Garmin inreach or Zoleo?

[NY_BLUES]

I'm researching both for my 1st GPS/satellite messaging service. Both use the iridium satellite system, so probably a push there. Both are around the same money, and I'd rather buy once rather than find out I wasted cash. Any information on either would be beneficial. Hopefully your input will tip the scales one way or another for me. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[rjthehunter]

I have a Zoleo, but after hunting with a buddy who has an inReach Messanger, I'd go the Garmin route. You can send photos with the Garmin and that's a nice feature. That being said, if you don't want to send photos, buy a Zoleo and save some $. I'd even give you a deal on mine.

I think phones will be capable of satellite texting by this hunting season.

 

[Addicting]

Make sure you look at the plans for what it cost monthly and reactivation fees. When I bought my in reach, you could suspend it and it didn’t cost anything to reactivate. Now there’s like a $43 charge Or pay 17 some dollars a month.

For the one week I use it every couple years it’s hard to justify the expense of it now.

 

[rjthehunter]

Make sure you look at the plans for what it cost monthly and reactivation fees. When I bought my in reach, you could suspend it and it didn’t cost anything to reactivate. Now there’s like a $43 charge Or pay 17 some dollars a month.

For the one week I use it every couple years it’s hard to justify the expense of it now.

I feel like in the last year or 2, prices have jumped a lot on these. Garmin & Zoleo know their time is coming to an end for the satellite communicators. Once phones work, you won't need to pay for another device. Honestly, with the prices, I'm excited to get rid of the damn thing.

 

[brymoore]

I sat texted a lot in crazy places in Idaho last fall/winter via IPhone with no problems including a week long backpack trip. iPhone has an emergency feature too.

I wouldn’t pay for Zoleo or Garmin.

 

[NY_BLUES]

As a dumb Samsung user, I fear that I will be stuck with a satellite connection for a bit. Iphones seem to be 4 or 5 steps ahead all the time with regards to technology.

 

[Wyhunter]

I have the inreach mini. I like it. Clip it to my pack or put in in the front of my bino harness. It's good for simple messages. Old school 1 letter at a time kind of thing. It's worth the monthly charge to have it in you gear. Makes you feel a little safer, plus it sends GPS cords. Every time you message. The wifey likes that feature. Battery lasts well into the 5-7 days while messaging. Longer if you don't use it much.

 

[npaden]

Make sure you look at the plans for what it cost monthly and reactivation fees. When I bought my in reach, you could suspend it and it didn’t cost anything to reactivate. Now there’s like a $43 charge Or pay 17 some dollars a month.

For the one week I use it every couple years it’s hard to justify the expense of it now.

I felt the same but it actually ends up a wash or maybe even cheaper if you only use it every couple years. The old way you had to pay the annual fee, the new way you have to pay an activation fee. I think the annual fee was $35 and the activation fee is $40.