Other Anyone considering buying a Personal Location Beacon?

[OCD Solutions]

I apologize if this is viewed in poor taste but I can't help but think about devices like these today and what they could do for us and our safety. Small, compact and reasonally priced, it is very likely that my Wife will not allow us to ride again without one and I can't blame her. When I used to snowmobile, we would never have considered riding in the mountains without an Avalanche beacon and even at $300 a piece, we all had one. It just seems silly to me that we venture into the ocean without a similar safety net.

The cheapest unit I found can be purchased for $219 with 121.5 Mhz but the 406Mhz model can connect to satellites and pinpoint your location much closer than just a simple radio broadcast could.

http://www.fastfindplb.com/en/index.php

...... WATERPROOF ...... COMPACT ...... LIGHTWEIGHT ...... RUGGED ......

The Fast Find is a waterproof 406 MHz Personal Location Beacon (PLB) that should be carried by individuals, who are embarking on trips into areas around the world where there is little or no other form of communication or where other forms of communication are unlikely to work. The Fast Find acts as your personal Emergency Location Beacon, it is your last resort communication to the national and international search and rescue bodies and it should not be mis-used. The Fast Find is designed as a direct communication, to the 406 MHz Search and Rescue satellite system, its signal indicates that you are in need of urgent response and assistance.

Its small size belies its rugged construction and powerful output. There is no compromise. Once activated, the distress beacon will send out a signal for help, and continues to transmit for at least 24 hours, at a powerful 5 watt output, ensuring that your call for help gets through whatever the conditions. The pocket sized, waterproof beacon transmits at the press of a button, to alert search and rescue services to your plight.

The Fast Find is available in four models:
Fast Find 200 - standard model
Fast Find 210 - standard model with GPS for extra fast position location
Fast Find 201 - for Aus/NZ only
Fast Find 211 - for Aus/NZ only with GPS for extra fast position location


Budget conscious users will find the standard model powerful and reliable with its 121.5MHz homing capabilities but for a little extra you can benefit from the GPS model which will pinpoint your exact location for extra speedy rescue.


You can buy your Fast Find from retailers around the world. All you have to do next is register it with the search and rescue authorities in the country where you purchased it, and it's ready to carry with you. There are no extra charges or subscriptions to pay.

If you get into life threatening danger, and there is no other way of summoning help, the Fast Find is your route to safety

The Fast Find weighs just 5.3 oz (150g) and measures D 1.34"(34mm) x W 1.85" (47mm) x L 4.17"(106mm). It is extremely sturdy and designed to cope with temperatures as low as -20°. The Fast Find's battery has a storage life of 5 years after which it can be easily replaced.

For prices contact your nearest retailer.

 

[gitempest]

i always take a "spot" into the woods when i am snowmobiling or quading, but have never thought of doing it when i was on my ski. would be a good idea if you venture out away from the shore quite a ways.

 

[feartheride]

I think it's a good idea, If i rode ocean I'd want one,it's a big ocean.. I've had friends lost in the lakes here for hrs before the coast guard found them.. I could have used one in Ocala forest this year.We were lost out there for 5 hrs..

Keep us posted what you find, I could use it for snomobiling

 

[OCD Solutions]

Well just like any insurance, you only need it when you need it. The problem is that you never know when you will need it.

We spoke about these units as a group before and decided that the way we "pack" ride, they would never be needed and therefore a waste of money. Really it would only make sense on big surf days but once again, one never knows when it may be needed. I have been dead in the water 4 times in the last 3 seasons, anxiously awaiting the return of my crew so I know the feeling well. Two of those times were in an outgoing tide and I was amazed at how quickly I was swept out.

It is very easy to put it on the other riders in the group to protect each other but anything can happen and it can happen quick, delaying or even preventing rescue entirely. Everybody rides to the edge of their fuel, that one guy in the group who is always breaking down, inexperienced newbs and sometimes just new faces to the group that don't know the local protocol. My longest rescue was delayed 10 minutes while a buddy refueled before he could come back for me and I was already 1/4 mile offshore. What if he didn't have any extra fuel?

I was on the fence when I started this thread but I think I just talked myself into it. Anyone wanna get in on a group buy?

 

[Wolf Child]

I was actually at west marine looking at these to day for my son and I. we have a big one for the pod on the boat, but it's not something you would carry on a ski. SPOT. hat a unit on sale right now for $99 with a $50 mail in rebate. and the ACR unit sells for 260

 

[firemedicmonkey]

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10103&subdeptNum=10338&classNum=13956

i'm very interested... I have been thinking about getting one of these for all the adventures I take... recent news has all but convinced me...

 

[sjetrider]

a group purchase may be a good Idea through a company / vendor??? Maybe the wholesale price would be more enticing?

 

[Mark44]

If playing in the ocean it is a no brainer. Like I have always said, its not a fashion show out there wear coast guard approved vest and bright colors so people can see you. :aargh4: I just shake my head when I see people get black vests and helmets so they look cool.


Mark44

 

[hornedogg79]

my employer provides me with a SPOT. I think they're about $100. Service plans vary in price depending on the features needed. About $100/yr I think. Safety guy is out of the office today or I would ask him about our group rate.

 

[OCD Solutions]

I was actually at west marine looking at these to day for my son and I. we have a big one for the pod on the boat, but it's not something you would carry on a ski. SPOT. hat a unit on sale right now for $99 with a $50 mail in rebate. and the ACR unit sells for 260

How nany mhz? The 121.5 can only reach boats and planes, the 406 can talk to saellites with gps coordinates.

 

[Wolf Child]

How nany mhz? The 121.5 can only reach boats and planes, the 406 can talk to saellites with gps coordinates.

SPOT ---> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...rtNumber=11068483&langId=-1&icid=H1_Spot_1014

ACR ---> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...51_10001_753031_-1____ProductDisplayErrorView

the one in my POD ---> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10103&subdeptNum=10338&classNum=13954

I'm not a fan of SPOT's subscription service. about the time you forget and it lapses is about the time it could have saved your life.

 

[OCD Solutions]

That SPOT is nice and compact but the annual subscription is a bummer.

 

[Wolf Child]

That SPOT is nice and compact but the annual subscription is a bummer.

the acr I linked after it is smaller, lighter, has more features and is the dirrection I will most likely go.

 

[OCD Solutions]

I was thinking the same thing. The ACR is still within the price range I find accpetable too.

 

[Idok]

we quit riding vic at sea LONG ago...not worth it, no fun and too dangerous....


I often thought at times a flare duct taped to your vest wouold be a good idea...they make compact plastic ones sealed with o-rings....


cheap insurance

 

[OCD Solutions]

we quit riding vic at sea LONG ago...not worth it, no fun and too dangerous....


I often thought at times a flare duct taped to your vest wouold be a good idea...they make compact plastic ones sealed with o-rings....


cheap insurance

Is that why they call you the one shot wonder? :biggrin:

 

[Scorn800]

I would be interested in a group buy. I like the ACR looks like I could use on ski's or sleds and sounds like a great safety item to have.

 

[Wolf Child]

I have been reading some less than steller reviews on the fast find.

if we do a group buy for the ACR I'm in for 2. if not, I'll get them myself.

 

[OCD Solutions]

I have been reading some less than steller reviews on the fast find.

if we do a group buy for the ACR I'm in for 2. if not, I'll get them myself.

I have sent an email to ACR on the ResQlink 406 GPS so lets see what happens. If they are not willing to deal then West Marine has the best prices.

 

[Wolf Child]

I think I have enough points on my rewards card to get a free one. lol