We tested different Personal Locator Beacons on the market today and came to agree that Garmin GPSMAP 66i GPS Handheld & Satellite Communicator and Garmin InReach Mini are the Best Locator Beacons in 2023.
Review of 5 Best Personal Locator Beacons to Buy In 2023:
#1-CHOICE: Garmin GPSMAP 66i GPS Handheld & Satellite Communicator:
DESCRIPTION:
The Garmin GPSMAP 66i GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator features precise navigation coupled with inReach satellite technology which enables 2-way messaging and LiveTrack location sharing via the 100% global Iridium satellite network so that you can stay in contact with loved ones, teammates, headquarters and more. In fact, this device features a large 3” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing while the internal rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 35-hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode and 1-minute tracking mode (display off) and about 200-hours in Expedition mode with 30-minute tracking. On the other hand, this device will allow you trigger an interactive SOS to the GEOS 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center while Cellular connectivity lets you access Active Weather forecasts and Geocaching Live. Likewise, this unit is preloaded with Garmin TOPO mapping with direct-to-device BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads including multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems support and navigation sensors. Lastly, this GPS Satellite Communicator compatible with the Garmin Explore website and App to help you manage waypoints, routes, activities and collections, use tracks and review trip data from the field.
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#2-CHOICE: Garmin InReach Mini Personal Locator Beacon:
DESCRIPTION:
The Garmin InReach Mini is a small, rugged and lightweight satellite communicator that enables 2-way text messaging using the 100% global Iridium network. In fact, this device will help you maintain off-the-grid contact and if necessary, you trigger an SOS alert to contact the GEOS 24/7 emergency response team. On the other hand, this device is Bluetooth-enabled and can be paired with a compatible tablet or Smartphone running the Garmin Pilot app thus making it easy to send and receive text messages while in the cockpit even from areas without cellular reception. Additionally, the app pulls in your smart device’s contact lists to make access simple and seamless. Lastly, since this is handheld GPS device, it can leverage its rock-solid position source to drive a geo-referenced aircraft position symbol on your tablet’s moving map display and can also provide tracking of your flight using the web-based MapShare page created for your inReach account.
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#3-CHOICE: Spot 3 Satellite GPS Messenger & Locator:
DESCRIPTION:
The Spot 3 Satellite GPS Messenger is designed to provide you with critical, life-saving line of communication when you travel beyond the boundaries of cell Service. In fact, this device lets family and friends know you’re okay and if the worst happens it sends emergency responders to your GPS location with the push of a button. All in all, you can add this rugged, pocket-sized device to your essential gear and stay connected wherever you’re roaming.
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#4-CHOICE: Garmin Montana 680 Touchscreen GPS/GLONASS Receiver with Worldwide Basemaps:
DESCRIPTION:
The Garmin Montana 680 Touchscreen GPS/GLONASS Receiver features a dual-orientation, color touchscreen that is glove friendly while the included digital camera provides high-quality images, excellent resolution and automatically Geotags photos with coordinates. With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, Hotfix satellite prediction and GLONASS support, the Montana locates your position quickly and precisely while maintaining its location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. Lastly, this device uses free BaseCamp software to let you view and organize maps, waypoints, routes and tracks while free trip-planning software allows you to create Garmin Adventures that you can share with friends, family or fellow explorers and this BaseCamp software even displays topographic map data in 2-D or 3-D on your computer screen, including contour lines and elevation profiles.
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#5-CHOICE: ACR AquaLink 350B PLB GPS-enabled rescue beacon & locator:
DESCRIPTION:
The ACR AquaLink 350B PLB is a handheld, GPS-enabled rescue beacon which is small enough to be easily carried in a back-pack, pocket or worn on a life vest. In fact, upon initiation of a distress call, the AquaLink’s onboard GPS will fix your position to within 100 meters and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay your distress call to orbiting satellites. Additionally, as local Search and Rescue is deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED strobe light guides rescuers to your exact location and this device can even broadcast a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are. On the other hand, this device performs a full functional self-test of the PLB’s internal circuitry, battery voltage & power and 406 MHz transmission giving peace of mind knowing your PLB will work the moment you need it the most. Additionally, the Built-in GPS acquisition test mode allows you to test GPS functionality up to 12 times over the life of the battery while the AquaLink activates easily. Lastly, With its powerful 66-channel GPS, the ResQLink+ guides rescuers to you within 100-meters or less of your position.
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CONCLUSION:
All the featured Personal Locator Beacons are designed to help you maintain off-the-grid contact and if necessary, you trigger an SOS alert to contact the GEOS 24/7 emergency response team in 2023.
