Garmin In - Reach

[Skywagon]

Anybody use one? I've been thinking about getting one to add to my PLB for a while.  I got an ad from a site I trust, but don't know which one of these makes sense for motorcycling.  Input apprecated.  There is really only 3.  The 2nd and 3rd one are only different in color.

 

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle - Flame Red $349.99 View

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - Flame Red $299.99 View

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - Black $299.99 View

Garmin inReach

[EdM]

I have the Garmin 66i which is the handheld GPS with the inReach built in. It gives me all the inReach features and a backup GPS unit on the bike. We also like to use it for hiking, so its nice to have just one device to carry. The communication features of the inReach service is nice when I get out in the backcountry on my GSA. My wife knows when I check in that she can't start selling off my stuff yet. I've never had trouble getting messages sent or received but sometime it can take a few minutes. 

[Skywagon]

Thanks EdM...I'll take a look.

[TSConver]

InReach Mini2 here.  Take it everywhere.  Also have the Garmin emergency insurance which is like $30 for free helicopter ride.

[BrianT]

I take the InReach Mini2 with me riding and/or hiking.  Gives my wife peace of mind when I'm solo a long ways from home.  Something to also think about when deciding which one works best for you is where you will be mounting or carrying it.  It works best if the antenna has line of sight to the sky.

[TSConver]

5 minutes ago, BrianT said:

I take the InReach Mini2 with me riding and/or hiking.  Gives my wife peace of mind when I'm solo a long ways from home.  Something to also think about when deciding which one works best for you is where you will be mounting or carrying it.  It works best if the antenna has line of sight to the sky.

Never mount it to the bike.  Always have it on your person.  If you go down and it is on the bike you might not be able to reach it to use it.

[Skywagon]

Thanks Brian… do you remember which service plan you use?

[greiffster]

We took the Messenger on our trip last year to Alaska. It worked perfectly except for the day I let the battery die. Family and friends were able to track us the entire time and I sent a couple of messages when we were out is cell service. I chose that model because I didn’t need it for gps. 

[BrianT]

6 hours ago, Skywagon said:

Thanks Brian… do you remember which service plan you use?

 

I switch between two plans depending on the time of year.  In the winter when I won't be riding as much, I go with the Safety plan and pay the 10 cents per tracking point.  In the summer months I switch to the Recreation plan for the unlimited tracking points since I'll be riding longer trips and do some hiking.  You can switch back and forth in plans without penalty as long as you keep an active plan and not the Freedom plan or suspend service.  Not sure how the Freedom plan works.

[BrianT]

Looking into it more, I think the Freedom plans pays a higher monthly rate in exchange for only requiring a 30 day commitment to Garmin.  Even though I'm on the Annual plan, I'm not locked into staying in Safety or Recreation for a full year.  I can swap back and forth, but I am committed to paying for some kind of plan for a year.  Hopefully it's not as confusing as I think this is coming out.

[BrianT]

6 hours ago, TSConver said:

Never mount it to the bike.  Always have it on your person.  If you go down and it is on the bike you might not be able to reach it to use it.

It fits nicely in my Roadcrafter top pocket hanging from the carabiner with the antenna poking out of the top of the pocket.

[Skywagon]

Thanks Brian...Ive read their info several times and it is a bit confusing.  After reading it a few times, think I will go with recreational.  With the unit on sale for $299...seems like a good time to do it.

 

Just ordered the unit.  Doesn't look like you sign up for a plan until you have the unit in hand.  $299 and free shipping.

[BrianT]

Yup, the plans are independent from the unit purchase.  All done through the website.  Once signed up its all in one place at explore.garmin.com for your tracking map, messages, plan switching and account info.