inReach toast, what to replace it with?

[Stein]

Well, my Delorme unit bit the dust, I've been on chat with support for a couple hours and it looks like we're done for.

I haven't done any research because it's been flawless for many years.  I see they have a messenger and the mini, the mini seems to have very mixed reviews. 

I also see Zoleo.

I'm fairly desperate and need quick advice and shipping or I'm grounded to areas with cell service.  I only need it for messages and the big red help button, don't care about maps or anything else.

Please help, who has a newer unit that hasn't given them any trouble?

[Duckslayer89]

The mini is awesome, I love mine. Get one

[Stein]

Can you send messages without a phone?  That's what I liked about the SE, if my phone died I could send messages and press the big red button.

[Duckslayer89]

You can SOS with it and I think send messages but it would be a pain typing a long message I think

[zwickeyman]

Ive had an Inreach for many years and always works. I have 2 buddies that have zoleo's. Last year on a hunt multiple times we sent messages at the same time and their Zoleo's were always faster getting the message out. Sometimes 1 minute and sometimes 10 minutes. If I was to buy again I would buya Zoleo

[Mossy]

Mini has been great for me. Yes you can send texts without a phone-easy especially preset messages. That being said, Bluetooth and airplane mode on, my phone battery lasts a long time.
I have the original mini not the 2

[HikerHunter]

I have the original mini and would recommend it. I've done short messages when not paired to my phone, but its much quicker to type out messages in the app. I don't do a lot of custom messages anyways so it works well for me.

[Stein]

Thanks, ordered the Garmin.  Good to have choices these days as well as prices coming down.  I think I paid less for the new one 8 years later than I did for the Delorme.

[2MANY]

Install the updates on the new ones.

[pickardjw]

Zoleo has worked great for me. I would buy what your buddies have if that's relevant. Seems to reduce errors.

[Sakko300wsm]

Inreach Mini 2 is what I use - has been flawless and pretty fast is pretty remote areas. And yes you can text on it with your phone , but 100% better when paired with your phone

[spoonman]

I’ve had the Zoleo for a couple years now and I’m very happy with it.

[92xj]

For the zoleo guys that have recently bought vs long time users,  do you happen to know why Half of the units out there are on sale for 150 and half at normal $200?   Was there an upgrade to the device and the sale ones are the older models?   I can’t figure it out on google.

With the zoleo, there is no issue texting with someone on a garmin device?
I have no idea about any of this stuff and know technology about like I know how the female brain rationalizes.   The only thing I really know is that it’s time to be able to contact people when I’m in a place with no service of any kind. 

[Stein]

Motorola introduced a device and both Garmin and Zoleo seem to be on sale for $50 off.

There have been noted issues on YouTube sending messages between the two brands.  Garmin to Garmin and Zoleo to Zoleo seem to work but several people have had issues sending from one brand to the other.

There are plusses and minuses for both units.  I've had great experience with Garmin service, trust their emergency center and it can integrate with my Garmin watch so I went with theirs.

[Mossy]

Thanks, ordered the Garmin.  Good to have choices these days as well as prices coming down.  I think I paid less for the new one 8 years later than I did for the Delorme.

Mini or mini 2?  Don’t know the difference but I just use mine for sos and text via garmin express app. Small price to pay for the loved ones….never had a message not get sent or received either.

[ghosthunter]

I have a mini for four years now . Before the miniI had a spot for ten years.

The mini works great for me. Since I retired my wife and I travel around the west a lot. I send our location to family every night. Stands alone .
I link it while hunting with Bluetooth to a mini iPad in my pack. This gives me a bigger mapping screen than any phone. I also use the iPad to send messages through the mini.

Using the Earthmate Garmin App. I have about 20 preformed messages ready to go that cover most situations. Just select and send.

The mini is small and durable. Easy to take anywhere and won’t shatter if you drop it.

Plus great safety device should something happen. If you were badly injured you might not be able to work a phone . But push one button and helps on the way with the Mini.