What I was getting at with the 100% comment was that nothing is perfect. I would never put complete trust in any piece of equipment, no matter what it may cost. However, with obtaining the most reliable equipment affordable being the goal, questions are sure to come up as well as plenty of options. A PLB’s and the Sat’s a weighing in with there rental options so we will see.
One of the main reason SPOT got my attention was it would “help” give my family a little glimpse of my progress during a long solo hike, and maybe a little more assurance of my safety. Even though I’ve been on plenty of week long trips with out any serious mishaps, they will always worry. I’m actually more likely to get into trouble while driving then out in the woods, but one never knows.
I’ve been considering the JMT for to long now and I just might just get a shot at it next year. Thanks for all your suggestion, all your experience, all your humor and all you’re much needed and accepted sarcasm. Be safe….. Thanks
I think the SPOT has it's place. I would take it way before hauling my cell phone or even a GPS if my primary concern is keeping me safe. I think it's great to have something available that gives your loved ones an idea of where you are, especially on a long thru-hike...
My concern is that folks will use it as their primary source when their life is on the line. That is a bad idea (although, again, better than a cell phone, just barely) since the user doesn't know if it will actually work or not.
I say the ACR PLB is 100% reliable because, simply, it has a perfect track record. ACR goes to extreme lengths to document every PLB and EPIRB sold. Everyone of them that has been turned on (whether it was manually turned on or automatically turned on), has been turned off manually. They can track this because of the 15 digit number assigned to every beacon. They take detailed notes on all that have ever been used whether on accident or for real. This will continue in the future.
ACR can also say this because there has never been one that failed. Now, you might say that how can they possibly know this? Good questions. The answer is again, because they document precisely every unit that leaves their factory so they know which unit is working. There actually has only been one unit that has failed in the field, but everyone who investigated the scene said it was user error. I can get you details if needed.
ACR EPIRBs and PLBs have saved almost 20,000 lives since they have been been on the market (about 15 years ago). The EPIRBs have been on the market for 15 years whereas the PLB has been available since June 2004. Just last year, the PLB, in its limited distribution, saved over 85 lives for 2007.
If I was your mom, or wife, or loved one, I would feel more at ease with you carrying the ACR PLB than a SPOT, even though I wouldn't be able to track you everyday. If I was your loved one, after researching the market, I would most definitely conclude that the ACR PLB is the only unit that had the capability of saving your life without worry. Personally, I would recommend the SPOT in addition to the PLB. However, if I was picking one, I would go with the ACR PLB.