ACR ResQLink vs ResQLink+

[Strider]

Woops didn't mean to quote myself there. Apparently I no longer have permission to edit my own posts?

[Strider]

Well it was shipped from QLD yesterday and arrived at my door in Hobart a couple of hours ago. Great service and a great price ($342) from http://www.adventuresafety.com.au

[stry]

Can't complain about service like that !!

[Strider]

Remember the PLB may be of no use if it's IN your pack - it's recommended to carry it on your person.

On this point, I'm still struggling for ideas on how I'm supposed to actually carry this thing. One might presume carrying a PLB on your pack is essentially the same as in it - either way the PLB remains with the pack and not on your person. Carrying on the shoulder strap is obviously very accessible, but also very prone to damage in a fall, as is carrying in a hip belt pocket.

At the moment it resides in the top pocket of my pack - safe from damage and reasonably readily accessible. Short of carrying the thing around my neck I can't foresee a better solution - though that again introduces the potential for damage into the equation.

[GPSGuided]

On this point, I'm still struggling for ideas on how I'm supposed to actually carry this thing.

That's why size and weight matters. That's why I paid an extra $20-30 for Ocean Signal's PLB1 rescueME. It's markedly smaller than ResQLink and all out there. It's no problem to carry it in my pants pocket or strapped to my belt. In another few years, I am sure there'll be even smaller units.

[bernieq]

... I'm still struggling for ideas on how I'm supposed to actually carry this thing.

You can’t reduce risk to zero (if you could, you wouldn’t carry a PLB).

Top pocket of you pack seems appropriate (mine is in the webbing pocket on the side – clipped in). PLBs are very robust and not likely to be damaged by a fall (ie low risk).

True, IF you fall and break a leg and IF your pack detaches from you and IF you are walking by yourself (or the pack goes over a cliff and is not accessible or the PLB is smashed) then you have two problems (broken leg and no PLB). However, the odds are low.

On a recent tramp in moderately remote parts of NZ’s South Island, a group of 7, we carried 2 PLBs - partly to cover one PLB falling off a cliff and partly to cover the possibility of having to split into two groups.

Risk reduction strategies :
Carry a PLB
Walk with others
Make sure they know where the PLB is (and how to use it)

[Strider]

On this point, I'm still struggling for ideas on how I'm supposed to actually carry this thing.

That's why size and weight matters. That's why I paid an extra $20-30 for Ocean Signal's PLB1 rescueME. It's markedly smaller than ResQLink and all out there. It's no problem to carry it in my pants pocket or strapped to my belt. In another few years, I am sure there'll be even smaller units.

I wasn't keen on that flap that is just asking to be broken off and the wind up antenna that I presumed required two hands to operate on the PLB1. Not to mention that dodgy looking flotation "pouch" and the fact I prefer buoyancy to be inherent as pouches only add bulk anyway. Price is identical to the ResQlink+, hence the choice was an easy one from my perspective.

I don't wear a belt bushwalking, nor do I like to carry anything in my pockets. Ideally I would like to see my next PLB is wristwatch form-factor.

[Strider]

PLBs are very robust and not likely to be damaged by a fall (ie low risk).

Drop 90kg+ of bodyweight on one and I reckon the damage would be significant - not to mention the bruising!

[bernieq]

Drop 90kg+ of bodyweight on one and I reckon the damage would be significant

That would be one awkward fall - to land on your PLB in the top pocket of the pack !

I'm not 90kg but I've fallen heavily on my PLB, squashing the billy between me and it - no damage to the PLB. They're not indestructible but they are robust.

Besides, if you fell, I reckon some of that 90kg+ soft tissue might actually protect the PLB

[Strider]

I meant if on belt, in hipbelt pocket or in shorts pocket

[GPSGuided]

I don't wear a belt bushwalking, nor do I like to carry anything in my pockets. Ideally I would like to see my next PLB is wristwatch form-factor.

Well, for that you'll likely have to wait for a few more years. In the meantime, it's all about compromises and choice. To me, it's better to have one that's convenient to carry and always on me, even if it requires a hand and my teeth to set up. If I am left with one functioning hand and a PLB stuck behind a zipper in a pack 3m away, that's called a tragedy.

[GPSGuided]

Drop 90kg+ of bodyweight on one and I reckon the damage would be significant - not to mention the bruising!

It'd be most unusual to have the full 90kg bodyweight concentrated to an area of a PLB dimension. More likely, falling on a solid PLB would cause some soft tissue or internal organ bruising, or even a small bone fracture.

[GPSGuided]

I meant if on belt, in hipbelt pocket or in shorts pocket

Clearly not an issue for you, as you've already stated...

I don't wear a belt bushwalking, nor do I like to carry anything in my pockets. Ideally I would like to see my next PLB is wristwatch form-factor.

You are safe, PLB is also safe!

[Strider]

I don't wear a belt bushwalking, nor do I like to carry anything in my pockets. Ideally I would like to see my next PLB is wristwatch form-factor.

Well, for that you'll likely have to wait for a few more years

They have until April 2019 to sort it out

[Strider]

Can we please have a multiple-quote feature MODS?

[GPSGuided]

They have until April 2019 to sort it out

Or you can have it now with something similar.

[Strider]

Had a bit of a play while put walking today. The Velcro strap holds it very securely, but I'm still fearful of damage if I go for a tumble.

[GPSGuided]

Had a bit of a play while put walking today. The Velcro strap holds it very securely, but I'm still fearful of damage if I go for a tumble.

It's a tool. Use it as a tool, not a baby.

[Strider]

Had a bit of a play while put walking today. The Velcro strap holds it very securely, but I'm still fearful of damage if I go for a tumble.

It's a tool. Use it as a tool, not a baby.

Good advice

Must admit, however, that it was me that felt like the tool - wandering around Lenah Valley with a PLB attached to me

[GPSGuided]

We can always spot a new PLB or GPS owner. They always have the unit prominently positioned. Don't worry, we all go through it.

[Mountain Rocket]

Don't worry, we all go through it.

Speak for yourself.

Mine has always lived in the top of my (partners) pack with everyone in the party knowing where it is and how to use it.

[Strider]

Don't worry, we all go through it.

Speak for yourself.

Mine has always lived in the top of my (partners) pack with everyone in the party knowing where it is and how to use it.

Its a bit different for solo walkers though Robert. It NEEDS to be readily accessible.

[GPSGuided]

Its a bit different for solo walkers though Robert. It NEEDS to be readily accessible.

I agree. Another reason why I think it's better in a pocket (shirt/jacket/pants). In a fall, a unit hung on the external surface is more likely to get knocked off. To the user, it's important to make sure the PLB lands with the injured, not some 10-20m away. Scenario for users on water is quite different as hanging a PLB on the front of their floatation life vest is plain logic. Not so for us land based users.

[Strider]

I could actually thread my belt through the loops on the unit itself...

*edit* - maybe not!

[GPSGuided]

I could actually thread my belt through the loops on the unit itself...

Be creative!

[Onestepmore]

Had a bit of a play while put walking today. The Velcro strap holds it very securely, but I'm still fearful of damage if I go for a tumble.

Aiden,
It looks horribly cold and exposed there
Get the little padded Granite Gear protection bag I linked
http://www.campsaver.com/shoulder-strap ... 5_a4c437d9
It fits really well

Or PM me and I'll order it and add it to an order that I will get sent from the states in the near future. No point in paying some stupid postage cost for one item....

[Strider]

How does that pouch attach, Shelly?

And before anyone says why not put it in the pocket seen in the pic, it's just way too uncomfortable.

I'm currently thinking the top pocket of my pack might be the best place for it.

[stry]

Top pocket works for me.

Back pocket (if your pack has one) is fine too, but for me top pocket is the "go to" spot for such stuff.