Delorme Inreach SE vs Garmin

[Stein]

I need to pick up one or the other for 2-way comms with the homestead during scouting and hunting this fall.  I will only use it for text, I use my phone exclusively for GPS in conjunction with paper maps and compass.

The older Delorme is $270 and the newest Garmin versions are $400-450 depending on the model. 

In my research, it looks like the old units work great and Garmin says they are honoring the warranty as well as service support.  Further, most people are guessing that Garmin will come out with a much better unit in the next year or two that has increased GPS functionality and maybe map chip ability.

So, my thought is to save almost $200 and get the older unit.  Anyone have any insight that I am missing?

[ghosthunter]

I use a spot.
$100.00 year.

[kselkhunter]

The new Garmin versions have improved the map GPS functionality and more features.  I have the older InReach, and carry a separate Garmin GPS.  If I didn't already have those and was first time buyer, the new versions would appeal to me.  But if the GPS doesn't interest you, the InReach works well.

I turn off the service for the months I don't use it, but am about to turn it back on in a few weeks through Novembers hunts.  The breadcrumb feature is nice for my family/friends to keep track of me, as I'm usually solo on most of my hunts.  It's well worth the expense given how many days I'm in the backcountry solo every year.  It's nice to have the SOS button, and the SAR/Medivac insurance is pretty cheap (compared to not having it and something happen) on the InReach....hopefully I never need it.

 If you don't need the GPS the old InReach works fine.  I like it. 

[Stein]

Good info, thanks.  I am also in the solo backcountry group, so the breadcrumb and text is what I need.  I have and carry an epirb, but my wife doesn't like the "I'll call in 7 days" plan.

[Stalkin Prey]

Tagging along. Majority of my hunting is solo. I've been thinking about getting something to keep the home updated. The wife's never liked the 7 days plan either. Prob cause she's a little jealous she can't be out there too though.


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[Magnum_Willys]

Get the cheap one now, when they add txt to the Rhino get that.

[Stein]

Get the cheap one now, when they add txt to the Rhino get that.

That's what I figure, the next generation will be quite a big step up in features that will be worth the money.

[Reidus]

Get the cheap one now, when they add txt to the Rhino get that.

the delorme inreach works just fine for texting.

[kselkhunter]

If I'm not mistaken there is a phone app to pair with the InReach as well for GPS, and I think for texting on phone.  Honestly, I just use the unit stand alone.  Didn't want to mess with another app (not much of an app guy).  So for all I know there is probably a more slick way to use the device than I do.  :-)

The carry case is handy, and worth it.  I just clip mine to the outside of my pack so that it has better reception while dropping breadcrumbs.  To preserve battery, I took the breadcrumbs down a few settings so I'm dropping less frequently and using less battery.   

And it includes your GPS coordinates with your texts.  So if I drop an elk 6 miles in I can text my friends to get off their rears and come help.  :-)

[Magnum_Willys]

Using the ap is just like txting.  Just get it. Using standalone is a pain.

[Okanagan]

I've used the Delorme for several years, texting from anywhere, Yukon, deep canyons in Cascades and Olympics, east coast, anywhere.   I'm a non app guy as well.  The original is clunky to write text but I don't do all that many and each is short.  No biggie to me and not worth carrying anything but the InReach unit.  I keep it turned off except to check for messages and send.  Batteries last a week or more that way.

A friend we texted re a down bear used his GPS to walk exactly to us in heavy timber and brush a mile and a half off of a road. 

Best wilderness communication device invented in my lifetime, easier and more reliable than sat phones I've used.

 

[kselkhunter]

Best wilderness communication device invented in my lifetime, easier and more reliable than sat phones I've used.

 

 
I've had to rent sat phones on multiple trips before to keep in touch for business purposes.  And I would concur.  My InReach has been more reliable in terms of signal.  Maybe it was the quality of the phones I was renting.  But the InReach messages get queued up and send when they get a signal.  Sat phones have their purpose, don't get me wrong.  But they can be finicky sometimes. 

I looked at the Iridium Go instead of the InReach when I was researching the purchase, as it can act as a wifi hub, and also make VoIP calls using your cell phone. It's a more expensive purchase, as well as monthly plan.  But another good option.

[Stein]

Just picked up the Delorme from GPSCity through Ebay for $225 shipped free, new in box.  Should be here next week.

I'll include reviews when I get a chance to try it out, but I expect it to work great based upon everything I have read.

[Jayfire83]

Get the cheap one now, when they add txt to the Rhino get that.

I've been waiting for them to do that, I love my Rhino!

[Cab]

The gritty Bowmen did a podcast and Aron Snyder talks about about what he uses. I think it was an early episode maybe 10 could be interesting to take a listen to for the future. For now go cheap and with what works.