue, the way you signal it shouldn't really matter.
If you are talking about the SAR insurance, I think it DOES NOT cover it. When I subscribed to the GEOS SAR insurance through the inReach, it was specifically written that for the insurance to be valid, the rescue MUST be triggered by the inReach device. Because the PLB totally bypasses GEOS, I would assume it's not valid. Pretty sure about this unless they changed things recently.
You would likely be billed thousands of dollars for the rescue, for starters. The reason for "Registering" is to provide others with knowing who you are & other personal information you can provide that would help those that will be risking their lives & equipment to come looking for you.
Depends on where and what circumstances - this might be helpful - hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/when-to-initiate-a-backcountry-rescue-with-your-garmin-inreach-plb-or-spot/
So if i register the ACR device in my own country will it still work around the world or would i need to get it reprogrammed every time for every country and or back again once or every time ?
would never bet my life on inreach or "spot" type devices. Too many reviews out there that say text messages were never received on the other end. And the emergency response is not even close to PLB service, not even in the same category. Air Force center vs. minumum wage workers in garmins noc , probably india.
@@kyfisher3662 The person getting the rescue is responsible for the rescue and would pay any charge (if any). You're just basically calling 911. Check this article out > hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/when-to-initiate-a-backcountry-rescue-with-your-garmin-inreach-plb-or-spot/
Excellent!!!.....crystal clear !!!! I am motorbike solo riding through many different countries/continents I am now living in argentina but I will be buying it in USA Does it work for me? Do I have to programme it for each different country? Looking forward to your comments. Good job
My sentiments! I bought my the older model ACR ResQLink 8 years ago which I'm still carrying. It is my insurance policy in case I'm unable to return to the trailhead under my own power. I want that strong 5 watt transmit signal. My original battery back has an expiration date of 10/2017. I've been reluctant to part with $150. for a replacement battery pack. Today I discovered Beacon Battery Replacement with an online search. I've placed an order for a replacement battery pack from Beacon Battery Replacement for $39.00 - FREE shipping. This company should have gone into business 7 years ago.
I have been carrying the older style ResQLink for the past 8 years & have no interest in the InReach. For your information, as of April 2020, Beacon Battery Replacement that I just ordered a replacement battery pack for my ResQLink for $40.00. My original battery pack shows an expiration date of 10/2017 but I've been reluctant to pay the ACR Mafia $150.00 to have them install a replacement battery pack.
2:58 Excellent video. A couple points. Even if your signal is received immediately, there is an additional step I didn't hear you mention. The Mission Control Center gets a lot of false PLB alarms, so they will attempt to contact you before dispatching help. They call the two emergency contact phone numbers associated with your registration. Then, if they fail to make contact, they forward the SOS to someone who can actually go look for you - SAR, local sheriff's department, Coast Guard, whomever it might be. Of course, getting to you takes time as well. I wouldn't be surprised if first contact with rescue personnel realistically takes a couple hours, maybe more if you're in a very remote place.
Another advantage of an inReach (or similar device) is that, if you “go missing”, your previously sent messages (which include GPS derived position) can be used to establish your general direction of travel and “Place Last Seen” (aka “Last Known Position”) for the benefit of searchers.
Excellent overview Cris. You're a gifted communicator. Really appreciate your offering. Feeling totally confident now in knowing the difference between both units. Will be getting both...just to be on the safe side. All the best.
Thank you thank you, I appreciate that. I always try to make these topics as easy as possible to understand. Enjoy your devices, may you never have to use them!
That was a great overview, thank you. I am going to use the ACR unit as a backup rescue device for my aircraft.
You're welcome, and yea, that's a good plan. I have several pilot friends that keep this on their aircraft too.
Wow, this is an excellent video. Finally someone who went into detail about these things. I carry an ACR personal locator beacon and I really like it for all the reasons she said the extra power the five-year battery, no subscription fee and I do feel like if I had to choose one, I would go with that one because I would have the best chance of getting me rescued. But I’m about ready to buy a Garmin in reach because there’s definitely value in being able to text friends or family or just being able to communicate with the rescuers. Best of both worlds have both units think of it as insurance save up for it and so you spend $600 on both of them it’s your life you’re talking about here or maybe the life of someone else as you also said. The only thing I would say is I personally keep my beacon attached to my person not in a backpack, not clipped on a backpack. If a backpack goes over a cliff and you can’t get to the Beacon it won’t do any good. I take the lanyard and Lupa through my belt loop when I’m hiking that way it’s on me. Thanks again for the detailed review and discussion.
Amazing Review! Learned so much on how this all worked. Definitely the ACR is the unit for me. Thanks for putting this together!
Great video Cris. Very detailed. Another important point is that Personal Locator Beacons come programmed to specific countries, so make sure you buy one that is programmed for the country you live in so that you do not need to get it reprogrammed.
Stay Safe Out There Everyone!!
Great point, thank you!
How amazingly, incredibly STUPID is that? Global positioning satellite system, but doesn't work if you're in the 'wrong' place. Just nuts.
@@bigglyguy8429 No. Its just programmed for the Country you live in, say The USA! If you never move out to live in another country, its good for life.
It is recommended though that if visiting a different country, you add that on your Cospas website, for information purposes!
But, press that button anywhere in the world, you will be rescued!
@@computerbob06 Well I've bought one, but not registering it yet because NOW, for obscure and unknown reasons, the Malaysian island I live on NOW, after 16 years of happy care-free boating, is demanding boats must be 'registered' (with Neptune?) and I need a "license". I jus' wanna go fishing and get away from exactly this kind of BS FFS! *rant
@@bigglyguy8429 Register it anyway, it costs nothing and might save your life in 9 years time - they have a battery life of 10 years. Then also go with the Neptune program/thing as well!
Personally, I always give a little food and drink to King Neptune as I leave Port anyway!
Good video. Thanks. Redundancy is a great tip. I've got both an ACR EPRIB and now an ACR PLB top model with the text. (I had a SPOT with the blinking lights, it never worked consistently and I had trouble figuring out the blinks.) I have a sailboat, and I'm scheduled to crew on a boat crossing the north Pacific. I wanted a personal PLB for a couple of reasons. First, I usually sail solo - until they make a boat Autopilot that can turn around and come back my best bet is the Coast Guard or another boat. My PLB also broadcasts an AIS (ship ID) signal at 161.975 MHz (curious how this works in conjunction to the 121.5 MHz homing signal you mentioned). So what (I guess) will happen is, I'm in the water, I trip my alert and rescue monitors either send out the Coast Guard (if I'm just sailing off California) or if I'm in the north Pacific all the local (? 100 miles?) ship traffic will know someone is in need of rescue, where they are with a homing signal when they get close. I specifically wanted the AIS signal because coast guards will often be too far away. If you've ever sailed with AIS you'll never want to be without it. Tells you the name of the vessel, it's speed, heading and how close it will be to you when it passes. And in my registration additional information I mentioned the dates I expect to be sailing across the Pacific. I also think it's far more likely that anyone prepared enough to have one of these devices will more likely need it for someone else who's less prepared and in an emergency.
As a member of a crew we'll have the boat's EPIRB, and 3 - 4 PLBs on our PFDs. I know these devices have limited battery power, EPIRB 48 hours, PLBs 24 hours. Should tripping these sequentially be part of the emergency plan? Boat sinks, take to the life raft, trigger the EPIRB... 48 hours, trip one of the PLBs.... no 'we're on our way' signal, maybe wait a couple more days before tripping another. (The CG should have within the first battery multiple data points of drift and windage.)
Who gets sent? I've made two emergency calls. One on VHF to the USCG just off the coast of Southern California. They sent out the L.A. County Life Guards. Another time my radio didn't seem to be working so I used my cell phone 911, they also sent out the Lifeguards. I think who ever gets your signal already knows who's best positioned to help you. And of course monitoring VHF Emergency Channel 16, the USCG often alerts anyone in the vicinity of someone in trouble that they go to help.
OMG! I have to buy PLBs for two of my kids and was trying to figure out which ones to get. I have the ACR and like it, but... Very informative. Many thanks. Great video. I will send them the info and let them decide.
@@arihirschman6884 PLB is the way to go.
Outstanding!! The video is very clear, great job !!
Thanks Cris for the video. Very helpful. I'd been using the inReach for a few months but returned it for the ACR. The reason I did so is the inReach can send back-and-forth texts, but only theoretically. It doesn't work like a cell phone in that very few of your texts will actually be successfully transmitted - in my experience no more than 10% were actually received. Now I'm in the Appalachians so your own mileage may vary but the only advantage of the inReach is the ability to communicate with it, and since that feature doesn't work very often if at all I couldn't justify the higher up-front cost plus the monthly subscription cost. You also have to consider the activation fee, and if you use the least expensive Garmin "Freedom" plan you will need to pay that fee every time you deactivate (winter for me) and then reactivate. So if your reason for buying the Garmin is as a sort of substitute cell phone you probably will be disappointed.
Something is def wrong if you are only getting 10% of the texts through. I'm almost positive that it was some kind of a hardware error. Did you reach out to Garmin support? Overall (once you get it running of course!) the InReach is great with the 2-way messaging. I've had readers email me that they've used it in the Arctic and Antarctic and it's been solid. And I've actually used mine on the west coast, east coast, and Europe with only the occasional lost message. So my wordy response being that the 10% rate is def off in some way. This map is handy - if you are covered here it should be working > www.groundcontrol.com/Iridium_Coverage_Map.htm
Super helpful video and really in depth. Thank you for sharing all of this information!
Super helpful, exact information I was looking for as I was evaluating these exact devices. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! 👍
Love this video. I am paralyzed and I go riding alone. Driving alone etc. Deep in the hills.
Remember Panicking is your worst enemy. Stay strong.
Thank you! 👍🙏
Extremely informative, and helped me a lot to understand much better and also make a purchase decision. Thank you.
Excellent information. Thank you. I just bought an ACR.
Thank you for the info. Is it only a one time use? I have the ACR resqlink with digital display
You need to replace the battery after you use it
Cheers 👌🌿
Excellent video. I wasn't sure which ACR ResQLink beacon to buy. You helped me to decide to get the ACR ResQLink view
Cool thank you, glad it was helpful!
Now i got them both,and watching this so i wll know how it works.
Thanks again
Good info! Thanks for mentioning the power output (transmit wattage) of both devices. That’s important info for anyone familiar with radio broadcast.
I have an ACR PLB for me and one for my dog who I always hike with. If I'm hurt I will activate both, I want him found. I also carry a Sat phone they are less than $60 a month now.
Yea, that tech is getting cheaper and its great. I'm actually reviewing an Iridium now... stay tuned...
Thanks al lot for the detailed and very useful comparison. There is a mistake at 11:35, you state that with the ACR you can send text messages.
Keep in mind, you can order a replacement battery for the ResQLink (at least the model I have, PLB-375) and install it yourself in minutes for about $40.00. If you can solder CR123 batteries together, you can make your own replacement battery for even less.
Yup, good point. I noticed that the ACR battery replacement dealer page's language is toned down a bit. I think it used to have some statement in their warning you not to do it yourself, but today there's probably enough RUclips videos out there outlining the process to make it fine for most folks to tackle.
Are you sure? I can’t find any links on it
For those worried about being out of communication with the rescue teams, you can always carry a walkie talkie of some kind. I personally carry a 5w CB radio that I could use on the designated emergency channels here in Australia. While I normally set it to either the general national parks channel or whatever channel my friends are on, it could always be switched to 5/35 in an emergency after activating my PLB, and the emergency channels are monitored quite heavily here
Problem is that the inreach isnt reliable. 50 self tests all over the USA and I got a 55-60% hit rate. NOT good when your life depends on it. The PLB is a vastly improved satellite system and monitored by Govt.s worldwide. Not only does the PLB have a GPS signal, but an additional close range transmission. When your life is at stake, go for the PLB and the better coverage.
Just a heads up that your beacon ID is visible at 21:49
Awesome video Chris. where is the source (video lecture) from the SARS Satellite map lecture, timecode - 31:21? Thanks
Thank you - not following on the lecture reference but maybe this will help? hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/when-to-initiate-a-backcountry-rescue-with-your-garmin-inreach-plb-or-spot/
Good video I am researching these plb's now and this is good information.
Thanks for the very complete review. I just purchased the ACR boating kit which includes an EPIRB and a plb and a ditch bag and other signaling implements, I can be 40 miles out in search of halibut or tuna. I really appreciate the full explanation on how they work. I think we will also purchase an inReach device for our trips to MOAB and similar areas where my wife and I frequently venture out on our own and don't see anyone for hours and hours in our RZR or hiking. It's pretty cheap insurance really.
Nice, that's a sound investment in my book. I used to live on a sailboat and had an EPIRB too. And if you get an InReach, you can use it offshore too. You can even get marine weather via satellite.
Excellent presentation Sir !!! 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺👍
I just bought this right now. Good to hear they are both reliable
Convinced me on the 425 over 400, ease of use is key in an emergency situation!
425 is easier, but they're both easy to use. A quick self test on the 400 will confirm that it's working.
Fantastic video! Thanks for the great information. Going with the ACR and will add a Garmin GPS with InReach later.
You're welcome! Glad it was helpful. And yea, the ACR is a good first buy. You have the safety without the monthly cost or hassle of battery charging, etc.
@@Hikingguy Yeah the ACR is hands down the best first choice especially with the new MEOSAR satellite system now operational. The capabilities seem to have been increased significantly in these 2nd generation beacons. I feel that the Garmin interface is a little clunky as well. Going to wait a couple of years for the software to catch up.
@@Hikingguy Please can I use this device to monitor and track my trucks on the road?
Another thing to cosider if you travel abroad is that satellite phones/messengers may require licenses or be straight up illegal in some countries or jurisdictions while PLBs are legal and free to use (after registration) virtually everywhere.
That's precisely because PLBs don't allow two way communication and simply send a distress signal with your position so there's no way you could use them to bypass censorship or conspire to subvert governments 😅
Many thanks. A very informative overview of the unit
Awesome!! Thank you so much for sharing.very helpful.!! Look forward to getting this Acr?
Excellent video and very informative. I’m recently retired and will be doing far more outdoor sports such as mountain biking, hiking, backpacking and back country skiing. I usually go alone and would like to purchase the best and most reliable PLB. What are your thoughts on the Spot X? I like that it’s a two way communication device and does not rely on a cell phone to type messages. I would prefer to carry only one device, but I do understand the wisdom in having two different devices. Thank you for posting your informative videos.
Thanks for the note and glad the video was handy. I've had bad luck with reliability on the SPOT units and haven't used them in a few years. If you want to have a keyboard you can pair an InReach with your phone, or get a new Garmin Montana 750i. I should have a review up for that this week.
I was considering one of these. Fantastically coherent review. Thank you.
No problem 👍
Looks like the bivystick blue is the boy though
Thanks for the in-depth review. I’ve been looking at my options for diving besides the Nautilus. I like that the Nautilus can get you help from any boat without an actual SAR, bug the VHF range is really limiting.
Yea, it's probably a good option to have this & VHF. I sail a bit and having the 2-way comms on a VHF would be good.
Thanks I got the Inreach and was curious about the difference. Great information thanks for sharing.
Listening to this as a sea kayaker: I was out on a trip offshore and saw my Spot Gen3 was not working, it had leaked and fried. I did the screws up tight. No way!
I think it's crazy not to keep such gear in a dry bag or dry box.
Excellent information, helping me to make a decision for solo backcountry hiking and solo motorcycle riding offroad in remote areas.
So clear and detailed, thank you very much
You're welcome! 👍
I like the idea of both .. the inreach I can talk to a professional .. the acr has a stronger signal , is a gvt service .. press the button and pass out , wake up in hospital .
Excellent one liner for the ACR, "press the button, pass out, wake up in a hospital".
Great video!👍 Subscribed!♥️
I just googled ACR for my country (Norway) as I’ve never seen it in your usual hiking stores - turns out you need permission from a national authority (nkom) to own and operate this device as it’s on an emergency frequency band. Permission is only granted to Norwegian residents. In addition, an annual frequency fee is charged by the same authority. I have an inReach, and there’s no such requirement (but Garmin charges you, of course).
The COSPAS-SARSAT agreement that this uses is an international treaty, and is respected by all members. It looks like some Swedes have used a PLB in Norway sucessfully. oceansignal.com/rescue-stories/plb-activation-saves-wounded-transcontinental-hiker/
Based on what I've seen in other countries, charging a fee for PLB use is an anomaly. Is the fee substantial? You might want to reach out to your local political representative and ask why Norwegians have to pay for a service that others do not.
Great video, thanks! 👍👍
Wow!! You got all of those gadgets!!😜
Excellent review, thank you. I go for solo hiking not very often though and I don't have either of the devices. During my last difficult-rated mountain hiking, I had a very bad knee injury but I could hike down with slow pace. Do you think that InReach would have helped (in case I was having InReach with me) in any way by giving better directions with two-way communication? Trying to understand a real life situation, but will get ACR ResQLink for sure when back to outdoors next. Thanks in advance.
The inReach definitely has an advantage because of the two-way communications. For example, you can tell dispatch about your knee, they can advise on a route out, advise on treatment, etc.
Very good review. Great job!
Much appreciated! 👍
Is the ACR style in this video Waterproof? I assume it is since it can be mounted inside a Mustang life jacket with an ACR special mount for attaching to the self inflate tube of the auto deploy HIT jacket. Thanks
yup
Just a question on shared usage. I was hoping that there would be some way to share a unit, (either the ACR, or Garmin In-reach) with a family member. I am an active back country camper myself, and being older now, having this type of backup is becoming more important to me. Also, my son is now starting to venture out on his own back country adventures, and as a parent, I'd like to see that he is safe as well, but the thought of having to buy 2 units right now is not feasible. So, my question is this. Can any of these units be used for 2 separate individuals, on a rotating basis? Thanks.
You can trade them off no problem for emergency use - just look at it as a device used to call 911. If your son had your phone, he could call 911.
Not sure what I'm missing but when I type the latitude and longitude shown on the display into google, it shows up as being in the middle of the Caspian Sea..... not likely given where you say you are in the video.
Very well done and professional video. Thank you so much!
Thank you, glad it was helpful!
Nicely done.
Cheers
Very informative video! I used a SPOT messenger for years while fishing offshore. I could send "We're OK" messages but also I could call TowBoat US or SOS for rescue. I too didn't like the one way street aspect of it so I upgraded to an inReach last year and it works great, so nice to know I can text and pass on any information, get a reply back, or a conversation if needed.
So I am a redundant gear guy as well (2 is 1, etc) and will be adding a PLB to my safety gear and wanted the best, which brought me to your video.
My question is, when you let the other injured hiker use you InReach and contacted GEOS, was that an SOS type call or did you just initiate a text? My understanding is if you are not the GEOS member in need, they will not initiate rescue. Even if you were a past member with an expired account they won't. Can you explain more on that?
If I lend my InReach to a buddy boat for a day and they imitate rescue is that the same scenario?
Thanks,
Scott
Hey Scott, thanks for the note and glad the video came in handy. The InReach / ACR combo is a good one. So in my case, I initiated an SOS for another person and they did indeed send rescuers. You can give your PLB/InReach to someone else, but they just are not covered by any insurance that you may have opted into with the InReach subscription. But you can definitely initiate a rescue no matter what. This article may be helpful too: hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/when-to-initiate-a-backcountry-rescue-with-your-garmin-inreach-plb-or-spot/
@@Hikingguy I just bought an ACR Aqualink View yesterday evening!
This video is excellent, excellent! Thank you!
You're welcome, glad it was helpful!
How long is battery good for after rescue call activated on the ACR?
No you have to replace it
Really great thankyou for sharing
I know I’m late to the party but thank you for posting this helpful intel. 👍
Are both waterproof? To what depth? Can the ACR be reused after rescue?
Waterproof specs here: www.acrartex.com/products/resqlink-view
&& After a rescue you need to get the battery replaced ($100-$200 depending on where you go)
@@Hikingguy Thank you! Perfect video as I was looking at both products.
Great Video, thanks
Great video. Will the rescue service with the ACR work anywhere in the world? Say Gambia?
I am just returning my Garmin Inreach Mini after 10 months of use. When charging it places where the power is weird, it burns the battery. It happened twice now. The first time Garmin replaced it, which was OK, but cost me a lot to have send to Africa in Freight and customs fees. The second time it happened, Garmin just suggested, they return my money and I find another solution. 😕 So now looking into the SPOT or ACR.
Sorry to hear about the Mini, I never heard of that problem before, interesting. You might want to try a regulated power supply in the future. I think that type will make sure the amps / volts don't exceed the spec.
re:Gambia - this is interesting >
www.icao.int/NACC/Documents/Meetings/2018/SAR/SARMeeting-IP05.pdf
but I think the response is routed through the country where you register it - so if you register in USA but activate in Gambia, my assumption is that our military would contact local Gambia SAR, and if no response, move to neighboring countries
did you know that rechargable batteries just discharge they need to make ones that take regular batteries that way if your batteries ARE low you put new ones in them just a thought getting a bit warm to walk just the way it is
agree, the ACR and InReach both don't offer user replaceable batteries, BUT, having a 5 year battery life for this ACR PLB is a good second best I guess
@@Hikingguy but what if your out there for 8 days the inreach is like 50 hours (2 days) ? I don't know much yet about the other one even if the item is off the battery is still discharging I carry a couple packs of batteries for my etrex 30x been using a lot for prospecting lately
@@greedygringoprospecting6941 yea, InReach you need to recharge, but ACR is just a distress beacon, so no need to do anything with the batteries aside from every 5 years if that makes sense... but yea, extra batteries with the 30x is a great move
@@Hikingguy I think there's a reason these PLBs do not have replaceable batteries, but the batteries in them are more stringently tested than general off the shelf ones you might encounter. I think it's some government standard or something, which makes sense for the bulk of these units in commercial vessels and not the niche hiker use of the PLB tech. It would be very very nice for the "personal" PLBs to be allowed to have user replaceable batteries though.
@@paulandalyssagetmarried7888 Yea, agree 100%. Would be nice if ACR worked with the regulators to create one that is user chargeable. Think tech is moving much quicker than whatever regs they have to comply with.
Does the ACR track location if hypothetically you were abducted while hitch hiking on a through hike? Or does it just sent the coordinates where you triggered the SOS
No, it only works if you trigger an SOS
Yes, the co ords of the ACR are updated every 5-10 minutes & those co ords are provides to the helicopter pilot or ground personnel that are out looking for you.
II have seen specs on waterproof rating , but do you have any real world feedback on water resistance of either device, including in water-based settings, like sea kayaking?
I don't but I've used a bigger ACR EPIRB on a sailboat and never saw any corrosion or damage.
Great review. The question to be answered is does the additional functionality of the Garmin inreach outweigh its substantially higher long term cost? Assuming you replace the battery every five years, the ACR ResQlink View would cost $499 over five years, which includes the unit at $350 (I found it on sale for $319) plus a $150 battery replacement (estimated based on research). The total 5-year cost of the inreach mini with the cheapest annual plan is $1,037 (Unit at $320 on sale, plus $11.95 per month annual contract x 60 months). I used the annual contract because the month-to-month Garmin subscription is not practical for most avid backpackers/outdoor enthusiasts. It would impose on the user a constant need to remember if they activated the subscription that month, in addition to the required task of remembering to charge it for every trip. At that point you start to compromise peace of mind, and you're sort of defeating the purpose of having one of these in the first place - which is peace of mind.
In summation, the annual plan for the Garmin is a given in my opinion. If you go with anything other than the basic annual plan, the cost climbs dramatically. The next step up would run you $1,817 over five years, and Garmin's most comprehensive annual plan would run you $5,117 over five years (both include the cost of the unit). Even if you replace the ACR unit itself every five years, you're still spending less money than the Garmin coupled with their cheapest annual plan ($700 ACR vs $1,037 Garmin).
Great analysis, thank you, and yes, the Garmin cost is way more over time but like you said, the Garmin offers many more benefits. Just two things to address. With the freedom (monthly) plan you don't have to constantly renew or top-up, it automatically renews each month until you cancel or put it on hold, which incurs a fee. And yes, on the plans higher than the basic (Safety) plan the annual discount is dramatic and worth the money for sure. I think most folks use the Safety plan though, in which case you're saving $3/mo, which isn't so much. I think the Safety plan is a good way for folks to dip their toe into it and then they can upgrade if they use more features like LiveTrack.
@@Hikingguy - thanks for mentioning that auto renewal feature. This might be the one product using that feature to the benefit of the customer, ha. I'm still torn between the two - but as you said - you can't go wrong by buying both as long as you don't mind carrying a bit of extra weight (and of course, the cost).
@@BacktotheOutdoors yea if you can spare the $$$, having the backup is worth it I think
To be fair to the PLB, once you've replaced the battery, you've really covered 10 years of service. Also, note that there are annual fees for the Garmin, respective to the plan you choose. If you're cheap like me, you'll weigh it out on a yearly basis as to which is better for your current level of activity. I like numbers, so thanks for the initial leg work on the cost analysis.
Cris Hazzard - I ended up getting the Inreach Mini, for this primary reason: I think that non-life threatening but urgent scenarios are more likely than dire emergencies (e.g., sprained ankle, running out of gas on a deserted road, etc.). In these situations, activating a PLB is not warranted, so the communication ability of the Inreach becomes invaluable. The ongoing cost kind of sucks, but I think it’s worth it based on the flexibility to serve as both a PLB and communication device.
Thanks for this, best video on the subject and for sure helped me make a decision, I’m a fisherman so I’m going with BOTH units, or perhaps a sat phone with prepaid minutes to avoid a subscription...
Do you have any experience with the sat phones? Or an opinion on inReach vs Sat Phone?
I've used sat phones and and InReach is cheaper unless you do a one-off sat phone rental. They use the same Iridium network (for Iridium phones).
Excellent, very helpful, detailed. 👍👍
👍👍👍
Subscription cost is kind of a deal breaker with the garmin.
Battery has to be replaced every 5 or 6 years on the Resqlink.
PLBs and InReach have their pluses and minuses (which I go over in the video) - for some the no plan / set and forget for 5 years is the best, for others who want 2-way communicationn, InReach is worth the $12 monthly fee.
Thanks for the video. I have a ResQLinhk+ which is due for registration and battery replacement this coming August. If I want to switch to the ResQLink View is it possible to upgrade my old model or do I just have to pay the full cost of a new one? Another question with the InReach - can it send a text message to a cell phone if that cell phone is someplace with no reception - I guess that wouldn't work. I am thinking of a situation where I was hiking out to a remote trailhead and I wanted to text the driver picking me up with a change of pickup time. Thanks in advance for your response.
You can text to a phone but the phone needs reception to receive. If you have a car service, you'd just have to text them while they are still in civilization (before they leave).
& You'd have to buy a new ResQLink unit, they won't upgrade you unfortunately.
Hello great video! I'm looking for a device to give to family members if and when they go hiking./ Camping. My concern is that I notice a lot of missing persons surrounding national parks and that's pretty much where they go. Can these devices be tracked without interaction from the person carrying them? For example if they just turned up missing and the device was not activated but they're carrying it would I be able to track / find them somehow?
You have to initiate an SOS with these devices. If you want tracking without the owner doing anything, get a Garmin inReach with a tracking plan. It will send a location every 10 minutes.
Once activated, can you use them again or are they a one use thing??
You can use it again, you just need to replace the battery.
YES, it can be re-activated multiple times, until the battery power is depleted.
what if it's paired with a garmin chart plotter
superb and very informative video thank you
thank you! 👍
Is there any other cost or fee for the rescue team?
It depends where you are but usually not if you use it responsibly.
@@Hikingguy thank for clear that
WHY is this even a question? What do you care? If you're in a situation & need to be rescued do you really have no self-worth & are more concerned with money than your own life?
Awesome thank you
Great review. I learned a lot.
Cool thanks for the note, glad the video was helpful.
great vid, what happens if I issue PLB distress for another hiker, how would that work out financially since my name was registered?
I think the rescuee gets charged, not the signaler, unless the the PLB trigger was fake. And in most places you don't pay for a rescue, but it's murky. Check this out: www.outsideonline.com/1986496/search-and-rescue-public-service-not-exactly
Very informative. Thanks for sharing.
so if you travel overseas, you update your contact page additional data, and they'll still find you? it seems goofy to me, that if my plb is registered in USA, and I activate it on Mt Fuji in Japan, they'll try contact me in USA first, instead of Japanese rescue right away.
The located you based on the GPS position being broadcast by your beacon. There's a worldwide agreement to monitor the PLB frequencies. The info that you put on the beacon page is used to understand who you are when they are looking for you.
This was the same question I wanted to ask until I saw this comment since my beacon was advertised as NZ coded. This was registered in New Zealand, but I'll be taking it with me to Canada during my next holiday. I hope not be able to activate it for any rescue but be assured that it would work wherever in the world I might need it.
Hi buddy I enjoyed watching the beacon comparison video. I recently had a heart attack and will be traveling to remote areas of NZ therefore needed to know which beacon is more appropriate ( pLB or Satellite phone). Many thanks and appreciate your support
Thank you and glad that you came trough the heart attack okay. You'll love NZ, it's spectacular and the people are great. I was lucky enough to live there for a year and miss it (so far away...). Have fun!
Thank you! The ACR battery means you DO pay another form of subscription.
You can buy new 5 year lithium batteries online for about 30 bucks and any idiot can remove the 4 screws on the back to replace. If your life is not worth that then bye bye.
Nice video. How do you "talk" to Geos on the InReach without pushing the SOS button?
sorry if it was confusing, you hit SOS and then have a text back and forth
98% of my use is overseas in islands while kitesurfing. i have a older ACR, (4 years old) how is the N-reach rated for use in other smaller countries, thanks, good video
Thank you - InReach is worldwide, same as PLB. Think they both have coverage pretty much anywhere aside from war zones.
Sorry another question, will the insurence plan for the inreach work to cover costs for other locators such as the ACR PLB?
That is a great question, and I have no idea, but you could call GEOS and see. My guess is that it would cover any rescue, the way you signal it shouldn't really matter.
If you are talking about the SAR insurance, I think it DOES NOT cover it. When I subscribed to the GEOS SAR insurance through the inReach, it was specifically written that for the insurance to be valid, the rescue MUST be triggered by the inReach device.
Because the PLB totally bypasses GEOS, I would assume it's not valid. Pretty sure about this unless they changed things recently.
Well what would happen if you didn’t register it?
In the USA you are required by law to register > www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-95/subpart-K
You would likely be billed thousands of dollars for the rescue, for starters. The reason for "Registering" is to provide others with knowing who you are & other personal information you can provide that would help those that will be risking their lives & equipment to come looking for you.
Is this good for any weather??? is this weather proof?...... what if it gets water on it?
Yes waterproof
Who pays the SAR bill if you activate this?
Depends on where and what circumstances - this might be helpful - hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/when-to-initiate-a-backcountry-rescue-with-your-garmin-inreach-plb-or-spot/
You will likely have to pay unless your situation was a matter of life or death.
Where can I find the CHECKSUM number on my P.L.B. view?
Not sure, I'd contact ACR support
Hehlpful video thank you 🙏🏻
With a PLB like the ResQLink, push a button, pass out, wake up in a hospital.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
So if i register the ACR device in my own country will it still work around the world or would i need to get it reprogrammed every time for every country and or back again once or every time ?
Register in your country and it works worldwide (without registering in every country).
would never bet my life on inreach or "spot" type devices. Too many reviews out there that say text messages were never received on the other end. And the emergency response is not even close to PLB service, not even in the same category. Air Force center vs. minumum wage workers in garmins noc , probably india.
Oh, and if your text message is received on the other end, so many times it may take 15 to 30 minutes for that to happen.
I've used inReach to assist people and never had a problem, as have thousands of other people. www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/saved-by-garmin/
does this work outside of the US?
Yes
@@Hikingguy just to elaborate ... can I use this in India?
@@jayantamaitra5756 Yes but you need to register it - inmcc.istrac.org/Registration_406_MHz.html
Can I use this device to track my truck??
Probably better devices for that
If I was on a hike and someone else on the trail got biten by a snake and I had to press the button for them. Who would be charged for the evac?
This question is for the resqlink
@@kyfisher3662 The person getting the rescue is responsible for the rescue and would pay any charge (if any). You're just basically calling 911. Check this article out > hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/when-to-initiate-a-backcountry-rescue-with-your-garmin-inreach-plb-or-spot/
@@Hikingguy thanks for responding, awesome info!
Excellent!!!.....crystal clear !!!!
I am motorbike solo riding through many different countries/continents
I am now living in argentina but I will be buying it in USA
Does it work for me?
Do I have to programme it for each different country?
Looking forward to your comments. Good job
Yes, works worldwide!
Everybody wants you add them to your payroll now. Ill go with the ACR option for what I need. Not paying a monthly fee.
My sentiments! I bought my the older model ACR ResQLink 8 years ago which I'm still carrying. It is my insurance policy in case I'm unable to return to the trailhead under my own power. I want that strong 5 watt transmit signal. My original battery back has an expiration date of 10/2017. I've been reluctant to part with $150. for a replacement battery pack. Today I discovered Beacon Battery Replacement with an online search. I've placed an order for a replacement battery pack from Beacon Battery Replacement for $39.00 - FREE shipping. This company should have gone into business 7 years ago.
I have been carrying the older style ResQLink for the past 8 years & have no interest in the InReach. For your information, as of April 2020, Beacon Battery Replacement that I just ordered a replacement battery pack for my ResQLink for $40.00. My original battery pack shows an expiration date of 10/2017 but I've been reluctant to pay the ACR Mafia $150.00 to have them install a replacement battery pack.