Sneak Peek: ACR ResQLink - Smallest & Lightest PLB Yet

Critter

Critter

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It’s been a long time coming, but we just got a brief firsthand look at ACR Electronics’ new ResQLink 406 MHz PLB which lays claim to the "world’s smallest and lightest" PLB title. Take a look at ACR's answer to the groundbreaking McMurdo FastFind 210 and discover if it's been worth the wait.

http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=284
 
Very cool. It's about time they got those things down to a reasonable size. It will be nice to have a real PLB that can compete size and weight wise the the SPOT.
 
Unless I missed it, this unit probably has the same method of battery replacement as the 406. If so, I'd expect that one would probably pay between $100-150 to replace it by an authorized dealer. I hope that I'm wrong.
 
WolfTracker said:
Unless I missed it, this unit probably has the same method of battery replacement as the 406. If so, I'd expect that one would probably pay between $100-150 to replace it by an authorized dealer. I hope that I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

Why would you want to replace it? Yes, the PLB would need to go to a service center for battery replacement. If used for a real survival situation, the manufacturer almost always simply replaces the unit as a courtesy or services it for you.

As for end of service life issues, in 5-6 years the new PLBs available will be smaller and cheaper and nobody expects to be replacing batteries. PLBs have become disposable, effectively.

The paradigm has shifted.
 
Agree. I would only expect to see battery life compromised if one employed the tracking feature, like the SPOT (which I currently own). If used as you suggest, which is why most people carry 'serious' PLBs anyway, then I see battery life and replacement as a non-issue.

Critter said:
Why would you want to replace it? Yes, the PLB would need to go to a service center for battery replacement. If used for a real survival situation, the manufacturer almost always simply replaces the unit as a courtesy or services it for you.

As for end of service life issues, in 5-6 years the new PLBs available will be smaller and cheaper and nobody expects to be replacing batteries. PLBs have become disposable, effectively.

The paradigm has shifted.
Click to expand...
 
Is there a release date for this PLB? I will be in the market for one after the new Year. I am moving to Colorado and want to spend alot of time in the outdoors there, but want to do it in a safe a responsable way. I PLB will be a must have item in my Survival Kit.

Thanks
 
RickJ said:
Anyone know of a release date on this?
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Like the article notes, "Expect availability of the new ResQLink in the first quarter of 2011." Whether they get there by then is anyone's guess, but that's their expectation.
 
I just ordered my Mcmurdo Fastfind two days ago. Ah well. I'm sure I'll learn to deal with teh extra 20g weight over this model :)
 
Critter said:
Like the article notes, "Expect availability of the new ResQLink in the first quarter of 2011." Whether they get there by then is anyone's guess, but that's their expectation.
Click to expand...



Thanks I did not catch that! That will be a good time for me, I hope!
 
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