If you’re in a hurry and want the main points of this article, here they are:
In my humble opinion, the inReach SE seems like a robust device for those who frequently find themselves in remote or potentially dangerous locations. Its ability to provide a reliable line of communication through the Iridium satellite network, coupled with its ruggedness and durability, make it an appealing gadget for risk-takers and outdoor adventurers. I was particularly impressed with its feature of sending SOS signals with GPS data during emergencies, and its ability to transform your smartphone into a global navigation tool.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all device. Casual users who stay within cell service range or those on a tight budget might not find its features worthy of the cost. Similarly, if you’re not too tech-savvy, you might struggle with its operation. Also, if you’re an ultra-lightweight gear enthusiast, you might want to consider the additional weight it adds to your gear.
In the end, it’s all about your personal needs and circumstances. The inReach SE seems to offer a lot of value to its target users, but it might not be the best choice for everyone. It’s a device with a distinct market, and one that needs careful consideration before purchase.
Quick links:
DeLorme inReach SE 2-Way Satellite Communicator Review: Who is it for?
When it comes to determining who might benefit most from the DeLorme inReach SE (let’s just call it the inReach SE for simplicity), I think it would be most useful for those who find themselves often in remote locations without reliable cell service. Given its features, I can see it being a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, climbers, and explorers.
Let’s start with the obvious: the inReach SE’s main selling point is the 100% pole-to-pole coverage. This is made possible by the Iridium satellite network, ensuring that there are no gaps or fringe areas where you might be unable to send or receive messages. For those who love to venture into remote areas, this could be a game-changer. No more worrying about being out of reach in case of emergencies.
Talking about emergencies, the inReach SE also functions as a personal locator beacon. This means that in case of an emergency, it can send SOS signals with GPS location data to GEOS worldwide emergency response. Not only that, but it also allows you to communicate with GEOS via 2-way text messaging throughout the rescue. If you’re someone who often finds themselves in potentially dangerous situations, this feature alone might make the inReach SE a valuable addition to your kit.
On a lighter note, for those who like to share their adventures in real-time, this device offers adjustable tracking intervals from 2 minutes to 4 hours. This allows you to share your location, GPS coordinates, elevation, speed, and course. The Earthmate app also lets you download unlimited topographic and NOAA maps when connected to the internet, and you can access these cached maps even when you’re outside of cellular range.
The inReach SE is more than just a communication tool; it can also transform your Apple iOS or Android mobile device into a global navigation tool when paired with the free Earthmate app. It shows your real-time GPS coordinates and route on a digital map.
Now, all these features are great, but they wouldn’t mean much if the device couldn’t stand up to the rigors of outdoor use. Luckily, the inReach SE seems to have been designed with this in mind. It’s waterproof, dustproof, and impact-resistant. Additionally, it has a rechargeable lithium battery that delivers about 100 hours of operation when tracking at 10 min. intervals.
In terms of pricing, the device offers freedom plans with contract-free, month-to-month subscriptions from $14.95 per month or annual subscriptions from $11.95 per month.
However, I would like to point out that the inReach SE might not be for everyone. If you’re an occasional hiker who sticks to well-traveled trails, or if you frequently have reliable cell service, this might not be a necessary purchase.
To sum up, I would say that the inReach SE is for anyone who often finds themselves in remote locations and wants the peace of mind of being able to communicate with the outside world. It’s also for those who appreciate the ability to share their adventures in real-time and want a rugged, reliable device that can stand up to the rigors of outdoor use.
DeLorme inReach SE 2-Way Satellite Communicator Review: Who isn’t it for?
Heading into the territory of who the inReach SE might not be the best fit for, I think there are certain users for whom this device might not necessarily hold much value.
For starters, if you’re a casual user who primarily sticks to the city or populated areas with reliable cell service, the inReach SE might be an overkill. Its primary function of providing a reliable communication line in remote or potentially dangerous locations might not be as beneficial to you. With regular cell service, you might never have the need to tap into the Iridium satellite network, rendering one of the main features of the inReach SE somewhat redundant.
Another group of individuals for whom the inReach SE might not be totally suited could be those on a tight budget. The cost of the device itself, coupled with the monthly or annual subscriptions, could potentially set you back quite a bit. If you’re not venturing into remote areas often enough to justify this cost, it might be more prudent to look for a more budget-friendly alternative.
The inReach SE also might not be the best fit for tech novices or those who aren’t comfortable with digital technology. The device seems to require a certain level of tech-savviness to operate, especially when it comes to pairing it with your smartphone and using the Earthmate app. If you struggle with technology, the learning curve for this device might prove to be a challenge.
For those who don’t venture out alone, the inReach SE might not be necessary as well. If you’re always in a group with others who carry similar devices, it might not be necessary for you to carry one too, as long as you stay together.
Lastly, it might not be the best choice for someone who values lightweight and compact gear, especially if every ounce counts, like in backpacking or mountaineering. While the inReach SE is relatively small, it does add an additional 7 ounces to your pack. You might want to consider whether the benefits of the inReach SE outweigh carrying this extra weight.
Just to clarify, I’m not saying that the inReach SE is a bad device. Far from it. What I’m saying is that like any product, it has a target user base, and for users outside of that base, it might not offer the best value or meet their specific needs. It’s always essential to consider your needs and circumstances before deciding on a purchase, and the inReach SE is no different.
In conclusion, while the inReach SE is a robust and reliable satellite communicator that offers a wide range of features, it might not be for everyone. If you’re a casual user, on a budget, not too tech-savvy, always in a group, or an ultra-lightweight gear enthusiast, you might want to explore other options or consider whether this device meets your specific needs before making a decision.
DeLorme inReach SE 2-Way Satellite Communicator Review: Conclusion
In my humble opinion, the inReach SE seems like a robust device for those who frequently find themselves in remote or potentially dangerous locations. Its ability to provide a reliable line of communication through the Iridium satellite network, coupled with its ruggedness and durability, make it an appealing gadget for risk-takers and outdoor adventurers. I was particularly impressed with its feature of sending SOS signals with GPS data during emergencies, and its ability to transform your smartphone into a global navigation tool.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all device. Casual users who stay within cell service range or those on a tight budget might not find its features worthy of the cost. Similarly, if you’re not too tech-savvy, you might struggle with its operation. Also, if you’re an ultra-lightweight gear enthusiast, you might want to consider the additional weight it adds to your gear.
In the end, it’s all about your personal needs and circumstances. The inReach SE seems to offer a lot of value to its target users, but it might not be the best choice for everyone. It’s a device with a distinct market, and one that needs careful consideration before purchase.