mcelweed
Member
A little background. Last fall a family friend was climbing the Maroon Bells in Colorado and went missing. He was supposed to have gone with another friend who ended up not being able to go. Our friend was supposed to get a SPOT locator from our second friend, but they didn't meet up. They have yet to find his body.
Forward to this spring's turkey season. I hunt by myself a lot in some fairly remote areas; near forest roads, but a long was from civilization. I knew, in light of our friend's experience, the wife would be more comfortable if I had a PLB/Locator. I researched the SPOT, the ACR ResQLink, and a couple others. The InReach SE, although more expensive, seemed to fit my situation best.
We have two teen girls and both my parents and my wife's parents have health issues. In light of that, a device that allowed two-way communication seemed the better option in case of an emergency at home. My wife will also be going on a mission trip to Malawi in May and the InReach will provide good international communication through the Iridium satellite system. We subscribed to the Freedom Plan which allows you to change service plans as needed or even suspend the service when not needed. I was also U.S. Air Force combat rescue for the last 10 years of my career, so I know the importance of being able to contact someone in case of trouble.
The Recreation Plan allows 40 text messages a month and unlimited track points (which my wife can check on the website). Although the literature says it can take up to 20 to send a message I sent several that she received and replied to within 5 minutes.
There are a couple of down sides. 1) You need a clear view of the sky to contact the satellites. I haven't been able to definitively determine how much tree cover will block the signal, but didn't seem to have too much trouble. 2) The rocker switch used to select letters to compose text messages is cumbersome. Fortunately you can download an app for smart phones that allows you to type a message on your phone and send it to the InReach, which then sends it through the satellites. 3) She can track exactly where I am at all times when I have it in Track Mode. Wait, that's a good thing, I think.
Despite the price it is well worth it if it allows my wife some peace of mind while I continue to hunt the way I like to. It will also be worth it for my peace of mind while she is in Africa.
I would recommend a PLB/locator to anyone who enjoys hunting or hiking remote areas where help may be miles away. Research the various options and select the device that best suits your need. The peace of mind for you and your loved ones is worth the cost. Hope this helps someone.
Forward to this spring's turkey season. I hunt by myself a lot in some fairly remote areas; near forest roads, but a long was from civilization. I knew, in light of our friend's experience, the wife would be more comfortable if I had a PLB/Locator. I researched the SPOT, the ACR ResQLink, and a couple others. The InReach SE, although more expensive, seemed to fit my situation best.
We have two teen girls and both my parents and my wife's parents have health issues. In light of that, a device that allowed two-way communication seemed the better option in case of an emergency at home. My wife will also be going on a mission trip to Malawi in May and the InReach will provide good international communication through the Iridium satellite system. We subscribed to the Freedom Plan which allows you to change service plans as needed or even suspend the service when not needed. I was also U.S. Air Force combat rescue for the last 10 years of my career, so I know the importance of being able to contact someone in case of trouble.
The Recreation Plan allows 40 text messages a month and unlimited track points (which my wife can check on the website). Although the literature says it can take up to 20 to send a message I sent several that she received and replied to within 5 minutes.
There are a couple of down sides. 1) You need a clear view of the sky to contact the satellites. I haven't been able to definitively determine how much tree cover will block the signal, but didn't seem to have too much trouble. 2) The rocker switch used to select letters to compose text messages is cumbersome. Fortunately you can download an app for smart phones that allows you to type a message on your phone and send it to the InReach, which then sends it through the satellites. 3) She can track exactly where I am at all times when I have it in Track Mode. Wait, that's a good thing, I think.
Despite the price it is well worth it if it allows my wife some peace of mind while I continue to hunt the way I like to. It will also be worth it for my peace of mind while she is in Africa.
I would recommend a PLB/locator to anyone who enjoys hunting or hiking remote areas where help may be miles away. Research the various options and select the device that best suits your need. The peace of mind for you and your loved ones is worth the cost. Hope this helps someone.
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