ACR Resqlink+ PLB

[Black_Fly]

Just spoke to the service center about sending my PLB to them for service. It’s been 7 years. It will cost roughly $300 to get this accomplished. That’s crazy, it’s a 12 year old piece of equipment! So I’m in the market for something new, that actually works. Saw the InReach Mini2 at REI and checked it out. 9% of buyers said it didn’t work or battery life was short. That seems like a non-starter, if you have a broke leg and there’s only 91% chance your SOS got transmitted.

I would like to send messages if necessary, but just want to forget about the device mostly. The InReach Mini3 advertises a 95 hour battery life. Is that right? Like a 4 day trip? There must be something better for canoeists. I don’t need tracking as long as they can find my bones if something happens.

I know we’ve talked about this before but things change. I don’t think my PLB cost $300 to begin with!

 

[recped]

I had an original InReach (before Garmin bought them out), it died after 10 years, probably because I foolishly let it drop 4 feet onto a hard surface. It was actually semi-functional but no longer reliable.

I replaced it with a now discontinued (= cheap(er)) model the SE+, it does not have built in mapping (can be paired with a smartphone for mapping) but it does have all the usual GPS features for track recording, waypoints, odometer etc. The lack of built in mapping was not an issue for me because I also carry an old Garmin GPS model that does have mapping.

As far as battery life, first thing is that you don't need to have it turned on 24/7, I have it on while I am on the water and for a brief period in the evening to send/receive messages and weather forecasts. I get at least 10 days of use before I need to recharge from a power bank.

PLB's are really a relic from a previous millennium, they make no sense anymore given how many 2-way devices are now available all of them do real time tracking which your "fan club" can monitor.

FYI - just in beta mode at the moment but almost any 5G smartphone can do two-way texting via satellite. Right now in Canada Rogers are offering free Sat texting to anyone, you don't even need a Rogers phone plan. By the end of 2026 almost all service providers will be offering Sat texting (almost certainly not free but maybe included if you have an expensive service plan).

I would check out GPS City for some good deals on Garmin products.

 

[Black_Fly]

I had an original InReach (before Garmin bought them out), it died after 10 years, probably because I foolishly let it drop 4 feet onto a hard surface. It was actually semi-functional but no longer reliable.

I replaced it with a now discontinued (= cheap(er)) model the SE+, it does not have built in mapping (can be paired with a smartphone for mapping) but it does have all the usual GPS features for track recording, waypoints, odometer etc. The lack of built in mapping was not an issue for me because I also carry an old Garmin GPS model that does have mapping.

As far as battery life, first thing is that you don't need to have it turned on 24/7, I have it on while I am on the water and for a brief period in the evening to send/receive messages and weather forecasts. I get at least 10 days of use before I need to recharge from a power bank.

PLB's are really a relic from a previous millennium, they make no sense anymore given how many 2-way devices are now available all of them do real time tracking which your "fan club" can monitor.

FYI - just in beta mode at the moment but almost any 5G smartphone can do two-way texting via satellite. Right now in Canada Rogers are offering free Sat texting to anyone, you don't even need a Rogers phone plan. By the end of 2026 almost all service providers will be offering Sat texting (almost certainly not free but maybe included if you have an expensive service plan).

I would check out GPS City for some good deals on Garmin products.

Yes, my IPhone will satellite SOS message, but not waterproof. I guess turning a device on wouldn’t be a hardship in an emergency, no more than releasing the antenna, positioning and initiating a signal with the PLB. I do like not paying a subscription, though. At $40/year, it’s still cheaper than sending in my ACR every 5 years for service. Hmmm..

 

[dramey]

Are you sure your iPhone is not waterproof? I have an old iPhone 8 plus and it is waterproof. It has survived multiple submersions. The longest submersion was 30-45 minutes.

 

[wjmc]

Perhaps not of interest to the OP, but Rogers satellite text coverage in Canada is only south of the 58th parallel - of no use in the Territories.

 

[Cruiser]

Rescue Link battery has a 5 year battery life ... the purchase is a single up front cost .... so if you don't use it, the cost is amortized over 5 years, period. No plans, no other costs. Comes down to what you want your PLB to do, save you or bring social media on the trail. I picked the RescueLink as well .... I don't want it to do anything other than call for help when and if I need it.

You don't need to send the unit back to ACR, there are other companies that also service the battery : https://www.liferaftstore.com/acr-battery-replacement-service

You can also replace it yourself if you are adventurous :

and get a new pack here : https://beaconbatteryreplacement.com/product/acr-plb-375-resqlink-battery/

As an aside, I am likely one of the few folks here that can attest to the value of carrying a PLB, this one works well IMO, I asked the rescue team about the accuracy of the locator and they said it was spot on and they flew straight to me. Interesting fact, if you ever use it and agree to share your story on their website, they replace your unit for free.

Brian

 

[Steve in Idaho]

I don't know what to think about that 9% group, but I've been using the InReach Mini for several years now with no complaints. Yeah, ten days without recharging is typical. I keep it on the longest tracking interval and turn it off in camp. As long as you have had it on in a given location, it boots up quick. Mine has swimming with me at least a few times. It gets used pretty much year round, since it goes with me BC skiing, MTB, and backpacking, as well as canoe trips.

My wife appreciates the nightly check ins.

 

[memaquay]

I only turn mine on when I need to send a message. Battery will last for an entire year using it like that. I have a dedicated gps unit for tracking, map use and recording info.

 

[Simuliumvenustum]

I gave my ACR PLB-375 (now discontinued) with an outdated battery to a friend a few years ago. He replaced the battery with one he purchased on Amazon for about $20. He said it was a simple process and that he regularly conducts self-tests to ensure it functions properly. He was convinced that replacing the battery did not compromise the waterproofing, but keeps it in a waterproof case just in case.