Great review! I was wondering if you've tested picture and voice messaging while moving in a car, how well does that work? This is one scenario I would really love to use it on, specially while off-roading. Also worth noting in this scenario would be, how much of a delay between sending a voice and receiving on the other end? An even more robust test would be to see how voice and pictures work between two inreach messenger pluses in car while driving, lets say in a group that's separated or perhaps a rescue car looking for you.
Great review. Might be time to upgrade from the version 1 - but ….. no ability to text without the phone is still a bummer. BTW - if you get separated from another inreach user - you can text the assigned email for the units and find each other.
This inreach to inreach communication is so seldom discussed, even though I personally think is the highlight feature! Camping in groups, two inreaches, one gets separated from the pack or just keeping in regular touch through voice would be game changing!
I went with the Garmin 66i. I love it. Still have my old spot 2 sitting arond as well. But love my 66i and the ability to text from anywhere. Make my favorite ride, the Idaho BDR, where you are out of singal the majority of it. Its nice to let the kids know i am ok and other friends with me can use it to text their family as well. Not to mention the breadcrumb trail it leaves for everyone to look to see where you are and follow along.
The issue I have with it is that it still requires your phone for most of its operation, unlike a garmin with a screen like the 67i. I would rather have a device that is completely non-dependent on a phone.
@PrestonGladd Yep, you can send the sos and check in default messages with the click of a button, no phone required, but when you want to send a custom text, or use all the features, you'll need a phone. Pros are being small and compact. If you don't mind a larger device then getting a handheld GPS works for not having to be dependent on your phone if it were to get lost or broken.
I also have the old inreach from Delorme. That new device has lots of cool features. But for me I prefer the option to use the screen and toggle switch on my inreach. Mainly because my phone could be damaged in a hard crash. The bottom line is if you are out in the wilderness with no cell service I would pick one of the garmins for safety reasons. Not my IPhone
Just returned from a five day camping trip in the desert. I never turned my inreach on. The satellite text on the iPhone is faster easier and free. I’m canceling my garmin sub on Monday. I’m completely garmin free now using a mini tablet for navigation with Gaia and DMD and now satellite texting from my everyday phone.
@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC As long as you have no worry about breaking or losing your phone then you are probably fine. If you're riding aggressive or overly sketchy terrain I would never bet my life on just my phone. Going on the thought that 1 is none, and 2 is 1. If you are riding some gnarly areas I'd probably grab a PLB to carry as my backup in case the phone fails.
@@MotoCampNerd The biggest advantage of the inreach is the one button SOS. If you’re solo and injured beyond being able to use the phone it could be an issue.
Damn I HATE Garmin’s monthly subscription! I carry a Inreach Mini 2 on every ride, rarely turn it on and carry it mostly for emergency SOS and Satellite messaging when out of cell coverage but after $399 for the device, $13 every month is just price gouging. Garmin could easily offer free SOS but..
@ynotjf there's always the PLB route, no subscription but also no extra features. But if you never use it anyway, could be an option if you can forfeit features 🤷♂️ If I were Garmin I'd make the SOS free to be competitive with the new satellite options with cell phones but then of course set the subscription for messages.
CHEWIE! You know my policy, Dork. I see Chewie, I thumbs up. Interesting review, I'll have to take a better look at this, I have the Inreach Mini, and have ridden with it for years.
Thank you Ben for that awesome review. I had been looking at getting one of these. Thank you for answering the number of questions. Looking forward to the next video.
Definitely worth it. Adventure implies danger. Danger can be fun, or not so much. Plan for the not part. "The biggest weapon on the battlefield is...the radio". Some military dude
@marklanders630 Cell coverage is better now that it used to be, but by far nowhere near good enough to cover you in the backcountry if you have an emergency.
One year battery life isn't good enough for something that costs damn near $800 CAD after taxes. Plus garmins new subscription and sign up fees are a fricken rip off. At least up here in Canada. Its a shame how expensive everything is becoming 😢.
@@hedsy A year of battery life once you charge it and leave it off, not after 1 year you have to change batteries. It's rechargeable and will need to be charged after you let it sit for 1 year without use
For those considering other than the Garmin like the Zoleo that I bought (because their subscription plans were worlds better at the time...only a little better now), take note of that optional add on of the evac insurance. Had I known about that (honestly poorly advertised feature) I would have gone with the Garmin (refurb inreach mini II). $40 a year for that insurance is a bargin.
Heck I don't even use what my SPOT offers I got SOS though . Sure is a big piece of mind knowing that SPOT is stuck to my chest . Please don 't be STUPID people and put these on your bike if you need it it won't be there. I have seen to many people with these on their bike . BE Safe out there ""RIDE ON""
The Iphone is the device that will cost lives; people will rely on it and it will fail them. The Iphone uses the very unreliable globalstar network anywhere but as you get further north it gets even worse. (SPOT has this issue as well as it uses same network) All others (Zoleo, Garmin, Bivy, Motorolla) use the far superior iridium network that doesn't degrade as you move north. Carry the Iphone as an extra as it doesnt cost you, NOT the primary life saving device.
Yeah, you lost me as soon as you said MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION. An emergency tool like this shouldnt require a subscription. I'd rather pay $400 for the unit and just know it works when I need it, not if have paid again for something I already own.
@max___power The unfortunate standard across the board for any satellite messenger if you want to have custom communication with others without phone signal. If you want a rescue device that has no monthly fee, you'll want to look into a PLB aka personal locator beacon. These send a satellite distress signal to rescue services but you will not be able to communicate with anyone about your situation or what's going on until help arrives. These shine because you have the ability to communicate with dispatch about your issue and with family or friends as needed. Alternatively a cheaper option would be the ZOLEO that also uses the iridium satellite network.
@@Nomadic_Pigeon What absolute crap! New iPhones have satellite messaging now! And further to that, a Garmin is NOT going to save your life. The rescue workers that come get you will. And just to throw some logic into your stupid comment - my phone might cost $400 plus a monthly plan, but guess what..... I can talk to people on it, I can write this TH-cam comment on it, I can take photos with it and I can even pay for my coffee with it. You gonna be able to do ANY of that with your shitty Garmin device that you're paying $200 per year for regardless if you go out riding or not? NO! -
Does it come with a bubble wrap riding suit? No! Forget it 1973 brother and I rode NY to CA and back, just a AAA trip ticket, on kawasaki 500 triple 2 strokes (look them up) Only Communications we had for payphones. Lol technology is great but what a burden
Awesome review! We need to replace our now dead InReach Explorer+ and are looking at the messenger (not the plus)...
You always have good info!
Great review! I was wondering if you've tested picture and voice messaging while moving in a car, how well does that work? This is one scenario I would really love to use it on, specially while off-roading. Also worth noting in this scenario would be, how much of a delay between sending a voice and receiving on the other end? An even more robust test would be to see how voice and pictures work between two inreach messenger pluses in car while driving, lets say in a group that's separated or perhaps a rescue car looking for you.
That’s a really nice $250 device they sell for $500. I want one but not at that price.
Chewie! Lookin so regal. Taking my Inreach mini with me tomorrow into Gifford Pinchot! It always comes with me.
Great review. Might be time to upgrade from the version 1 - but ….. no ability to text without the phone is still a bummer. BTW - if you get separated from another inreach user - you can text the assigned email for the units and find each other.
This inreach to inreach communication is so seldom discussed, even though I personally think is the highlight feature! Camping in groups, two inreaches, one gets separated from the pack or just keeping in regular touch through voice would be game changing!
I went with the Garmin 66i. I love it. Still have my old spot 2 sitting arond as well. But love my 66i and the ability to text from anywhere. Make my favorite ride, the Idaho BDR, where you are out of singal the majority of it. Its nice to let the kids know i am ok and other friends with me can use it to text their family as well. Not to mention the breadcrumb trail it leaves for everyone to look to see where you are and follow along.
The issue I have with it is that it still requires your phone for most of its operation, unlike a garmin with a screen like the 67i. I would rather have a device that is completely non-dependent on a phone.
@PrestonGladd Yep, you can send the sos and check in default messages with the click of a button, no phone required, but when you want to send a custom text, or use all the features, you'll need a phone. Pros are being small and compact. If you don't mind a larger device then getting a handheld GPS works for not having to be dependent on your phone if it were to get lost or broken.
I also have the old inreach from Delorme. That new device has lots of cool features. But for me I prefer the option to use the screen and toggle switch on my inreach. Mainly because my phone could be damaged in a hard crash. The bottom line is if you are out in the wilderness with no cell service I would pick one of the garmins for safety reasons. Not my IPhone
I like the new features it adds, but my mini 2 looks way cooler haha. I wish they kept the same form factor, I’d upgrade without hesitation
Just returned from a five day camping trip in the desert. I never turned my inreach on. The satellite text on the iPhone is faster easier and free. I’m canceling my garmin sub on Monday. I’m completely garmin free now using a mini tablet for navigation with Gaia and DMD and now satellite texting from my everyday phone.
@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC As long as you have no worry about breaking or losing your phone then you are probably fine. If you're riding aggressive or overly sketchy terrain I would never bet my life on just my phone. Going on the thought that 1 is none, and 2 is 1. If you are riding some gnarly areas I'd probably grab a PLB to carry as my backup in case the phone fails.
@@MotoCampNerd The biggest advantage of the inreach is the one button SOS. If you’re solo and injured beyond being able to use the phone it could be an issue.
Damn I HATE Garmin’s monthly subscription! I carry a Inreach Mini 2 on every ride, rarely turn it on and carry it mostly for emergency SOS and Satellite messaging when out of cell coverage but after $399 for the device, $13 every month is just price gouging. Garmin could easily offer free SOS but..
@ynotjf there's always the PLB route, no subscription but also no extra features. But if you never use it anyway, could be an option if you can forfeit features 🤷♂️ If I were Garmin I'd make the SOS free to be competitive with the new satellite options with cell phones but then of course set the subscription for messages.
CHEWIE! You know my policy, Dork. I see Chewie, I thumbs up. Interesting review, I'll have to take a better look at this, I have the Inreach Mini, and have ridden with it for years.
Well there's a reason I don't lock him in the house when I'm filming ;)
If it turns on and stays on it'll be better then the Montana 750i.
Thank you Ben for that awesome review. I had been looking at getting one of these. Thank you for answering the number of questions. Looking forward to the next video.
I think you can send voice message with the iPhone through satellite but maybe i am wrong
Why not use starling mini and have the full, fast internet experience?
@@iVisual.sambonkowski lol. Something to do with a 15lb device that’s the size of a street sign vs a couple of ounce in the palm of your hand.
Great review Ben. I’m not ready to upgrade from my InReach Mini 2 but it’s still fun to see how theses devices are evolving
Definitely worth it. Adventure implies danger. Danger can be fun, or not so much. Plan for the not part.
"The biggest weapon on the battlefield is...the radio". Some military dude
but how do I connect it to Garmin Basecamp?
You connect it to Garmin Explore
Cell phone coverage is so good now that you really don't need one of those.
@marklanders630 Cell coverage is better now that it used to be, but by far nowhere near good enough to cover you in the backcountry if you have an emergency.
Not in Australia!
I very rarely have phone service where I ride. Unless you get up on top of a hill
Cell service is rare away from the Starbucks....
@ 😂
One year battery life isn't good enough for something that costs damn near $800 CAD after taxes. Plus garmins new subscription and sign up fees are a fricken rip off. At least up here in Canada. Its a shame how expensive everything is becoming 😢.
@@hedsy A year of battery life once you charge it and leave it off, not after 1 year you have to change batteries. It's rechargeable and will need to be charged after you let it sit for 1 year without use
For those considering other than the Garmin like the Zoleo that I bought (because their subscription plans were worlds better at the time...only a little better now), take note of that optional add on of the evac insurance. Had I known about that (honestly poorly advertised feature) I would have gone with the Garmin (refurb inreach mini II). $40 a year for that insurance is a bargin.
This is a reach from garmin. It wont be long that you can do this on android .
@Steve-yu6pq Feels like phones should have been able to do this 5 years ago. Hopefully soon! I'll still carry and messenger/sos type device.
Heck I don't even use what my SPOT offers I got SOS though . Sure is a big piece of mind knowing that SPOT is stuck to my chest . Please don 't be STUPID people and put these on your bike if you need it it won't be there. I have seen to many people with these on their bike . BE Safe out there ""RIDE ON""
The Iphone is the device that will cost lives; people will rely on it and it will fail them. The Iphone uses the very unreliable globalstar network anywhere but as you get further north it gets even worse. (SPOT has this issue as well as it uses same network)
All others (Zoleo, Garmin, Bivy, Motorolla) use the far superior iridium network that doesn't degrade as you move north.
Carry the Iphone as an extra as it doesnt cost you, NOT the primary life saving device.
I can’t do anymore subscriptions….they’re killing me!
@@Doublecheesemoto You and us all! 😆 You could look into the PLBs that just send distress signals and don't require any subscriptions.
Seriously? How many of your subscriptions can literally save your life?
@ just let me go…😂
Yeah, you lost me as soon as you said MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION. An emergency tool like this shouldnt require a subscription. I'd rather pay $400 for the unit and just know it works when I need it, not if have paid again for something I already own.
@max___power The unfortunate standard across the board for any satellite messenger if you want to have custom communication with others without phone signal. If you want a rescue device that has no monthly fee, you'll want to look into a PLB aka personal locator beacon. These send a satellite distress signal to rescue services but you will not be able to communicate with anyone about your situation or what's going on until help arrives. These shine because you have the ability to communicate with dispatch about your issue and with family or friends as needed. Alternatively a cheaper option would be the ZOLEO that also uses the iridium satellite network.
Highly worth it. You pay $400+ for a phone and monthly for a plan... But this can save my life where a phone won't
Yeah, but they have to maintain the network for decades. Some people will never buy new units like me. I've had it several years.
@@Nomadic_Pigeon What absolute crap! New iPhones have satellite messaging now! And further to that, a Garmin is NOT going to save your life. The rescue workers that come get you will. And just to throw some logic into your stupid comment - my phone might cost $400 plus a monthly plan, but guess what..... I can talk to people on it, I can write this TH-cam comment on it, I can take photos with it and I can even pay for my coffee with it. You gonna be able to do ANY of that with your shitty Garmin device that you're paying $200 per year for regardless if you go out riding or not? NO! -
You sound like a cheapskate extraordinaire. Bet you just eat baked beans and sardines. 😂😂😂
Does it come with a bubble wrap riding suit? No! Forget it
1973 brother and I rode NY to CA and back, just a AAA trip ticket, on kawasaki 500 triple 2 strokes (look them up) Only Communications we had for payphones. Lol technology is great but what a burden
@@garypic4083 It really depends on your type of riding and where you're going on how high the risk is.
@MotoCampNerd
Yea l get that, keep up the good videos
I know that this is the least important aspect of this device - but I don’t like the red color.