As ADV riders, we roam far and wide in search of adventure. Sometimes with friends, often times alone, and sometimes many miles from people and any kind of assistance. That's usually not a problem, but, motorcycles being what they are, there is always the risk of misfortune.

Many of us no doubt remember reading about that rider who plummeted off a cliff in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, he was rescued by emergency services thanks to his Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). I feel like that should remind us just how important a PLB could turn out to be on our next adventure ride.

In the event of an emergency, the user activates the PLB which then sends a distress signal to a network of satellites. The satellites then relay the signal to a rescue coordination center, which will initiate a rescue response. PLBs are small enough for any ADV rider to easily carry on their bike or body and are designed to be effective in remote or wilderness areas. They should be an essential part of your gear when venturing into the backcountry, as a way to call for help in the event of an emergency, when no other form of communication is available.

The costs associated with Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) can vary depending on the brand and model, as well as the features included. Costs associated with PLB’s include:

Equipment costs: The cost of the PLB itself can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, depending on the brand and model. The models below are among the most popular choices for ADV riders and range from $200 - $500.
Subscription costs: Some PLBs require a monthly or annual subscription in order to use certain features, such as two-way text messaging or weather forecasts.
Activation fees: Some PLBs require a one-time activation fee, which can be several hundred dollars.
Battery replacement costs: Most PLBs have replaceable batteries, and the cost of replacing the battery can vary depending on the brand and model.

Choosing a PLB is a little like choosing a helmet. Sure the features, and cost, need to meet your needs and budget. But, on some level, you have to ask yourself, how much is your life worth?

There are several brands and models of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) available on the market, these are some of the most popular models with ADV riders. All are under $500:

Garmin inReach Mini: A compact and lightweight satellite communicator with GPS and two-way text messaging capabilities.
SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger: A compact and rugged satellite communicator with GPS and two-way text messaging capabilities.
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) with two-way messaging
ACR Electronics ResQLink+: A compact, lightweight PLB with GPS and 406 MHz capabilities.
McMurdo FastFind 220: A rugged PLB with GPS, 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz homing capabilities.
Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1: A compact and waterproof PLB with GPS and 406 MHz capabilities.

InReach Mini

The Garmin inReach Mini is a compact and lightweight satellite communicator with GPS and two-way text messaging capabilities, and offers several strengths :

Compact design: The inReach Mini is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store when not in use.
Two-way text messaging: The inReach Mini allows you to send and receive text messages from anywhere in the world, making it a great option for those who want to stay in touch with friends and family while in the backcountry. This is a key reason so many ADV riders favor this PLB.
GPS capabilities: The inReach Mini includes GPS capabilities, allowing you to track your location and share it with others.
Reliable network: The inReach Mini uses the Iridium satellite network, which provides global coverage and is known for its reliability.
Weather forecasts: The inReach Mini provides access to up-to-date weather forecasts, allowing you to make informed decisions about your activities in the backcountry. The cost of this feature varies based on the level of service you choose.
Customizable: The inReach Mini allows you to customize its settings and features, making it a versatile option for a variety of outdoor activities.

Subscription: Required Monthly $12 - $65 per month or $144 - $600 per year.

InReach Mini 2

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is an updated version of the original inReach Mini and offers several updates over the original:

Improved display: The inReach Mini 2 has a larger and improved display, making it easier to read and use. 176 x 176 pixels (up from 128 x 128)
Increased battery life: The inReach Mini 2 has a longer battery life of up to 14 days (up from 3.75), allowing you to stay in the field without a charging source for longer.
Enhanced navigation capabilities: The inReach Mini 2 includes advanced navigation features, such as the ability to create and follow routes, and also adds TracBack capability.
More compact design: The inReach Mini 2 has a more compact design, making it even easier to carry and store when not in use.
Increased durability: The inReach Mini 2 is more rugged and durable, making it a great option for use in rugged and challenging environments.
Improved communication capabilities: The inReach Mini 2 offers improved communication capabilities, including the ability to send and receive messages, as well as access to weather forecasts and emergency response services.
USB C charging for faster charging and a more reliable connection versus Micro-USB on the original Mini.

Subscription: Required Monthly plans are available on Garmin's website.

Specs:

Model Name: Garmin 010-02602-00
Screen Size 1.27 Inches
Connectivity technologies: Bluetooth
What’s in the box: InReach Mini 2, USB cable, carabiner, documentation
Battery Life 336 Hours
Mounting Type Handheld
Features:
Compact, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.).
Special Feature: Bluetooth.
Water Resistant: IPX7
Impact Resistance: MIL-STD-810F
Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing
Share your location with loved ones back home at any time (active satellite subscription required) by using your MapShare page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages
Add up to 1,000 waypoints/favorites/locations, 100 Courses and 200 Activities
Get accurate heading information using the digital compass — even when you’re not moving
Sync with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping, and create waypoints, courses, activities, and collections you can sync to your device
Pair with Garmin devices, such as wearables and handhelds, and use them to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS (active satellite subscription required)
Battery life: up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode

Two-Way Satellite Messaging:

Custom text messages allow you to communicate with friends and family using satellite communications. This can be helpful when you want to communicate with friends and family but do not need emergency services.

When the SOS button on the device is activated a ground station can respond with a text message which is an advantage over other types of devices that don’t offer satellite messaging.

Weather Reports

Basic and premium weather report options are offered. The basic report offers a 48-hour forecast in two-hour increments day one and 6-hour increments for day two. Cost is one text message against your plan.

Premium weather report provides a 7-day forecast in 1 to 2-hour increments day 1, with 3 to 6-hour increments on day 2, and 12-hour increments for the balance of the week. The cost is $1 per report.

SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger

Spot X with Bluetooth 2-way Satellite Messenger.

The SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) that offers several strengths :

Two-way messaging: The SPOT X allows for two-way messaging, enabling you to send and receive messages with friends, family, and rescue personnel.
GPS capabilities: The SPOT X includes GPS capabilities, allowing you to track your location and share it with others.
Compact design: The SPOT X is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store when not in use.
Long battery life: The SPOT X has a long battery life, allowing you to stay in the field for longer without having to recharge.
Enhanced navigation features: The SPOT X includes navigation features such as waypoint marking and route tracking, making it a versatile option for outdoor activities.
Global coverage: The SPOT X is able to send a distress signal to satellites anywhere in the world, ensuring that help is always within reach.

Subscription:

$20 - $45 activation fee, $12 - $30 monthly fee

Specs:

Screen Size 2.7 Inches
Special Feature: Android App, IOS App, Subscription
Connectivity technologies: Bluetooth, USB
Map Type: Globalstar Satellite
Coverage: North America, South America, Europe, South Africa, and Australia
Battery Life: 240 Hours

ZOLEO Satellite Communicator

The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) that offers several strengths :

Two-way messaging: The ZOLEO allows for two-way messaging, enabling you to send and receive messages with friends, family, and rescue personnel.
Global coverage: The ZOLEO is able to send a distress signal to satellites anywhere in the world, ensuring that help is always within reach.
Compact design: The ZOLEO is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store when not in use.
Long battery life: The ZOLEO has a long battery life, allowing you to stay in the field for longer without having to recharge.
Enhanced navigation features: The ZOLEO includes navigation features such as waypoint marking and route tracking, making it a versatile option for outdoor activities.
Integration with smartphone app: The ZOLEO integrates with a smartphone app, allowing you to access features such as weather updates, location tracking, and message sending from your phone.

Specs:

Connectivity Technology: BluetoothMap TypeSatellite, Australia, North America
Included Components: Lanyard, Carabiner, USB cable, 50 cm (20 in), Quick Start Guide
Battery Life: 200 Hours
Color: Black, Green
Operating System: IOS, Android
Dimensions LxWxH 3.58 x 2.6 x 1.06 inches
Weight 150 Grams

ResQLink+ View

The ACR Electronics ResQLink+ View is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) that offers several strengths :

Waterproof: The ResQLink+ is completely waterproof and will float if dropped in water.
Compact design: The ResQLink+ is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store when not in use.
Global coverage: The ResQLink+ is able to send a distress signal to satellites anywhere in the world, ensuring that help is always within reach.
Long battery life: The ResQLink+ has a long battery life, allowing you to stay in the field for longer without having to recharge.
Easy activation: The ResQLink+ is easy to activate, even in difficult conditions, making it a reliable option in emergency situations.
Durable design: The ResQLink+ is designed to withstand harsh environments, making it a great option for use in rugged and challenging environments.
Affordable: The ResQLink+ is one of the more affordable PLB options on the market, making it a great option for those on a budget.

Subscription: None

Specs:

Brand: Acr
Model Name: PLB-425
Screen Size: 1 Inches
Special Feature: Waterproof
Map Type: Satellite, WorldwideSportCamping & Hiking, Outdoor Lifestyle
Included ComponentsBelt Clip, PFD Oral Inflation Tube Clip, Attachment Strap, Adhesive Skins
Battery Life: minimum 28 Hours, certified for 5 years
Mounting TypeFound in image, Wrist Mount
Item Dimensions LxWxH4.52 x 2.03 x 1.49 inches

McMurdo FastFind 220

The McMurdo FastFind 220 is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) that offers several strengths :

Waterproof: The FastFind 220 is completely waterproof but does not float if dropped in water.
Affordable: The FastFind 220 is one of the more affordable PLB options on the market, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Global coverage: The FastFind 220 is able to send a distress signal to satellites anywhere in the world, ensuring that help is always within reach.
Long battery life: The FastFind 220 has a long battery life, allowing you to stay in the field for longer without having to recharge.
Easy activation: The FastFind 220 is easy to activate, even in difficult conditions, making it a reliable option in emergency situations.
Compact design: The FastFind 220 is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store when not in use.
Durable design: The FastFind 220 is designed to withstand harsh environments, making it a great option for use in rugged and challenging environments.

Specs:

Brand: McMurdo
Model Name: FastFind 220
Screen Size:1 Inches
Map Type: Oceania SportBoating, Fishing, Outdoor Lifestyle
Whats in the box: Location Beacon, Documentation, Flotation pouch
Battery Life: 24 Hours, certified for 6 years
Color: Yellow
Item Dimensions: LxWxH 5 x 5 x 3 inches
Weight: 0.81 Pounds
406/121.5MHz
Easy to operate
No subscription needed
High brightness LED SOS light
Minimum 24hr continuous operation

Ocean Signal RescueME PLB1

The Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) that offers several strengths :

Waterproof: The ResQLink+ is completely waterproof and will float if dropped in water.
Global coverage: The rescueME PLB1 is able to send a distress signal to satellites anywhere in the world, ensuring that help is always within reach.
Compact design: The rescueME PLB1 is one of the smallest and lightest PLBs on the market.
Long battery life: The rescueME PLB1 has a long battery life, allowing you to stay in the field for longer without having to recharge.
Easy activation: The rescueME PLB1 is easy to activate, even in difficult conditions, making it a reliable option in emergency situations.
High sensitivity GPS: The rescueME PLB1 includes a high sensitivity GPS, ensuring that your location is accurately transmitted in an emergency.
Durable design: The rescueME PLB1 is designed to withstand harsh environments, making it a great option for use in rugged and challenging environments.

Specs:

ColorYellow
Supported Application: GPS
Item Dimensions LxWxH 3 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches
Weight 4.09 Ounces
7 Year Battery Life / 7 year warranty
24+ hour operational life
Free to use, no subscription charges
High brightness strobe light >1 candela
66 channel GPS receiver / Unique mounting clip

Garmin inReach Mini 2

The Winner:

The Garmin Mini 2 get’s the nod, mostly based on battery life, size, messaging, and overwhelming positive reviews this product continues to receive. While it is not the least expensive of the bunch it is also not the most expensive. Throughout the season, I will provide updates on ease of use, performance and overall value for money.

I hope this information helps gives you some insight as you consider your personal options.

Now go get your PLB, and be safe out there!

*By the way if you want to read more about that unlucky rider in Utah, you can find it here.