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I don't ride adventure bikes off road, but I do often ride by myself and some of the paved roads that I ride do not have cellphone coverage. Some of them go through heavy wooded areas and don't have a lot of traffic. So a medical emergency or an encounter with a deer (I've had FIVE), could leave me unable to call for help.
I'm considering an InReach or Mini but I really can't get a clear understanding of what my typical monthly subscription cost would be. I'm thinking that I might drop a few breadcrumbs along the way and have the SOS function if needed. What should the monthly/annual subscription cost be?
Re: Garmin InReach Subscription Costs Video
Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2021 3:53 am
by MSTOCK27370
Found this video. Fairly comprehensive analysis of the costs with explanations of the features and a break-even analysis to help determine which plan makes sense.
Re: Garmin InReach Subscription Costs
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2021 1:13 pm
by patrickg450
I dont pay for tracks/trackign just the SOS feature. $15 a month....
Re: Garmin InReach Subscription Costs
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2021 7:05 pm
by MSTOCK27370
Yep. If you viewed the video, the least expensive monthly subscription ($14.95/month) includes a small number of text messages (10), unlimited preset messages, and .10 each for tracking points. It's $11.95 per month if get a yearly plan.
Re: Garmin InReach Subscription Costs
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:40 pm
by ZumoPete
Can I suggest that a PLB is a better option.
Cheaper capital purchase, no subscriptin costs, direct access to those that need come save you.
Only downside, no tracking or text messages (if I am that remote that my phone does not work, then the PLB is my backup plan).
Cheers
Re: Garmin InReach Subscription Costs
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 12:06 am
by MSTOCK27370
ZumoPete wrote: ↑Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:40 pm
Can I suggest that a PLB is a better option.
Cheaper capital purchase, no subscriptin costs, direct access to those that need come save you.
Only downside, no tracking or text messages (if I am that remote that my phone does not work, then the PLB is my backup plan).
"No tracking, no text messages." That's a big difference. I haven't made a purchase yet, but my understanding is the PLB (personal locator beacon) just sends out a distress message. The InReach (and mini) are able to send out a pre-set text message which includes a link to a mapped location. The SOS function initiates a two-way text communication with the emergency center.
I don't go that far from home, but some of the places that I've stopped have ZERO signal for my cell phone. Scary to think about missing a curve or hitting a deer in those places.