Wish you could contact search & rescue instantly from anywhere in the world, regardless of cell service? Now that’s a reality. Read on for a full ACR ResQLink review, an explanation of how PLBs work, and how they compare to other satellite communicators like the Garmin InReach.
As I outlined in my article on solo hunting, backcountry safety can be a dangerous illusion. Even if you have a partner it might be hours before they can notify rescuers that you need help. That’s why Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) like the ACR ResQLink are game changers for every type of hunter.
To begin, let’s go over how PLBs work and then we’ll dive into a detailed ACR ResQLink review.
How Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) work
If you’ve ever been on a boat in the ocean then you’ve probably heard of an EPIRB. EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Rescue Beacons) use a worldwide satellite network to alert rescuers instantly if the boat sinks or if the beacon is manually activated. In 2003 NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmostpheric Administration, a US government agency) legalized that same technology for land use and the PLB was created.
The great news is that PLBs operate on the same worldwide 406 MHz satellite network that is the de-facto standard for rescuers all over the plant. All you need to do is activate the device and the correct agency will instantly know your location and that you need assistance. After it’s activated the PLB will keep broadcasting your location for 24-48 hours so there is plenty of time to find you. For an even more detailed overview, check out the FAQ here from the NOAA.
All PLBs have some unique positive attributes: first, they don’t require any monthly/yearly subscription service since the system is maintained by the government . You simply register the beacon with NOAA and renew it every few years for free. Second, they don’t need to be charged or attached to power. The battery is completely isolated from use until it’s needed which means they are very reliable.
The downside is that the batteries do need to be replaced every 5-7 years which costs $39 to $99 depending on your unit. Finally, do know that activating a PLB is not a light decision: there are some very serious fines to discourage people from using one unless they really need it.
Now that you know how PLBs work, let’s go through the ACR ResQLink review and then we can compare it to satellite communicators like the Garmin InReach.
ACR ResQLink Review: Background & Specs
The ACR ResQLink is one of only two lightweight PLBs on the market. Here are some specs:
- $349.95 MSRP
- 5 year battery life (30 hours when activated)
- 148 gr (0.33 lbs)
- ~4.5” x 1.5” x 2”
- Waterproof and functions from -40 to 158 degrees F
- No subscription fees
PLBs aren’t cheap and the ResQLink is no exception. That is partially offset by the lack of subscription fees but they certainly are an investment. ACR is also one of the oldest names in the business so you are buying a bit of reliability at that price. Enough background, on to my experiences!
My thoughts
My ACR ResQLink review is based on over four years of sailing, hunting, fishing, and backpacking in some pretty remote places. I haven’t had to activate it (phew!) but I have plenty of thoughts on how it works:
Pro: Drop dead reliability & peace of mind
As I mentioned above, unless the device is activated the battery isn’t being used. I love that: I know the battery will always be ready to broadcast at the press of a button. It’s easy to test with a simple test ping to the satellite network in case you’re worried.
The peace of mind the device gives me is priceless. Even when I’m hunting with a buddy (or my wife!) I know I can get them help quickly if something comes up. It also puts my immediate family members at ease since they know I have a much higher chance of getting help if I need it. $300 isn’t cheap but I see it as a fantastic bargain for that security.
Pro: Most dependable network
The COSPAS-SARSAT network is by far the biggest and most reliable network of satellites for rescue purposes. That shouldn’t come as a surprise since it’s been used by the US government for decades for air, land, and sea. I’ve never had trouble getting reception for a test ping, even in some very deep, dark canyons. That can’t be said of all the satellite communication networks I’ve used.
Pro: Relatively lightweight & very durable
A third of a pound is noticeable but it’s still relatively light for the functionality of the ACR ResQLink. It’s light enough that I leave the device in a cargo pocket of my pants so it’s never out of reach even if I take off my pack. I’ve bounced it off trees, pinged it off rocks, and soaked it with sweat for years but just keeps ticking.
Con: Annoyingly loose antenna
The antenna on the ResQLink wraps around the exterior of the device and has a pretty annoying habit of popping loose in your pocket. You could easily put a tiny piece of tape on the antenna (or wrap it in a ziplock like I do) but it’s still an annoying design flaw.
Con: Standard PLB drawbacks
While PLBs don’t require costly subscriptions, you do have to replace their battery at the end of its life. On the ACR that’s every five years and costs from $39 to $99 depending on who you go with. As I mentioned above, that’s well worth it for the security of always having a battery that works.
To my knowledge, there is no true PLB on the market that also allows satellite texting, and the ACR ResQLink is no exception. That’s a drawback I’m willing to accept for the reliability but you might be different. I’ll walk through the tradeoffs in the next section.
PLBs vs satellite communicators like the Garmin InReach
Before we get into direct competitors to the ACR ResQLink, let’s talk about how PLBs compare to satellite communicators like the Garmin InReach Mini, ZOLEO, or SPOT devices. Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons:
- PLBs
- Examples: ACR ResQLink, Ocean Signal PLB1
- Pros
- Most reliable satellite network established by US Government
- Battery is always charged and ready
- No costly subscription fees
- No phone needed to operate
- Cons
- No communication ability (text, email, weather reports)
- Must be activated manually (no automatic tracking)
- Satellite communicators
- Examples: Garmin InReach Mini, ZOLEO, SPOT devices
- Pros
- Ability to communicate (text, email, weather reports)
- Automatic tracking options
- Cons
- Rely on private satellite networks like Iridium and GEOstar which aren’t quite as reliable as PLBs
- Battery state in emergency depends on charging status and previous communications use (or if you forgot to turn it off!)
- Will not work without costly subscription fees
- Phone (and it’s battery) needed to operate for many devices
While that comparison might make PLBs look like an obvious choice, many people still opt for satellite communicators simply because they want the ability to text. That does have its advantages: notifying a packer directly from your kill site or texting your family each night is a big deal. You could also argue that up-to-date information on your whereabouts adds to your safety.
The bottom line: while the emergency services provided with satellite communicators aren’t bad, they will never be as reliable as a PLB due to their design. Is that enough to pick one over the other? That’s you decision. Personally I wouldn’t mind having both of them!
Alternative PLB options
As for other PLBs, there is really only one option that’s comparable to the ACR ResQLink: the Ocean Signal PLB1. To be honest, I think it beats the ACRs specs and I would have bought it if it was available when I bought mine. It’s about 33% smaller, 15 grams lighter, the antenna is internal/protected, and the battery only needs to be replaced at seven years instead of at five years. I can’t vouch for its durability but I can’t imagine it’s much different.
ACR recently released an updated version of their device called the ResQLink 400. Not much has changed: it’s now only $309.99, has built in buoyancy, and has a better antenna attachment. Everything else is largely the same so I still think I’d go for the Ocean Signal if I had to do it over.
Tips & Tricks
Make sure to register your PLB with NOAA (instructions are included in the package and it’s easy to do) or you can be in for some serious fines! NOAA also won’t know who you are or how to contact your family in an emergency which will definitely slow down the rescue.
ACR’s battery replacement service is $99 but there are reputable companies that will replace it for $39, so make sure to shop around.
If you do decide to get a satellite communicator instead of a PLB I highly recommend carrying a backup battery stick so you always have something that’s charged (just make sure it’s waterproof too!).
Summary: ACR ResQLink Review
If you hunt places without cell signal then a PLB (or at least a satellite communicator) is almost mandatory in my opinion. They aren’t cheap but the security they provide is a game changer for modern outdoorsmen. While I’m a big fan of the ACR ResQLink, I’d currently recommend the Ocean Signal PLB1 because it’s slightly smaller, lighter, and less expensive.
So I am going to sell my ACR ResQLink? Nope. For $39 I’ll get another five years of reliable safety and the differences aren’t big enough to warrant an upgrade. If you find an ACR ResQLink on sale it’s still worth picking up! How about a satellite communicator like the Garmin InReach? While I think they’re viable alternatives, I personally will only use them in addition to a dedicated PLB. Your opinion might vary and both are far safer than no device at all (even if you have a buddy).
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