Starlink or Garmin in reach

seems like the cost otttf Starlink cost are 500 -600 and a
Garmin in reach is what about 400
Is it reasonable to use the starlink in lieu of the dedicated rescue device? Pros cons
 

Shawn686

Observer
No. They are entirely different devices designed for different purposes. A starlink is not an emergency beacon.

Thats not really true

Starlink can definitely be used for rescue, especially with DTC rolling out. What it is not is a one button call for help, as is the garmin.

I have been a garmin fanboy for decades, and currently have have and use inreach. Starlink is just simply better and more versatile.

Just for the fact that you can use it for internet access and internet phone calling when you don't require emergency rescue. Or in situations where you require support that does not rise to the level of a 50k rescue call out.

Also the one button rescue option will most likely become a feature of starlink, either DTC or regular, in the future. If not to simply compete with iphone.

I will be replacing my home internet with starlink and a roam package. To use for all my inertnet needs. Gets rid two bills, internet and inreach, with and increase of capability and versatility overall. That I can use any where on the planet.

Shawn
 
The thing about starlink is you pay 50 a month and you can pause it very easily and restart just as easily so in theory you could buy a month and stretch it out Garmin is less user friendly i have mixed emotions about getting starlink but if the product is good ……..🤨
 

JaSAn

Grumpy Old Man
Do you wander away from base camp?
Do you plan on taking the satellite dish& router with you when wandering far?
My inReach works fine deep in the Boundary Waters Canoe area.
 

KarstenP

Van of Mayhem
I have both.
Starlink for internet access in remote areas and inReach as emergency beacon with my Tread Overland and the back up 67i handheld. inReach comes in handy when wandering away from basecamp, or travelling with restricted luggage.
 

crazysccrmd

Observer
Thats not really true

Starlink can definitely be used for rescue, especially with DTC rolling out. What it is not is a one button call for help, as is the garmin.

I have been a garmin fanboy for decades, and currently have have and use inreach. Starlink is just simply better and more versatile.

Just for the fact that you can use it for internet access and internet phone calling when you don't require emergency rescue. Or in situations where you require support that does not rise to the level of a 50k rescue call out.

Also the one button rescue option will most likely become a feature of starlink, either DTC or regular, in the future. If not to simply compete with iphone.

I will be replacing my home internet with starlink and a roam package. To use for all my inertnet needs. Gets rid two bills, internet and inreach, with and increase of capability and versatility overall. That I can use any where on the planet.

Shawn

To me they are similar but not the same at all. My Inreach can sit in my pocket and always be with me in an emergency. My Starlink is great for many things but is not for emergencies. If I fall and break my leg or back out hunting/fishing/camping/etc I’m not going to be breaking out a Starlink dish and power supply.
 

mep1811

Gentleman Adventurer
I happen to have an In Reach for sale for much less than $400.00 The In Reach is a compact, battery-powered device dedicated emergency device that will connect you to a command center and can direct search and rescue to you. An added bonus is being able to text to anyone .

The Starlink is an Internet device for full Internet used mostly for general Internet use like entertainment. It is large, has particular high power requirements and is a large form factor and not dedicated for emergencies.

 

Hegear

Active member
I’m a starlink fanboy, can’t believe how good they are. However I still carry a ZOLEO as well. Like the redundancy, also like to have it around for hiking etc. great if someone is leaving camp and you can communicate with each other.
 

Shawn686

Observer
To me they are similar but not the same at all. My Inreach can sit in my pocket and always be with me in an emergency. My Starlink is great for many things but is not for emergencies. If I fall and break my leg or back out hunting/fishing/camping/etc I’m not going to be breaking out a Starlink dish and power supply.

Do you have a cell phone? Because DTC is going to change everything. And is no different that having an inreach in your pocket. Mine is a garmin montana 700i ;)

While I dont really disagree, the issue is all these legacy systems are going to be replaced with starlink DTC/iphone DTC. People are simply not going to spend $400+ for hardware that does one thing, plus another monthly subscription. For something that the $1500 cell phone they already bought can do, plus all the things it can do that the legacy ones cant. The biggest one being phone calling and depending on how good it is maybe video calling. Which will be a game changer for remote treatment prior to rescue.

All of which will drive the monthly cost of legacy systems up and up until they are simply shut down due to people not subscribing.

That also does not include that iphone, gamin and all the other legacy systems don't own or operate the satellites they use and are beholden to those that do (unless you go the sat phone route). Who are all being over shadowed by starlink.

While all this probably wont happen super fast, it will and is happening. You already can't go any where that you can drive too without seeing starlink. You cant say the same for inreach etc.

It also plays into human nature as well. What ever system you choose, is only helpful, if you bring it / have it with you and have the subscription active. No one forgets to pay their cell bill, or forgets their phone any more.

Shawn
 

Peter_n_Margaret

Adventurer
In Oz we carry a PLB (smaller, cheaper version of a marine EPIRB.
Under or about US$200, 7 year battery life, zero subscriptions, one way emergency only communication signal.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The GME MT610G 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon with GPS is a super compact lightweight PLB, made for outdoor adventurers with a massive 7 year battery life and packed with features. Made with a high intensity LED and 'Non Hazmat' battery pack and engineered with microprocessor technology, this 406MHz PLB is designed for easy carrying and intuitive usability. Featuring an integrated 72 channel GPS receiver, zero warm up time, bright LED, IP68 Ingress Protection and an inherently buoyant design, the small size of this PLB has not compromised the safety features included. The MT610G is designed to meet the latest international standards and is Copas-Sarsat Class 2 certified. Stay safe while you explore the great outdoors, great for boaters, bush walkers, 4WD enthusiasts, aviators and more.
It needs to be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/registration/
In the event of activation (for 'life threatening' situations only), the authority will check what they can to establish that it is not a false alarm and will then (depending on its location) send out a fixed wing aircraft to have a look, then effect an appropriate response depending on the needs which may include drops of supplies or helicopter evacuation.
This is "typical".

There is NO CHARGE for the official rescue services.
Recovery of the vehicle would be another question.

The cheapest, most effective, life saving protection for those who travel into remote areas possible.
Would not leave home without one.

Surely the US has something similar?
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
 
Last edited:

sancap

Active member
There is also another option with no monthly fees. These are typically used for boaters for rescue at sea but also work well for inland rescues. It is not a 2 way communication device but only a reuse device using gps. They are a bit larger than the inreach devices. These have been in use for many years. This is similar to what was mentioned earlier in this thread.Screenshot 2025-04-25 at 7.36.20 AM.png
 

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