Best Personal Locator Beacons

Personal Locator Beacons

While out on a hiking or camping trip, your safety is of paramount importance. In case of an emergency, you will need to be located and contacted as soon as possible. This is where the personal locator beacons come in handy. These are simple devices, sealed and meant for a single use only. A personal locator beacon can be used in areas where there are no cellular signals, and will alert emergency services of your location once triggered. It is imperative to register these devices with the local police, they contain personal information such as address, family members and contact numbers. Choose from the Personal Locator Beacons available right here!

Some of the locator beacons can function in water as well, and most do not require a monthly or annual subscription service. If you want more features regarding trace-ability and contact-ability, there will be a subscription fee involved. Do keep in mind that though these are powerful little things, an unobstructed view of the sky is required for best results. The beacons are pre programmed with the US country code.

Very Important to Remember – The device should be used only in instances of grave and imminent danger to life. Search and Rescue operations are triggered by the pings of the beacon. Any deliberate misuse could result in a severe penalty.

If you love to be out there in the great wide open, you will love the Top 10 in American Outdoors and American Outdoor Sports. Make your choice and head out already!

1. ACR ResQLink 400 (Model – PLB-400)

• No Subscription Required
• 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal / Homing signal
• LED Strobe and Infrared Strobe
• Global Coverage / Cospas-Sarsat / MEOSAR
• GPS and Galileo GNSS​​

2. ACR PLB-375 ResQLink

• All Personal Locator Beacons sold by US are pre-programmed with the US country code.
• This PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger to life. False alerts endanger lives and cause expensive disruption to Search & Rescue services.
• Deliberate misuse of the device could result in a penalty. Antenna clip
• Unlike most satellite enabled notification devices, the ACR ResQLink+ PLB requires no monthly or annual subscription, making it one of the most cost effective GPS enabled emergency beacons available for long term use.
• Radiated Power:5W (406 MHz), 50 mW +/-3dB (121.5 MHz)

3. ACR ResQLink View – (Model PLB-425)

• No Subscription Required
• 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal with Homing Signal
• GPS and Galileo GNSS / Cospas-Sarsat / MEOSAR
• Global Coverage
• LED Strobe and Infrared Strobe

4. Garmin inReach Mini

• Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables two way text messaging using the 100 percentage global Iridium network (satellite subscription required)
• Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required)
• Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate app and compatible devices
• Optional inReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your inReach Mini or paired device; basic and premium weather packages available
• Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds.Display resolution:128 x 128 pixels
• NOTICE: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices. 

5. Garmin in Reach Explorer, Handheld Satellite 

• 100% global Iridium satellite coverage enables two-way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription required)
• Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
• Track and share your location with family and friends. Water rating : IPX7. Battery : Rechargeable internal lithium ion
• Pair with mobile devices using the free Earthmate app for access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more
• inReach Explorer+ device adds preloaded DeLorme TOPO maps with onscreen GPS routing plus built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer

6. Artex Personal Locator Beacon

• 406 MHz Distress Signal – Sent Directly to Search and Rescue Authorities Worldwide
• 66 Channel GPS Receiver Pin-points your location
• 121.5 MHz Homing Signal – Allows Search and Rescue to zero in on your location as they get close to your location.
• LED Strobe Light
• No Subscription Fees Required – PLBs work on Government Search and Rescue Satellites so no annoying monthly or annual fees.

7. Spot 3 Satellite GPS Messenger

• S. O. S. – in an emergency, send an S. O. S. With your GPS location to geos, who facilitates search and rescue
• Check in – let contacts know where you are and that you’re okay with a pre-programmed message
• Help/spot S. O. V. – request help from your friends and family at your GPS location. OR, ask for help from professional assistance organizations
• Custom message- let contacts know where you are by sending a pre-programmed message with your GPS location
• Track- automatically send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using google maps
• Service agreement required.

8. acr 2880 ResQ Link PLB-375

• This Personal Locator Beacon is pre-programmed for registration with the US country code. Whilst it will function anywhere around the world, the initial point of contact during an emergency situation would be the US Search and Rescue authorities
• Should you wish registration outside of the US, please purchase our from our ‘ACR ResQlink Non-Buoyant PLB – Programmed for Rest of World’ and advise us which country you require for registration. 
• This PLB is programmed for registration with the US country code. Whilst it will function anywhere in the world, the initial point of contact during an emergency situation would be the US Search and Rescue authorities with whom the PLB would be registered
• PLBs have been proven, tried and tested in some of the world’s most remote locations and treacherous conditions.Even in extreme conditions and situations, ResQlink activates easily.Just deploy the antenna, pull the anti-tamper seal and press the ON button
• This PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger to life. False alerts endanger lives and cause expensive disruption to Search and Rescue services. 

9. Garmin GPSMAP 64st

• Sunlight-Readable 2.6″ color display. Display size-1.43 x 2.15 inches and 2.6 inch diag (6.6 cm). Battery life-16 hours. Water rating IPX7
• Expanded Internal Memory 8GB.Display resolution 160 x 240 pixels. Interface: high-speed USB and NMEA 0183 compatible
• DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM Use with 2 traditional AA batteries (best with Polaroid AA batteries), or the optional rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be charged while inside the device.Weight 8.1 oz (230 g) with batteries
• Receive Smart Notifications* and pair with optional ANT+ sensors, such as heart rate monitor, Tempe temperature sensor, speed/cadence, or use to control your VIRB action camera (64s/64st only)
• Wirelessly upload data to Garmin Connect and view on smartphone, plus share activities as they happen with Live Track (64s/64st only).3-axis compass with barometric altimeter.Routes:200

10. goTele GPS Tracker

• No Monthly Fee,No SIM Card,No Network Required goTele outdoor gps tracker allows users to communicate directly from goTele to goTele without cell service or Wi-Fi.
• goTele Functions Real-time Tracking, SOS, Geo-Fence, Off-line Map, Message, Waterproof,Shockproof,Anti-fall,Dust-proof.
• Applications goTele gps tracker suitable for Outdoor, Hiking, Hunting, Wading,Boating,Fishing, Exploration, Camping, olders and pets Safe. You can use goTele gps tracker to monitor loved ones, or anyone to keep them safe no matter where you are.
• Connection Distance 3-5km in suburb; 1-3km in downtown. It may be affected/disturbed by mountain terrain/weather/building/forest/electric equipment.
• Important Note goTele gps tracker compatible with iOS or Android devices, needs at least two devices to work, Package Including : 2 goTele gps devices

Review of Garmin GPSMAP 64ST Personal Locator Beacon

Not only is the Garmin GPS MAP 64ST a very effective personal locator beacon, it is really easy to use right out of the box. A buyer has given very sound advise that one should buy a Micro SD card at the earliest and use it with the GPSMAP 64ST. This high quality beacon comes with 100K topo maps, and it ultra reliable. It also has very good signal strength, and is durable and tough.

Many buyers feel that it is an extremely reliable and efficient unit at a very reasonable price.

The GPSMAP 64ST is slim and lightweight, yet it is rugged and can withstand rough handling. It comes loaded with great features and acquires satellite signals quickly and then precisely identifies your location. The verdict is that it is overall a very good choice and a real best seller among personal locator beacons.

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Personal Locator Beacons . The Coolest, Best and Latest. You’ll love America’s Top 10 in Outdoor Sports and Outdoor Equipment.