Question: What PLB to buy?

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Hi brains trust,

I'm hunting a PLB (personal locator beacon) now that they now seem reasonably priced enough to buy rather than rent. Primary function is for "oh ****" usage rather than letting people know where we are, so I reckon as PLB is what I am after rather than a SPOT messenger.

The GME MT410G (http://www.gme.net.au/products/emergency-beacons/plbs/MT410G) seems to retail around $300 and seems reasonable enough, especially given that apparently battery replacement is (or at least was) free in the event of legitimate use.

Does anyone else know of any other PLB units that are worth looking at?

Thanks in advance...
FWD

[Robmacca]

Keen on reading the replies here as I'm in a similar boat.... but I'm leaning more towards a "Spot" unit due to my mid-week exploring adventures in the bush....

[101RRS]

That is what I have as it seemed to tick all the boxes for a PLB - mine was just over $300 at BCF.

Garry

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Keen on reading the replies here as I'm in a similar boat.... but I'm leaning more towards a "Spot" unit due to my mid-week exploring adventures in the bush....

I do like the "follow me" function of the SPOTs, but not the annual subscription fees...

[Rok_Dr]

I recently bought a PLB for work. Initially I was going to go for the GME but after having a look at a couple of models at the local boat shop I bought an ACR ResQLink. The thing I liked about it was its a lot smaller than the GME so easier to carry on my person.

Whatever unit you go for, get one with a gps as this will significantly improve the accuracy of your location.

Cheers

Steve

[Jondavball]

My job has me travelling extensively overseas to the places seen more on the news than in a brochure, as well as my love of the bush with my family so I have a PLB and a Spot. My PLB after much research is the ResQLink. I will use the PLB if and when I am really in the **** and need help urgently whereas the Spot is used to update family on my whereabouts (outside of phone coverage) and to seek help for less serious problems including breakdowns etc

[FeatherWeightDriver]

A further note on the GME PLBs.

The battery can not be "replaced" even by GME, so you will be up for essentially purchase price every 7 years. Also the replacement unit only has 12 month warranty. It almost sounds like they want their units to be disposable once the battery runs out... :mad:

Sure it's not a huge price to pay for safety, but given other brands have similar features, purchase price and lower battery replacement cost I'm tempted to go with another brand just on principle.

[101RRS]

A further note on the GME PLBs.

The battery can not be "replaced" even by GME, so you will be up for essentially purchase price every 7 years.

Where did you get that advice from? Certainly not from the GME PLB documentation which indicates they can be returned to have the batteries changed.

Cheers

Garry

[p38arover]

I should replace my old EPIRB. I was annoyed that not long after I put in new batteries, they changed to the new system.

Dunno if my old EPIRB will still be useful or not.

[boobook]

Ron,
The old 121Mhz EPIRBs are no longer monitored and are not even legal to use now.

AMSA Beacons Information (http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/)

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Where did you get that advice from? Certainly not from the GME PLB documentation which indicates they can be returned to have the batteries changed.

Cheers

Garry

I emailed GME directly.

The "service" and battery replacement cost is basically the same as buying a new one (at least for the MT410 GPS version.

My email to GME:


I was looking to buy a MT410G 406 MHZ PLB with GPS, but can't find anywhere if / how much it costs to replace the batteries.

Can you please let me know:

Are the batteries user replaceable?
Are the batteries able to be replaced at a GME service centre?
How much does GME charge to replace the batteries?



GME response (some parts removed for brevity:


**Please note: That due to PLBs being a safety device, GME does not simply replace
batteries, we do however offer a replacement exchange unit at a reduced cost.**

**Please Note: All GME Exchange units (PLB) come with "12 Months Warranty" Only**
**Please Note: Exchange PLB Battery Life; EX410G = 7 Years**


Units that are to be replaced, will need to be returned us directly.
You can send it to our National Service Dept;

You can pop in yourself or send the device via courier/post to our Service Dept,
the cost of the replacement for our;

EX410GAUS - Exchange for MT410/MT410G = $ 279.00 inc GST (excluding Freight)*

*Exchange unit that is supplied, will be the current (GPS) equipped version*

[strangy]

All of our emergency kits carry the GME410G. With 7 year warranty and 7 year battery life, that's around $43 a year.
Very cheap insurance. Id prefer a new one anyway after 7 years bumping around in a vehicle or backpack, rather than a battery change.

[101RRS]

Thanks for that - I certainly accept that response - the ACCC might be interested in comparing that response with the information provided in the unit instructions.

Interestingly the replacement items have no warranty to work after one year - doesn't give peace of mind if you have an emergency incident one or more years into its second 7 years of life.

Cheers

Garry