Garmin InReach Subscription Costs

[MSTOCK27370]

Anybody own a Garmin InReach or InReach Mini?

I don't ride adventure bikes off road, but I do often ride by myself and some of the paved roads that I ride do not have cellphone coverage. Some of them go through heavy wooded areas and don't have a lot of traffic. So a medical emergency or an encounter with a deer (I've had FIVE), could leave me unable to call for help.

I'm considering an InReach or Mini but I really can't get a clear understanding of what my typical monthly subscription cost would be. I'm thinking that I might drop a few breadcrumbs along the way and have the SOS function if needed. What should the monthly/annual subscription cost be?

[MSTOCK27370]

Found this video. Fairly comprehensive analysis of the costs with explanations of the features and a break-even analysis to help determine which plan makes sense.

[patrickg450]

I dont pay for tracks/trackign just the SOS feature. $15 a month....

[MSTOCK27370]

Yep. If you viewed the video, the least expensive monthly subscription ($14.95/month) includes a small number of text messages (10), unlimited preset messages, and .10 each for tracking points. It's $11.95 per month if get a yearly plan.

[ZumoPete]

Can I suggest that a PLB is a better option.
Cheaper capital purchase, no subscriptin costs, direct access to those that need come save you.
Only downside, no tracking or text messages (if I am that remote that my phone does not work, then the PLB is my backup plan).
Cheers

[MSTOCK27370]

Can I suggest that a PLB is a better option.
Cheaper capital purchase, no subscriptin costs, direct access to those that need come save you.
Only downside, no tracking or text messages (if I am that remote that my phone does not work, then the PLB is my backup plan).

"No tracking, no text messages." That's a big difference. I haven't made a purchase yet, but my understanding is the PLB (personal locator beacon) just sends out a distress message. The InReach (and mini) are able to send out a pre-set text message which includes a link to a mapped location. The SOS function initiates a two-way text communication with the emergency center.

I don't go that far from home, but some of the places that I've stopped have ZERO signal for my cell phone. Scary to think about missing a curve or hitting a deer in those places.