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#252413 - 10/30/12 03:42 AM Let's Talk PLBs......
hikermor Offline
Geezer in Chief
Geezer

Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
It's time I was dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. It's about time I started carrying a PLB on my trips, which are frequently solo backpacking or bike touring excursions. I want something that is reasonably lightweight, dependable, and a good value. I welcome any comments you might have.....
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Geezer in Chief

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#252416 - 10/30/12 03:49 AM Re: Let's Talk PLBs...... [Re: hikermor]
Doug_Ritter Offline

Pooh-Bah

Registered: 01/28/01
Posts: 2197
ACR ResQLink is the best value and performer of current PLBs. The McMurdo Fast Find / Kanaad Safelink are a not very distant second. Given they cost about the same... I carry the ACR currently.
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#252487 - 10/31/12 12:14 AM Re: Let's Talk PLBs...... [Re: hikermor]
KenK Offline
"Be Prepared"
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 06/26/04
Posts: 2208
Loc: NE Wisconsin
Its hard to follow up a recommendation by Doug :-) , but if it means anything ... +1 on what Doug said.

I purchased a PLB a while back, have never used it, but it offers a nice level of comfort knowing that my family and I can get help if needed. Its a really REALLY cheap insurance policy that takes advantage of some amazing technology ... if you want to think of it that way.

Still, I continue to plan to carry what I (or we) need to be as "findable" as possible - night or day, and to be prepared to wait out the time until rescue comes (figuring a day or two ... or three uncomfortably).

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#252493 - 10/31/12 01:20 AM Re: Let's Talk PLBs...... [Re: hikermor]
gonewiththewind Offline
Veteran

Registered: 10/14/08
Posts: 1517
I have several ACR ResQLink devices I use for work. I have not had to use them, but they are light and have great capabilities. I also just returned from 3 weeks in northern Arizona teaching land navigation, and used the InReach from Delorme. They were great and maintained a good signal even deep in the canyons. It also allows two way comms, and the account is very flexible in how you manage the costs. There are two versions, I have the one that works with the Delorme Pn-60W GPS. Comms were great and I could track the students real time. It is a consideration. It also has SOS capabilities similar to a PLB, without the strobe light. It can work as a stand alone or with the GPS or a smartphone to communicate. I am very pleased with it.

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#252511 - 10/31/12 04:02 AM Re: Let's Talk PLBs...... [Re: hikermor]
Phaedrus Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 04/28/10
Posts: 3148
Loc: Big Sky Country
I don't have one yet but I plan to pick up a PLB soon. Doug's word is pretty much gospel to me when it comes to things like this, so I'll be buying whatever one he recommends!
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“I'd rather have questions that cannot be answered than answers that can't be questioned.” —Richard Feynman

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#252535 - 10/31/12 02:12 PM Re: Let's Talk PLBs...... [Re: hikermor]
Glock-A-Roo Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 04/16/03
Posts: 1076
I've been running the ACR Res-Q-Link since the spring of this year. I got the subscription for the 'I'm OK' notification service, which has worked well.

Good info there from Montanero, as always.

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#252577 - 11/01/12 12:43 AM Re: Let's Talk PLBs...... [Re: hikermor]
Pete Offline
Veteran

Registered: 02/20/09
Posts: 1372
I don't use a PLB ... but I have been happy with my SPOT2 device.
If you get something reliable - it should work out for you.

cheers,
Pete2

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#252744 - 11/03/12 02:18 AM Re: Let's Talk PLBs...... [Re: hikermor]
comms Offline
Veteran

Registered: 07/23/08
Posts: 1502
Loc: Mesa, AZ
SPOT2, here. carry it for every road trip and off grid trip.
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Don't just survive. Thrive.

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#252745 - 11/03/12 02:22 AM Re: Let's Talk PLBs...... [Re: comms]
Russ Offline
Geezer

Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 5357
Loc: SOCAL
I carry a ResQLink in my overwater survival vest. My McMurdo Fast Find was moved into the GHB kept in the back of my truck.
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Better is the Enemy of Good Enough.
Okay, what’s your point??

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#252991 - 11/07/12 12:28 AM Re: Let's Talk PLBs...... [Re: Russ]
celler Offline
Addict

Registered: 12/25/03
Posts: 410
Loc: Jupiter, FL
I like separating my emergency and check-in/non-emergency communications and a small bit of redundancy. McMurdo Fast Find on my belt and Delorme InReach in the pack. I really love the two-way capability of the InReach and don't worry about using up the battery for routine communications. The InReach moves to my pack strap if I want to do tracking.

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