Just wondering if anyone has seen any decent deals on a PLB - looking at the Ocean Signal Rescueme PLB1 currently the best I can find is $349 at Tentworld. Looks like it's been down to $319 before, doesn't need to be that specific unit, as long as it's lightweight and portable for hiking.
Cheers!
Great info pegaxs!
Thanks for the great info, and sorry should have put more info in my post, not looking for 2 way comms and definitely wanting to avoid subscription based. Also not worried about getting lost, just gearing up for some long hikes now so will be without mobile reception hiking solo on fairly remote trails, so purely for serious injury scenario.
I did look at the GME and leaned to the Ocean Signal purely because it has a slightly longer warranty (7y vs 6y) and seemed to have a better waterproof rating, not that i'm likely to ever need that but since they were around the same price might as well go with it.
Thanks again for the detailed response.
The Rescueme is also slightly smaller than the MT610G in addition to cheaper, longer warranty, and better water proofing. It's just a better option all round IMO.
Pretty hard to beat "free" :D
That's a fantastic initiative! Unfortunately I'm in QLD.
Ebay has epirbs for $290
Ski.com.au forum is actually pretty good too
If you only want one way communication, you could also look at the GME range, such as the MT610G. It is a GPS based locator, but you basically turn it on and wait for some one to arrive. They are about the same price as the unit you mentioned above, maybe less if you shop around. (Currently $333 on Ebay with discount code)
If you want to be able to let people know were you are, or let someone track you remotely or have the ability to message back to rescuers, maybe a GPS tracker unit would suit better. These units use satellite communications, so you cant go out of range like the $40 GPS GSM trackers sold on eBay (Dont buy GSM trackers).
Try something like a Spot Gen 3 or Gen 4. They will be much cheaper to buy but need a subscription to work. If you want a bit more functionality, maybe the Spot X if you can find it on special.
Garmin make one called the InReach Mini, but it is more expensive than the one you have quoted above, but it has way more features. I have seen them on sale for way less than their current price, but again, it would need a subscription.
Another type is the Bivy Stick that seems to get pretty good reviews as well and is about the same price as the one you mentioned but comes with way more functionality like the above mentioned units.
The third alternative is, what are you worried about? Just getting lost? Or getting seriously injured. If it's just about getting lost, maybe a simple GPS unit would be better suited if you are going out into a known area and letting people know what area you will be in. A small, hand held GPS unit can help guide you back to your starting point, but wont be able to make calls or send for help if you fall and break something or get pinned under something.