Delorme InReach Explorer vs. Iridium Go!

[Bushcraft]

I realize it's not an apples to apples comparison, but for those of you that have used both, which do you prefer...and why?

[luvmystang67]

I have no used both, but I have the DeLorme InReach... if you only need to text it works well.  I like that it has its own screen if my phone dies for whatever reason.  The subscription plans they have work very well for me and the product works well.  It does seem a little dated, tech wise, but it functions as it states it should and doesn't cost me an arm and a leg to stay in touch.

[Bushcraft]

Thanks. I went with the InReach Explorer and an unlimited plan. The interface is about 15 years old, but other than that so far I am very impressed.

[HighCountryHunter88]

I'd be a tad nervous to grab one now that garmin just bought them, hopefully garmin will support Delorme products for a while

[kselkhunter]

I'm going through this exact same analysis at the moment of InReach Explorer vs. Iridium Go device.  What swayed you towards InReach over Go?  The initial purchase cost is definitely different, but Go has more features (such as calling, etc.) so I'm a bit torn at the moment.  I've been searching online, and not seeing many review articles comparing these specific devices. 

[luvmystang67]

I imagine garmin will take the tech and make a new and more user friendly product (very easily).  I dont think that garmin will ruin them though. 

I think they're for very different applications.  One has a subscription that you have to pay, the other is more flexible.  If you need to talk to someone get the Iridium Go... if you don't then its more of a tossup.  The InReach has bluetooth and has text... no calling.

InReach Pros:
Flexible Subscription if you only use part of the year
Native screen if your phone dies in the sticks
Unlimited 3 standard texts that you set
Bluetooth with phone app for mapping/gps and texting (not a bad interface at all)
Free Emergency Support if required.
Less expensive unit price

InReach Cons:
Dated interface
Bulky
No talking feature

Iridium Go Pros:
Small
Talk Opportunity
General WiFi-esque ability
Works on laptops or other devices
Call/Text/Web

Iridium Cons:
Much more expensive at the lower end
Non flexible subscription plans
Data requires Iridium Go based apps (not general wifi ability)
Requires phone or laptop to work
More expensive unit price

[Bushcraft]

I'm going through this exact same analysis at the moment of InReach Explorer vs. Iridium Go device.  What swayed you towards InReach over Go?  The initial purchase cost is definitely different, but Go has more features (such as calling, etc.) so I'm a bit torn at the moment.  I've been searching online, and not seeing many review articles comparing these specific devices.

What was the bottom line that swayed me?

Answer: I can return the InReach Explorer with less hassle if it becomes obvious that it won't work for my needs during some upcoming shorter duration scouting and climbing trips.

I subscribed to the Unlimited Freedom plan and a business associate can text me market information throughout the day, if warranted.  If an outlier issue develops (i.e., large passenger planes flying into large metropolitan buildings, surprise Fed announcements, etc.), I can give the go-ahead for some pre-established directives to be given to my custodian's block traders and announcements sent out to my clients...and then I can go back to hunting or head for the nearest high speed internet connection.

With responsibilities come umbilical chords. 

That said, I'll always take a sat phone for longer trips where getting out to civilization isn't logistically feasible.

[kselkhunter]

Thanks for the answers Buschraft and luvmystang67.