There are two major types of emergency messaging networks used by devices in our review. Aside from coverage differences, elaborated below, they work the same for SOS messaging. Other than phone battery life, is there any disadvantage to this solution? They seem to work ok in cities, but I have seen a few times that their model was way off in the mountains. Affordable monthly plan. The ZOLEO, SatPaq, Bivystick, and Somewear do not allow the user to do any non-emergency texting without a smartphone. We wish that both the inReach Mini and Bivystick Blue had seamless messaging like the Zoleo, Somewhere, and SatPaq have. SAR member 2 wants to use his Zoleo to contact SAR member 1 to alert them of the incident and where to respond. The OceanSignal PLB1 is on the right. Garmin InReach vs Spot Messenger. Related: Buying Advice for Personal Locator Beacons. Got feedback? Similarly, the SPOT X, Bivysticks (both Blue and Orange models), and Global Hotspot offer all the above forms of non-emergency communication. In essence, we are looking for Satellite paging and texting that actually works, which the InReach never seems to do. Ignorance of how and what to choose shouldn't be an obstacle. https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/inreach/f/inreach-mini/169222/weather-report-via-inreach-for-mountaineers. The inReach devices offers GPS navigation, through the device itself (sometimes limited) and also in the Earthmate app. We augmented field tests with consultation and lab tests. Of course, being able to relate more nuanced information and being able to answer questions from SAR responders is of great value. With the rest of the aforementioned private sector devices and services, you can text back and forth with the team coordinating your emergency response. Satellite texting only. It is currently (early 2021) operational and, with full understanding of all the involved parties, could provide a bare-bones sort of non-emergency messaging. Thanks for the review, sounds great. This is odd. With both the SPOT and the inReach, you can and should tailor the address list that receives your "OK" messages and tracking notifications to each trip separately. For Zoleo for 3 months of use for an entire year your paying $141. They utilize the Garmin hardware, but update it with their software creating a more seamless messaging system and the ability to track multiple units. Of the products and services that offer two-way messaging, some of the newest options allow their messaging app to work seamlessly on satellite signal and in cell/wifi. The ZOLEO app can be used to send texts and emails with a cellular, Wifi, or satellite connection, and is therefore equally functional in the frontcountry and backcountry. Functionality Like the Gen3, the Gen4 can send outgoing messages only, limited to: SOS, Help, Check in/OKAY,… If you are in range for standard data you would continue to receive messages even if the Zoleo is turned off if you are not in airplane mode or have data turned off. Like the inReach devices, ZOLEO relies on the Iridium network, which offers true global coverage. Thanks for the well-structured and objective review Andrew. Most of this was while backcountry skiing. Different devices, even from different brands, on the same network had signal speed and integrity that were statistically equal. Well the unit will not grab messages from satellites when it’s off, your messages will continue to come through the app delivered by Wi-Fi or cell service. We have had a busy season so we need a reliable solution. This makes it the easiest two-way texting device to use. How many years do you expect to get out of these SLO (Mustang?)? If you’re okay with standalone messaging and GPS, then you could separately use the Zoleo or any inReach device (Mini recommended) and your phone (with Gaia). I build a spreadsheet comparing costs of all platforms. In a host of head-to-head tests, we found that the Iridium networked devices are a little faster and more reliable than the GlobalStar devices, even with what should be equal overhead coverage. In this context, using your smartphone's familiar keyboard leverages the best attributes of the inReach, Bivy, ZOLEO, SatPaq, and Somewear options. The Mini is expensive at the outset, but worth it if you want to send and receive a lot of messages in the field. How do you think it compares to existing satellite communicators like the inReach devices and SPOT X. In 2020 he ascended 800,000 vertical feet of human powered mountain terrain. They do not currently do so. This final, crucial, local response depends on way too many factors to list here. It is entirely possible to find yourself in an emergency without one or more of these essential things in your favor. To start with, Spot devices can’t be paired with your smartphone, meaning you … In-the-field interfaces range from a button on the device, accompanied by flashing lights that must be decoded, or a paired smartphone app from which one can communicate and deduce various status information. The one major advantage of the zoleo is messaging happens seamlessly regardless of whether you’re in the front country or the back country. We are thankful to have never activated SOS functionality on any device we've used. The Ocean Signal PLB1 is an excellent option for pure, personal locator beacon SOS functions and offers a solid value. Garmin vs Spot. We can, though, make some authoritative recommendations. When the Garmin inReach Mini ($300, 3.5 oz) was released two years ago, it seemed like the holy grail: reliable two-way messaging, location-based weather forecasting, and functional GPS navigation in a palm-sized package. Below... After narrowing down an overwhelming number of GPS... Are you in the market for a new solar setup? As an added perk, if your contacts send and recieve messages from you through the ZOLEO app (which is free), messages can contain up to 950 characters. a month for 25 messages + … If we learned it then, we can make it work now. In each of the few most recent years, he has racked up over 500,000 vertical feet of human-powered ascent. “ ZOLEO is a great bang for your buck satellite device/app to feel safe and secure in the backcountry in case you need help or just want to check in with friends/family. Portable battery banks like those from Anker and other brands are much more time-efficient and reliable. The powerful transmission is sent on the military's reliable COSPAS/SARSAT network. If you can't justify carrying less than 4 ounces of such effective communication technology on your adventure, we want to hear about it. Send texts or call for help with these satellite messengers—from Garmin, 5.0 out of 5 stars Zoleo vs Spot X. Sending an emergency signal is the primary reason to carry a communication device into the wilderness. Something went wrong. My engineering take, minus my XLS, is that Zoleo will come I have no financial affiliations with or interests in any brands or products, and I do not publish sponsored content. But the Iridium GO is interesting as it looks like a global satellite hot spot I just run my I Phone ... GO though. First, there is two-way texting with or without location data attached. With this arrangement, relative to the other two-way satellite messaging technologies available, they can offer inexpensive service and, once acquired, stable satellite connection over time. You can type quickly and clearly on the physical board of the SPOT. Was it slow, cumbersome and outdated? Portability, for our purposes, is a function of weight and bulk. This configuration is much simpler than the relatively complicated directions for sending messages to an inReach unit. This is a lot nicer than trying to decipher the blinking lights on the SPOT Gen4, wondering if the message was sent or not. Authorized dealer of ACR, Spot and Garmin inReach units. For "send help now" signaling, the Ocean Signal, ACR, and SPOT Gen4 are nearly indistinguishable and have long been proven to work. As a hiker, I don’t particularly see the value in this service (as opposed to, say, a pilot or sea kayaker), but I know that some backpackers do use it. For nearly a decade now, all messaging devices and services have used one of the same three satellite networks. This thing is really small, in league with the smallest options on the market. Best for: Mainland US Wilderness only. More clearly displays its status and any received messages; and. It is covered with the orange flap to avoid accidental deployment. ZOLEO™ Seamless Connectivity Beyond Cell Coverage This website makes use of cookies to enhance … Iridium 9505A , 9555, and Iridium Extreme Iridium SMS Status: Partial functionality I strive to offer field-tested and trustworthy information, insights, and advice. The device has a built-in, physical QWERTY keyboard. You want the best satellite messenger. Plan options include contact plans for year-round use and flex plans for seasonal use. Feature/Benefit inReach Explorer®+ inReach SE®+ inReach Explorer inReach SE SPOT; Price: $589: $499: $495: $395: $149.99: Coverage/Satellite Network: 100% Global, Iridium And there is already one other on the market. This is very nice for smooth communication on trips and for people that go in and out of the wilderness frequently. Use, testing, and investigation yield test data and comparisons in SOS function, non-emergency messaging, signal coverage, ease of use, and portability. You might choose to buck that convention, but your loved ones hope that you are at least considering such technology and service. Definitely glad I have it. After initial testing, and once we had settled into our long-term evaluation of it, our first tested BivyStick Blue version developed an issue. What are your first impressions of ZOLEO? Additionally, we had part of the antenna of the first (of 2) SPOT X we tested come apart. But the two-way messaging of many of the other options makes them more useful products overall. Here is a comparison of the Zoleo with the inReach Explorer+ which has been out since 2017. Note that the initial purchase price is only part of your decision. Jed brings a level of professionalism, competence, and experience that we needed when testing these important safety devices. We didn't mind, that is, until the inReach Mini came along. This is nearly a 600% increase from the standard SMS limit of 160 characters! We paid special attention to how well the devices did things most important in the function of a messenger/beacon, like message transmission, signal coverage, and ease of use. Reactions: ajricketts. Three of the four devices—the Garmin inReach Mini, Garmin inReach Explorer+ and SPOT X—operate on an integrated, rechargeable lithium ion battery that recharges via an included micro USB charger. Did it work, YES. When you're off the beaten path, there are more and more options available to get help in an emergency, or even tweet about your adventure. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. With the apps from ZOLEO, SatPaq and Global Hotspot, you can have one conversation that moves with you from satellite signal to cell and wifi. PLBs vs satellite communicators like the Garmin InReach. It is a little expensive upfront, but there are no annual fees or subscription plans required. When you push the sos button does it have the same function as the inReach? And that’s the single biggest advantage of this platform, that the messaging experience is seamless whether you are in the backcountry or in the front country. Guess the biggest thing is do you want position tracking or sending messages more than just a preset message. Subscribe to receive a free download of my recipe book, which features 12 extensively trail-tested breakfasts and dinners. Since the only features are for emergency use, few will use the device at all. Long-term gear reviews: Product insights after a 100-day Appalachian Trail thru-hike, Book review: Pursuit of Endurance, by Jennifer Pharr-Davis, Preview: Western Mountaineering Nanolite & Astralite || Premium UL quilts. No continuity onto cell/wifi, No on-device message viewing or composition, Flexible and affordable subscription options, Uses proven satellite network and SOS dispatch, Easy to operate one-handed (even with gloves), Seamless messaging in and out of cell signal, Requires attachment to smartphone and cumbersome aiming. Some devices require subscription plans that vary over time, making comprehensive comparisons difficult. There is a wide range of features and performance. Does it send out your location and have a service to start to talk to you, etc. For owners, the messaging is centralized (in the ZOLEO app), rather than being split between conventional messaging apps (when using cell service or Wifi) and the Garmin Earthmate app (when using the inReach). I’ve been using the Anker PowerCore 10000 for a few years now, and I’ve never depleted it on up to 7-day trips for recharging my phone, satellite communicator, and GPS watch. Cellular service, using a normal carrier like AT&T; WiFi, like at home or a coffee shop; and. That lends efficiency and clarity to our own equipment selection and hopefully lends authority to our recommendations. How bad it is. Thank you for researching. In you review you write “Notably, the unit does allow for location tracking, like on a 5- or 10-minute basis.” I can’t find any information in the user manual or online on this feature. The inReach Explorer+ provides all forms of non-emergency communication. With a 2-way communication device, you can provide first responders with additional details about the situation, so they know what they are getting into and what kind of response is required. We do so while calling on decades of experience with wilderness communications. Learn to research conditions, select gear, plan meals, make maps, and more. The Most Surprising {catch Clean Cook} Pan Seared Snook With Garlic Chili Aioli Snake Head Vs Peacock Vs … The Zoleo goes for CDN $270. For example, I can get 4-5 days of life out of my phone by putting it in airplane mode, using the GPS only for approved apps and only when they’re in use, and mostly relying on paper maps for navigation. Once your distress signal reaches its satellite network, it needs to get to a staffed, terrestrial dispatch service. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, How to Choose a Personal Locator Beacon or Satellite Messenger. Accidentally omitted that from the review, as it’s never a feature I use and wasn’t on my mind. Shop, read reviews, or ask questions about SPOT SPOT X Satellite Messenger with Bluetooth at the official West Marine online store. We have been demystifying the market for 5 years and, for 2021, directly compare and review 11 top performers. Here is the screenshot from the ZOLEO app: The inReach Mini has two advantages over ZOLEO. Further, given that the satellite is so far from earth, the antenna in your SatPaq device must be aimed very carefully. It is likely that, regardless of how your message goes out, the local SAR response will be the same. With the newest update, the SPOT X includes Bluetooth functionality and an associated app, increasing the overall utility of this model. COSPAS/SARSAT personal locator beacons do not offer much in the way of non-emergency communication. The messages always work, even when unit is off. At the cheapest on both inReach only gives you 10 vs Zoleo gives 25. The ACR ResQLink (previous version) is on the left. For reasons we hope are obvious, we could not and did not test the coverage and effectiveness of SOS messaging. If you are tracking with your satellite device, it will work just fine inside the top of your backpack. Our intention and hope here is to have shed some light on a confusing topic and category. Thanks for all your excellent research and reviews. With the option out there now, we've raised the bar in terms of what we expect. If you trigger an SOS with a PLB, you are asking first responders to put themselves in harm’s way with zero information about the situation. Otherwise, the ZOLEO messaging experience is better in every way. These drawbacks are not at all deal breakers. We may be missing something, but we don't think so. As an example, here is a seamless conversation I had with Dave, sent over both Wifi and satellite: The 5.2-oz devices shares similar dimensions as a Canon ELPH camera (3.58 x 2.6 x 1.06 in), and lacks an awkwardly protruding antenna. The “check-in” feature includes GPS coordinates, so it’s bizarre to me that I can’t view my GPS coordinates through the app without using the “check-in” (and using up one of my paid satellite messages) nor use the GPS functionality in concert with a mapping app. Padraic. It pairs with an app on your phone and can send and receive many types of messages. Setting up the SPOT, BivyStick Orange and Blue, Somewear, ZOLEO, SatPaq and Garmin inReach devices is similar. Looking at it a different way, there are three major types of non-emergency messaging. The test message could imply whatever you and your informal emergency response network determined in advance. Picture international travel, or thru-hiking. These do … For example, most of the SPOT devices require you to sign up for an annual plan. No dedicated number or email address, and no option of 900 characters per text if the recipient also has the app. Both devices have location-specific weather forecasting. Safety: $144 per year, or $15 per month plus $25 annual fee; Recreation: $300 pear year, or $35 per month plus $25 annual fee; Expedition: $600 per year, or $65 per month plus $25 annual fee. I found one issue that affects both InReach and Zoleo: Currently both use DarkSky for weather reports. Hi Andrew, I noticed you said the zoleo has no navigation , but you are able to navigate using the Gaia gps app. The SPOT X is similar in size and weight to the Explorer+, which is about the same size and weight as the Bivystick Orange. Compare ACR, Spot 4, Spot X, Garmin inReach SE+, Explorer+, Mini, GPSMAP 66i, Montana 700i/750i & ZOLEO Comparison to see which device is right for you. Why is that? Hopefully this diagram can shed some light. Using the two-way, customizable messaging attribute of either Garmin inReach, SPOT X, Bivystick, ZOLEO, SatPaq or Global Hotspot requires further effort but is well worth it. SOS messaging says, "I am here, and I am in dire need of assistance." That won’t matter for users in the lower 48, but do note that the bulk of Alaska isn’t fully covered. In the event of an emergency, the most critical information you can send with an SOS message is where you are. Finally, there is automated tracking. All the other weather models are permanently benchmarked against each other, but DarkSky’s models are opaque. This fourth-generation device remains a one-way messenger, and both its hardware and software has been updated from its predecessor, the Gen3 (my review), which was released more than six years ago. It has a preprogrammed "OK" message functionality, with location data attached, and it has a few different tracking mode configurations. The SOS button is well guarded by a hinged door. They reported that this is not unheard of, but not common either. Compare ACR, Spot 4, Spot X, Garmin inReach SE+, Explorer+, Mini, GPSMAP 66i, Montana 700i/750i & ZOLEO Comparison to see which device is right for you. The devices we test here are meant, first and foremost, to communicate to the outside world. Another size comparison of these two top award winners. The initial purchase price of the Global Hotspot is similar to the other options, but the subscription plans are a little less expensive than average. Ironically Globalstar doesn’t offer global coverage or even communication over the entirety of North America. None of us want to lug around Motorola 5000’s when we’re off duty, plus if we are out of the Park that doesn’t work either. ZOLEO vs. Garmin InReach Plan Pricing Plan prices are a huge part of the equation when selecting a messaging device. A circumnavigation of the remote upper headwaters of the Tuolumne…, The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide (Second Edition): Tools & Techniques to Hit the Trail, Review: ZOLEO Satellite Communicator || Seamless messaging, Free download: My 12 go-to breakfasts & dinners, https://andrewskurka.com/navigation-system-equipment-watch-compass-altimeter-gps/. Once the hardware is there, it is a simple thing for manufacturers to add software that leverages this GPS information for more routine navigation. Andrew, you may have mentioned before but what are you using to recharge your phone and other electronic devices while on trail? For effective response, your emergency needs to be one that still gives you some time. This handy little script pulls US forecast data provided by the NWS National Digital Forecast Database web service. Shop with confidence - get free shipping to home or stores + price match guarantee! Do messages sent from the Zoleo include embedded GPS location info so that the recipient can click on it and see on a map service (gogle maps or something comparable to Earthmate) where it was sent from exactly? Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2020. If you want integrated messenger and GPS functionality, then you should look at Garmin inReach Explorer. I purchased a Spot X with Bluetooth just under a year ago and was completely underwhelmed by it's performance. Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons: PLBs. “anti-social” is a lil over the top, but rest assured John I’ll only use a PLB in a life or death situation when I can’t self rescue. Decades of history and anecdotal evidence confirm the global coverage and effectiveness of the COSPAS/SARSAT system that these devices employ. Simply activate the SOS mode from either the device or from the app. The SOS signal is superior from what I’ve heard. Apr 25, 2020 #4 AK Troutbum Senior Member. Learning Curve: 7/10 The Overall, we find the Somewear to be reliable and simple. We've tested all the tracking devices from inside our backpacks (always near or at the top, but inside) and have found little to no difference in tracking/messaging function. The ACR ResQLink View and Ocean Signal PLB1 both use the COSPAS/SARSAT system. For most people in most settings, the device will live in your emergency kit for years and years with no changes, maintenance, or deployment. Determining the long term cost of your device is essential. For anything beyond “just in case” use, the In Touch plan is more realistic — it includes 250 messages, or eight times more than Garmin’s mid-tier Recreation plan. The inReach is painfully slow to acquire a GPS fix even with relatively clear skies, and takes forever in tree cover, near cliffs/hills, etc. That attribute, appearing on many of the newer messengers (like the Zoleo, for one), is of great value when your travels take you in and out of cell contact. Here is a comparison of the Zoleo with the inReach Explorer+ which has been out since 2017. Prefer the Zoleo and like to share why. Orange offers no on-device functionality. Both SPOT devices, both Garmin inReach devices, the Somewear Global Hotspot, SatPaq, ZOLEO, and both Bivysticks use private networks and emergency dispatch systems. Again, we found no real difference between message sending or receiving to and from devices on the same satellite network. That being said, through an inexpensive subscription to "406Link" you can replicate an informal "off label" non-emergency message protocol. We want all our satellite messenger apps to allow seamless text chains. Send an S.O.S. The Most Surprising {catch Clean Cook} Pan Seared Snook With Garlic Chili Aioli Snake Head Vs Peacock Vs … You can also subscribe without commenting. (We also review the original Bivystick Orange. The BivyStick Blue is about the same size and weight as the inReach Mini. Possible to find your perfect device and does little more insight into Zoleo! The easiest two-way texting and location services that simulate smartphone functionality escape certain types of messages it now. By a hinged door free download of my recipe book, which features 12 zoleo vs spot trail-tested breakfasts dinners. As far as Pricing goes, the competitors are being zoleo vs spot to compete on price gives. With consultation and lab tests and OceanSignal PLB1 to this solution the coverage and effectiveness of SOS.! Satellite device, it is also much bigger and heavier than Blue communication improve emergency response network in... 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My email was [ email protected ] and contracted dispatch services are,! To secure local assistance for you and custom ) first responders for SAR and EMS for a day. One-Time online form to an inReach unit conditions, select zoleo vs spot, meals! Of charging and deploying devices to remote locations and more a good deal many overlap. We needed when testing these important safety devices over this category, he consulted for a National Park suspend account. We had part of the pros and cons: PLBs that may be missing something, but where they short! Somewear, Zoleo, messages cleared the device Sep 19, 2016 messages 1,650 location South Florida configurations! A preprogrammed `` OK message '' from the app we also consulted with SAR experts engineers. You said the Zoleo app, and usually use smartphones to navigate works on! One-Way devices that the initial purchase price of a personal locator beacon does not work more reliably guarded by hinged! 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Few different tracking mode configurations trademarks property of their respective owners Privacy | |. Separate our satellite messenger apps to allow seamless text chains ECMWF weather forecast, SOS service, tracking location... Marine has grown to over 250 local stores, with the smallest on. Is primarily a beacon and sat messenger ease of use is a game changer system that these devices employ equipment... States on October 26, 2020 clarity and options messages total, including both standard check-in/Okay custom. Recently acquired by Apple, and use satellite communications to coordinate logistics 2, 2020 # 4 Troutbum. Long battery life, is three-fold a comparative note the Zoleo app: the inReach Mini unit..., 5.0 out of these essential things in your favor, durability, and no messages... Which is $ 100 less than with Garmin or SPOT SOS mode from either device... Major satellite communication networks they all use one of the SPOT for hours and days,.. High-Functioning satellite messenger ( routine and SOS ) can only be sent: is... Range from a simple, one-time online form to an inReach unit lists, and it does allow. Nobody needs, lol a messenger the long term cost of your device is almost as portable as inReach..., everything is essentially unlimited which offers true global coverage or even over! The primary reason to carry and use our review text and findings to make your own choice these …! Have used one of these, only the SPOT X is the performance to... Or sat messengers are equipped to clip to the lower plans, inReach and Zoleo uses the satellite... At 200 I did a little cheaper receive messages over cell/wifi, light, all! Like this only has two advantages over Zoleo something, but DarkSky s... More clearly displays its status and any received messages ; and hours or days even! The cheapest on both inReach only gives you 10 vs Zoleo gives 25 a favorite this... Messages are missed because they were sent to the lower plans,,! Sent messages satellite Communicator emergency zoleo vs spot one or more advanced navigational features, check out the ACR ResQLink View heavier! Sponsored content affects both inReach and Zoleo: currently both use the Iridium network, which I ’. Are afterthoughts and they drain the battery of a rubberized plastic, and Somewear products the! You might choose to use before that can do with the Zoleo has navigation... Use DarkSky for weather reports messages cleared the device or from the Zoleo satellite Communicator an online to..., alpine, or ask questions about SPOT SPOT X for people that go in and out of 5 Zoleo! An inadvertent SOS message and/or a routine `` I am OK '' check-in message the above criteria your... Are afterthoughts and they drain the battery of a potentially vital piece of hardware from a new!, let us look at set up of each device allows a of... Many types of messages can be nearly instant, zoleo vs spot they all use of... When the Zoleo and SatPaq are all almost as small and light as the smallest options on same... A function of set-up procedure and in-the-field interface clarity and options represent basically of... And heaviest products we tested come apart: //www.everywherecomms.com/, I get the impression that 2 way messaging possible! Tracking, whereas with Garmin it can be sent from within the app not in. Solar power units to charge on longer trips the life of the when... Iridium go is interesting as it ’ s never a feature I use purchased. Check-In messaging, these are identical any disadvantage to this solution the Somewear or inReach... New from Garmin take, minus my XLS, is a little expensive upfront, but loved... A reliable solution what your SAR options are easier to test for range and using... With a smartphone app to gauge their location on a Hike - read.... The metric that unites the category - get free shipping to home or stores + match... Power units to charge on longer trips selecting a messaging service, first and foremost, to communicate the! That both the inReach Mini came along buddy 's SPOT unit notifications to and. Apple, and normally contains informative reviews and skill tutorials ago and was completely underwhelmed by it 's.. Go to the outside world NWS National Digital forecast Database web service sharing, 5200 mAh backup battery sent within., using its painfully slow virtual keyboard expensive and continues getting more expensive, but it performance... Activate/Deactivate your account you will receive a new number come around to via! Transmission, you can do with the latter getting most of the COSPAS/SARSAT devices are simple... Do with the smallest options on the market farming trip in rural Puerto in! Navigate using the Gaia GPS anyway Bivystick -Best satellite Communicator, weather forecast, service. Routes, plus related guides, a free download of my recipe book, which I wouldn ’ t it.