Great overview. I wish I had known about SARSAT PLBs prior to buying a Garmin InReach Mini about 4 years ago. I don't go hiking year round, so the month to month basic subscription plan made sense for me. Having to pause the subscription for the months that it won't be in use is a real annoyance, as is remembering to re-activate the subscription so that you don't end up with a paperweight in your pack while you're dying in the wilderness. The subscription fees also add up for a device you hope to never have to use; they start at $15/month. You also need to remember to keep the InReach device charged. For the type of hiking I do (always with a buddy, and always researched ahead of time), I think I'd have been better off with the combination of my smartphone and a PLB for true emergencies. I'm going to keep an eye open for updates about Return Link Service, and I'll likely pick up a RLS capable PLB for my next beacon. I would have loved a more in depth demonstration of the Test mode (though I know you're probably reluctant to drain the battery in your device, maybe you can record the next time you go through this?).
Thank you for the excellent video! This is one of only two videos I’ve ever seen that goes into this much detail on personal locator beacons almost all the other videos leave out in my opinion some of the most important points would you covered. The differences in the two devices there are huge differences that need to be understood. As you do the best Choice in my opinion is to carry both devices but the personal locator begins having the battery that last five or seven years really makes a difference if you carry an in region you forget to charge it it does you no good also the extra power you have with the personal locator beacons say you’re deep in a canyon are you under a tree canopy that snow covered? You might need the extra 5 W to get a signal out These things are all probably rare, but if something like this happens to you, rare or not, it could mean the difference in life and death. Also, one final note that you made is the personal locator beacons use three different satellite, constellations, and as you correctly, mention, each constellation has a number of satellites, so that system was specifically built for search and rescue around the world, and as you said, most governments of the world subscribe to it, it’s really a phenomenal system. All that being said to a communication note is very helpful so that’s what’s nice about the satellite communicators as you’ve got that option as well. Again, if you can carry both devices, I would there’s one tip. I like to give out that I don’t see mentioned here there have been cases where people put these devices in their backpack or clip them onto their backpack and then they trip and fall, and their backpack goes over a cliff or they break their leg in the pack, slides down a hill and they can’t get to the backpack what I do is I take the lanyard to the POB and loop it through my belt loop that way it is attached to my person and there’s no way it’s getting away from me. Because I fully functional beacon, does you know good if it’s fallen over a cliff or even if it’s 20 feet away but you can’t get to it because you can’t move you broken your back or broken your leg anyway great video I look forward to watching your other videos and I just subscribed to your channel. Have a great weekend.
I appreciate your detailed explanation. My decision is narrowed to either this model or the ARC ResQlink View (425). It’s larger and more expensive but allows monitoring of the battery level and floats without a pouch. Are you aware of any other differences I might be missing? Smaller, lighter, cheaper and a longer battery life all seem like this model you’ve reviewed is the best way to go.
Very chilling when you think about how many lives this kind of devices would save. I read some brands are also integrating similair function in cellphones. But that will be nowhere near these transmitting powers.
You make a great point out the Apple iPhone 14 will have this, but it doesn’t have near the transmitting power so if you’re under a snow covered canopy or you’re stuck way down deep in a canyon, you may never get out to a satellite. The brand ACR is the only brand I would trust in my life with. I have one a PLB by ACR called the rescue 400. I believe it is awesome. The other thing is a battery last five years if your cell phone has a dead battery you’re stuck.
Thanks for the video. I just wanted to say you might want to keep your PLB on your personal not in your backpack. I keep mine on a belt loop. If your backpack goes over a cliff or you can’t get to it it’s gonna do you know good.
In my reply, I also mentioned I carry mine in a pant pocket for easy/quick accessibility if I fall and am seriously injured. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
This is the combo I am planning to go with, primarily want to become efficient with map and compass which should preserve battery life of phone for (Gaia gps app) and also carry the 66i for a good backup handheld gps navigator which works without subscription (in case phone breaks) but also has the option of inreach messaging subscription if I choose to activate it for certain outdoor activities, but also a rescueme plb1 mounted on my chest strap for dire emergencies…a lot of redundancy I know but I will almost always be outdoors alone so the weight of it all is worth it to me and won’t be too far away from a vehicle at any given time either so won’t be doing any thru-hiking expeditions any time soon (until I am more experienced) which demand cutting weight
Excellent review. I'm new to hiking and this technology and have a couple of questions. I would buy (using your link) and register in the US. Could I have the same service if I hike in Canada? Do I need to register in both the US and Canada? Thank you.
Thank you! And yes, you just register in your home country and it works worldwide. No need to do anything in Canada, etc., - they get the info from your US registration.
@@DJ-kg6zq People are obsessed with throwing things away these days. If you get a better version how about donating old device to a rescue service in some poor country? You know- where its guaranteed to save some lives? :)
What an excellent video. This really helped me to make a buying decision. Thank you for sharing your experience. Greetings from Scotland.
Great video and info mate! Thanks, much appreciated.
Great overview. I wish I had known about SARSAT PLBs prior to buying a Garmin InReach Mini about 4 years ago. I don't go hiking year round, so the month to month basic subscription plan made sense for me. Having to pause the subscription for the months that it won't be in use is a real annoyance, as is remembering to re-activate the subscription so that you don't end up with a paperweight in your pack while you're dying in the wilderness. The subscription fees also add up for a device you hope to never have to use; they start at $15/month. You also need to remember to keep the InReach device charged. For the type of hiking I do (always with a buddy, and always researched ahead of time), I think I'd have been better off with the combination of my smartphone and a PLB for true emergencies. I'm going to keep an eye open for updates about Return Link Service, and I'll likely pick up a RLS capable PLB for my next beacon. I would have loved a more in depth demonstration of the Test mode (though I know you're probably reluctant to drain the battery in your device, maybe you can record the next time you go through this?).
Super informative and well done
Thank you for the excellent video! This is one of only two videos I’ve ever seen that goes into this much detail on personal locator beacons almost all the other videos leave out in my opinion some of the most important points would you covered. The differences in the two devices there are huge differences that need to be understood. As you do the best Choice in my opinion is to carry both devices but the personal locator begins having the battery that last five or seven years really makes a difference if you carry an in region you forget to charge it it does you no good also the extra power you have with the personal locator beacons say you’re deep in a canyon are you under a tree canopy that snow covered? You might need the extra 5 W to get a signal out These things are all probably rare, but if something like this happens to you, rare or not, it could mean the difference in life and death. Also, one final note that you made is the personal locator beacons use three different satellite, constellations, and as you correctly, mention, each constellation has a number of satellites, so that system was specifically built for search and rescue around the world, and as you said, most governments of the world subscribe to it, it’s really a phenomenal system. All that being said to a communication note is very helpful so that’s what’s nice about the satellite communicators as you’ve got that option as well. Again, if you can carry both devices, I would there’s one tip. I like to give out that I don’t see mentioned here there have been cases where people put these devices in their backpack or clip them onto their backpack and then they trip and fall, and their backpack goes over a cliff or they break their leg in the pack, slides down a hill and they can’t get to the backpack what I do is I take the lanyard to the POB and loop it through my belt loop that way it is attached to my person and there’s no way it’s getting away from me. Because I fully functional beacon, does you know good if it’s fallen over a cliff or even if it’s 20 feet away but you can’t get to it because you can’t move you broken your back or broken your leg anyway great video I look forward to watching your other videos and I just subscribed to your channel. Have a great weekend.
I appreciate your detailed explanation. My decision is narrowed to either this model or the ARC ResQlink View (425). It’s larger and more expensive but allows monitoring of the battery level and floats without a pouch. Are you aware of any other differences I might be missing? Smaller, lighter, cheaper and a longer battery life all seem like this model you’ve reviewed is the best way to go.
You nailed the differences, it's really just if you want the feedback from the screen if you're hiking.
Thank you. This will be the model that I buy.
Great review most helpful thank you David
Very chilling when you think about how many lives this kind of devices would save. I read some brands are also integrating similair function in cellphones. But that will be nowhere near these transmitting powers.
How would that function work with no cellular coverage?
@@mazatlan79P Directly via satelite, just like this device in the video.
You make a great point out the Apple iPhone 14 will have this, but it doesn’t have near the transmitting power so if you’re under a snow covered canopy or you’re stuck way down deep in a canyon, you may never get out to a satellite. The brand ACR is the only brand I would trust in my life with. I have one a PLB by ACR called the rescue 400. I believe it is awesome. The other thing is a battery last five years if your cell phone has a dead battery you’re stuck.
Cell phone is also more fragile.
Thanks for the video. I just wanted to say you might want to keep your PLB on your personal not in your backpack. I keep mine on a belt loop. If your backpack goes over a cliff or you can’t get to it it’s gonna do you know good.
In my reply, I also mentioned I carry mine in a pant pocket for easy/quick accessibility if I fall and am seriously injured.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
This is the combo I am planning to go with, primarily want to become efficient with map and compass which should preserve battery life of phone for (Gaia gps app) and also carry the 66i for a good backup handheld gps navigator which works without subscription (in case phone breaks) but also has the option of inreach messaging subscription if I choose to activate it for certain outdoor activities, but also a rescueme plb1 mounted on my chest strap for dire emergencies…a lot of redundancy I know but I will almost always be outdoors alone so the weight of it all is worth it to me and won’t be too far away from a vehicle at any given time either so won’t be doing any thru-hiking expeditions any time soon (until I am more experienced) which demand cutting weight
Thanks God bless you 💗
Thanks 👍
Excellent review. I'm new to hiking and this technology and have a couple of questions. I would buy (using your link) and register in the US. Could I have the same service if I hike in Canada? Do I need to register in both the US and Canada? Thank you.
Thank you! And yes, you just register in your home country and it works worldwide. No need to do anything in Canada, etc., - they get the info from your US registration.
Any idea if it could be used more than once?
It would depend on how long you left it on initially. You can buy the battery online and change it yourself to save a few bucks.
Is that only for land or can it be used for sea
sea too
Curious why the “ACR” in the title? That’s a different PLB.
it's an ACR product - www.acrartex.com/products/rescueme-plb1/
On the PLB. once activated, can you use it more than once?
Yes but you should replace the battery.
Good idea get both because you can't buy a life but you can buy two rescue units.
Lol 😂 when you put it like that! It makes sense
Is it water proof?
Yes
No but it comes with a waterproof pouch.
I believe the pouch keeps it from sinking. It has a good water resistance rating.
@@ORflycaster - I purchased one and it no longer comes with the pouch.
@@Patrick_Ross +1 it says its extra so for the price might be better to get ARC RES xyz goes for 335-415 on AZ and it floats
Do you have a link so I can buy it through you?
Sorry - just added links to purchase under video + they are at the top of the review on the website - &&& thank you for your support!!!!
Nice graphics
After 7 years throw it away.
Is that because you think there will be something better? Maybe get the battery changed and leave it in your car or a survival kit.
@@DJ-kg6zq definitely be better if there's even a world.
@@DJ-kg6zq People are obsessed with throwing things away these days. If you get a better version how about donating old device to a rescue service in some poor country? You know- where its guaranteed to save some lives? :)
@@PaddleDogC5 ha it's the same as the one I bought 10 years ago hasn't changed.... So basically don't count on it