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More competition for InReach

Has anybody tried this? It looks like a smaller and lighter and cheaper version of the InReach with less features.

Here is a vendor that is selling the Zoleo for $199.

Here is the subscription plan info:

I’ve seen several similar in the last couple years. Don’t remember the specific names of any of course. I personally believe that at this point is is going to be pretty difficult for any of them to compete with the Garmin stuff, that big market share is a lot of weight to throw around. I will be interested to see what the next few years will produce though, fast changes in the tech stuff these days, I could be very wrong.

—Jim

I'd consider another device if there was a genuine advantage with regard to performance or cost. I see their data plan rates are slightly cheaper than InReach. But offsetting that, they're tacking on a $4/month fee while suspended. And also requiring a 3-month minimum after initial activation, which is not required with InReach. Considering the fact their unit cannot operate stand-alone, which is often my preferred way to use the InReach, and I'll probably stick with Garmin.

sticksender, no doubt that's the best part about the InReach. If your cell phone craps out you've still got texting capabilities (although slower to type in) and you've still got a GPS. (I no longer carry a dedicated GPS)

But, I'm very glad to see another option because competition is good for consumers.

Not interested but like others have stated, competition pushes innovation.

I just bought my InReach Explorer this year and I don't see switching anytime soon. For the reasons you guys have stated.

And the fact that my Annual Safety plan is only $12 a month, so much cheaper than this one.

Garmin is still way ahead in this game. I can see them making some more functional changes to inreach models soon and pulling ahead even more. Everyone else is placing catch up at this point

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