HARDCORE OUTDOOR-GEAR REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HUNTING, HIKING, SEARCH AND RESCUE, MILITARY: Field & Stream Article On PLBs, Beacons And EPIRBS

HARDCORE OUTDOOR-GEAR REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HUNTING, HIKING, SEARCH AND RESCUE, MILITARY

HARDCORE OUTDOOR-GEAR REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HUNTING, HIKING, SEARCH AND RESCUE, MILITARY: Field & Stream Article On PLBs, Beacons And EPIRBS

Field & Stream Article On PLBs, Beacons And EPIRBS

Pictured above, in this months issue of Field & Stream magazine, is the first generation SPOT Satellite Messenger. The second Generation SPOT has been out since July of 2009, that is more than two years ago. Come on guys, time to get out of your cushy offices.

If I had the resources, time and money of a big national magazine like Field & Stream I could do amazing things but even a rinky dink, shoe string operation like mine makes the effort to get and use current product photos. This sort of thing just reiterates how far out of touch some of these publications (and let's go ahead and include television shows) are with their audience and their interests.

First, the Spot is a wonderful product and I recommend that everybody carry one when they leave the truck but it does more than send an "I'm OK message to the home computer", it will also send that same message and a couple others to cellular telephones in the form of text messages so wifey can be out shopping (sexist I know) and still know what's up.

Second, even if you let the outdated and obsolete product picture slide you can't forgive the author for not mentioning two new products from leading manufacturers that close if not completely eliminate the competitive advantage Spot enjoyed. The Iridium Extreme Satellite Telephone (a satellite phone with S.O.S. button, real time two way texting, email and GPS capability) and ACR ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon (combines the best parts of the Spot and PLB into one small, super rugged, worldwide device).

Do your homework folks, there is a lot of bad information out there. Be careful what and whom you trust when your safety is at stake.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.