New kayaker - looking for recommendations for personal locator beacon

Just received my new ACR ResQLink and I’m not sure how it works as it doesn’t look anything like the ones in the pictures. I guess it’s worn like a wrist band?

Another instance of FBA fraud, I take it? 

It did come from a FBA, and is being resent by the same company.

Just received my new ACR ResQLink and I’m not sure how it works as it doesn’t look anything like the ones in the pictures. I guess it’s worn like a wrist band?

Out of curiosity, what made you choose the "view" model over the display-less model?

Just received my new ACR ResQLink and I’m not sure how it works as it doesn’t look anything like the ones in the pictures. I guess it’s worn like a wrist band?

Out of curiosity, what made you choose the "view" model over the display-less model?

I thought that one was the latest model.

Just received my new ACR ResQLink and I’m not sure how it works as it doesn’t look anything like the ones in the pictures. I guess it’s worn like a wrist band?

Out of curiosity, what made you choose the "view" model over the display-less model?

I thought that one was the latest model.

Ah.  I think it's just a newly introduced model with extra features.  I couldn't think of a use for the display and didn't want to pay extra for it. 

I use an ACR ResQLink 400.  I prefer a 406 mHz PLB over Spot and inReach.  The obvious reason is the monthly charge.  Secondary to that, I like that a PLB uses 406 mHz and the detection of a signal goes directly to the regional search and rescue center.  There are no middleman call centers run by private corporations that have profit as their main goal.  From my shoulder direct to those that have the authority and jurisdiction to dispatch resources.  Additionally, most 406 PLBs also transmit on 121.5 mHz.  This frequency is what the search and rescue assets will use to home in on your specific location once they are in the area.  The 406 mHz signal sends your GPS coordinates starting at lower accuracy and increasing over time.  The 121.5 homing beacon allows assets to get in the area and find you from there.

I understand not everyone finds value in being able to contact people in non emergency situations. Most everything we use including a PLB requires us to rely on private corporations that have profit as their main goal.

The 406 PLBs can now be used to send non-emergency communications, though.  Not a use case I have, but makes sense for anyone looking for a 406 PLB that also does that.  I hear you, though... I get that people want non-emergency comms and that's exactly why inReach and Spot have such a large user base.  Maybe I'm old school, maybe I'm conditioned by my time at sea... I kind of want to get out on the water to get away from the electronic leash.  My wife has my detailed float plan for every launch, she knows I monitor VHF-16, she has the numbers of all of the local USCG Sectors and Stations and their AORs, etc.  I never violate my float plan's return time unless I can effectively communicate a change (e.g. out on HMB and I have good cell service, so I can text her).  Everyone has a different comfort level and set of needs, though.  It's good to compare all of the options available and make a decision from there for each person's individual requirements.

More here: https://www.acrartex.com/survival-products/406link

It’s a subscription service too like InReach. Can it receive messages?  You don’t have to give your InReach contact info to everyone on your Facebook friends list. Disconnecting from the electronic leash isn’t what I’m talking about. Heaven forbid a loved one has an emergency.  Do you want to be able to be there when they need you? Do you want to be able to communicate back and forth to get non emergency help? Also, I don’t see any info that says InReach has a limited coverage area. Global coverage is what they claim.

...  Alice launches her kayak ...  Alice tells her friend Bob ...

I haven't heard so much about Alice and Bob since the last time I read my information security textbook. Somehow, you need to work evil Trudy into the narrative...

I use an ACR ResQLink 400.  I prefer a 406 mHz PLB over Spot and inReach.  The obvious reason is the monthly charge.  Secondary to that, I like that a PLB uses 406 mHz and the detection of a signal goes directly to the regional search and rescue center.  There are no middleman call centers run by private corporations that have profit as their main goal.  From my shoulder direct to those that have the authority and jurisdiction to dispatch resources.  Additionally, most 406 PLBs also transmit on 121.5 mHz.  This frequency is what the search and rescue assets will use to home in on your specific location once they are in the area.  The 406 mHz signal sends your GPS coordinates starting at lower accuracy and increasing over time.  The 121.5 homing beacon allows assets to get in the area and find you from there.

I understand not everyone finds value in being able to contact people in non emergency situations. Most everything we use including a PLB requires us to rely on private corporations that have profit as their main goal.

The 406 PLBs can now be used to send non-emergency communications, though.  Not a use case I have, but makes sense for anyone looking for a 406 PLB that also does that.  I hear you, though... I get that people want non-emergency comms and that's exactly why inReach and Spot have such a large user base.  Maybe I'm old school, maybe I'm conditioned by my time at sea... I kind of want to get out on the water to get away from the electronic leash.  My wife has my detailed float plan for every launch, she knows I monitor VHF-16, she has the numbers of all of the local USCG Sectors and Stations and their AORs, etc.  I never violate my float plan's return time unless I can effectively communicate a change (e.g. out on HMB and I have good cell service, so I can text her).  Everyone has a different comfort level and set of needs, though.  It's good to compare all of the options available and make a decision from there for each person's individual requirements.

More here: https://www.acrartex.com/survival-products/406link

It’s a subscription service too like InReach. Can it receive messages?  You don’t have to give your InReach contact info to everyone on your Facebook friends list.

I wasn't saying it's better than the others, just pointing out the various options so folks can make their own best educated decision for their use case.  Apologies if I came across like I was giving preference to one over the other.

Disconnecting from the electronic leash isn’t what I’m talking about. Heaven forbid a loved one has an emergency.  Do you want to be able to be there when they need you? Do you want to be able to communicate back and forth to get non emergency help?

Personally, this is not my use case.  There are lots of activities I do that involve me being completely unreachable far away from home.  So, a loved one can have an emergency at any time I'm away.

Also, I don’t see any info that says InReach has a limited coverage area. Global coverage is what they claim.

My bad.  You're right, InReach uses the iridium network, so full coverage there.  I was basing my information off of Spot.  I was once on a motorcycle trip in Death Valley and one of the guys pressed the "I'm OK" button with no results over and over.  Message never got to his people.  Luckily, I had provided tracks and routes and GPS coords of where we planned to camp on that trip, so they didn't worry too much since we were in an expected place.  Point being, the "float plan" was more valuable than the Spot in that case.  Again, my personal use case and needs -- I'm not pushing any one solution on anyone, just adding information for the broader range of options.

Don't worry tedski, its not you, that dude E Kayaker has a hard time understanding simple statements and tends to debate to no end.  Let him chase his tail.   

Thanks for your insight on it, I've actually been curious about PLBs as well.

Don't worry tedski, its not you, that dude E Kayaker has a hard time understanding simple statements and tends to debate to no end.  Let him chase his tail.   

Thanks for your insight on it, I've actually been curious about PLBs as well.

WAI 

Hope this helps

In all reality, are we going to go out in such volatile conditions where this is a warranted device?  I guess quick fog would discombobulate our direction, or, I guess a number of sudden mishaps could make us inoperable or "missing".  Just brainstorming gear and wondering some realistic scenarios that would warrant this device at all if we are 2 miles off shore with a buddy in wise conditions based on assessment one's skills, limits, and risk factors...

The tropical systems seem less predictable and "literally sudden", though I have never fished these regions.

I have two units lying around that I've never explored and maybe I'll explore...

... with a buddy ...

This hits it right on the head.  The primary reason I have a PLB is because I go solo.  My detailed float plan + my PLB is my risk mitigation strategy for going without a buddy.  If I was always out with a buddy and that buddy had a radio, then they're my PLB and I'd be $400 richer.

In all reality, are we going to go out in such volatile conditions where this is a warranted device?  I guess quick fog would discombobulate our direction, or, I guess a number of sudden mishaps could make us inoperable or "missing".  Just brainstorming gear and wondering some realistic scenarios that would warrant this device at all if we are 2 miles off shore with a buddy in wise conditions based on assessment one's skills, limits, and risk factors...

The tropical systems seem less predictable and "literally sudden", though I have never fished these regions.

I have two units lying around that I've never explored and maybe I'll explore...

When I was up at Hell Hole Reservoir I was able to answer questions to help my wife get me a new battery and bring it up to me. Otherwise I'd have to get a ride out so I could reach her with my cell phone. One time I was up the coast fishing on the ocean when we had the Napa earthquake. If the big one hits, or my parents are borderline needing help at any minute,  etc. I want to be reachable in the event of an emergency back home. I'm allergic to bees or could need help other places besides on the water. These are things a marine radio, cell phone or PLB can't do. Everyone has different  budgets and different risk tolerance. Start with a marine radio. It is the must have on the water.

I dumped Spot Messenger because they bumped the annual fee from $49 to $149 with no prior notice, then backtracked saying I was grandfathered in, then tried to bump it up again the following year. Also, it does not have communications capability, at least not the old model that I had.