Garmin InReach SE+/Explorer+ (Garmin/DeLorme combo)

[AustinL911]

It's been unveiled. I didn't see any threads on this so I figured I'd get one going. Discuss.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/outdoors/garmin-inreach-se-ces-2017/#/3

 

[COlineman78]

Software doesn't look much different. Doesn't look like they've integrated the Garmin stuff yet. Just looks like a more modern and less bulky version of the current models.

Raised the price $100 and $50 respectively so Garmin didn't take their time there though trying to recoup some of their capital.

 

[Zoo Keeper]

Makes me glad I bough last years model...


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[AustinL911]

Makes me glad I bough last years model...


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Yea, I think I'm still gonna buy a 64s and InReach SE separately. I kinda like the idea of separate dedicated GPS and SOS systems.

 

[joshmo]

It's been unveiled. I didn't see any threads on this so I figured I'd get one going. Discuss.

Garmin Unveils InReach SE+ and Explorer+ Satellite Communicators | Digital Trends

Screen size is double and the Explorer+ has shaded relief topo maps with a super fast refresh rate. The SE+ basically became the old Explorer with a grid map. The interface is similar, but much easier to use in my opinion (more responsive and buttons are less "sticky"). The weather feature on the device itself is much like what you would have found on the app before...cleaner and with simple graphics. The SOS button is in a place easier to use with one hand, yet less likely to be accidentally activated and the power button is tight against the antenna so it is less likely to be turned on or off if rubbing something. I used it without the app for the last two weeks of season in Idaho and loved it...I was skeptical even as an employee... Josh (delorme rep turned garmin rep)

 

[mountaintracker01]

Will it take an onXmaps chip?

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[joshmo]

Will it take an onXmaps chip?

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It doesnt take physical cards. It comes preloaded with highquality topo and has the ability to sync new maps eventually, but that would have to be a digital transfer.

 

[colonel00]

satellite images?

 

[joshmo]

satellite images?

Just topo at this time colonel00

 

[Brendan]

I've posted this elsewhere, but here's my opinion on the InReach having used one for the last 3 years (And, sorry in advance for the rambling)

I love my InReach SE (prior model). I have no need for the Explorer or maps at this point, here's why. From a mapping perspective, map quality perspective, navigation perspective - The traditional Garmin Products are better (I own/use a Montana 650), and even better than that is a phone app like Gaia. The ability to switch back and forth between Satellite and Topo at a higher quality than what you get from Garmin, on a better screen, easier to use and navigate, and I'm carrying my phone anyways. And, you can download all the maps you need in advance so you do not need to be in cell range.

What I've taken to using: I have a Garmin watch for emergency navigation (plus a compass in the pack). I have my phone for mapping and in the field / real-time digital scouting. The InReach is 100% an emergency device for me, I do use the tracking feature, and I did like the weather feature last year for when I was out of cell range. My Montana gets left at home unless I find myself heads down staring at the screen trudging through timber / deadfall in the dark.

For the InReach to warrant an upgrade for me, here's what it'll need (Keeping in mind it is primarily an emergency device so I don't want to be using it for mapping all the time draining batteries) First - AA batteries. Second - Align the mapping capabilities (topo / satellite maps) with the garmin products as opposed to Delorme. Third - OnX / land ownership capabilities. Still, if I'm remote enough to need an emergency beacon type device - I'm not sure I ever want to use it as my primary mapping / navigation device because I want it to be there and ready if I finally need it, not batteries drained from using the map.

As of right now if I had to recommend one to anyone - I'd save some $$$ and get last year's Inreach SE. I personally am more interested in the Fenix 5x as my training watch, watch for daily wear in the backcountry, emergency navigation.

 

[Trial153]

I am going to upgrade to the plus. It won't replace my phone gps however since I am carting the weight of the inreach now I might as well upgrade and get the additional features and capabilities.

 

[Whip]

I see that Cabelas already has the SE on sale. That happens often when new and upgraded products are introduced, and is a good thing for me because I'm hoping to pick one of the old models up. I think Brenda is spot on with his thinking.
I'll watch for a few months and see if prices drop further or maybe find them starting to pop up in the classifieds as the early adapters start to upgrade.

 

[cnelk]

I have the older SE and love it.
It does what I bought it for.
I also have a Garmin GPS and it does what I bought it for.

No cell service where I hunt so I dont bother with a phone.


On a side note, DeLorme/Garmin charged me twice last month for my subscription.
So be sure to watch for that

 

[Brendan]

No cell service where I hunt so I dont bother with a phone.

You don't need cell service to use an app like Gaia. Just download the maps in advance.

 

[cnelk]

I carry 2 phones everyday at work. It's nice not to carry any when hunting.

Plus, what would I do with my Garmin GPS then?

 

[Hunter6]

I see that Cabelas already has the SE on sale. That happens often when new and upgraded products are introduced, and is a good thing for me because I'm hoping to pick one of the old models up. I think Brenda is spot on with his thinking.
I'll watch for a few months and see if prices drop further or maybe find them starting to pop up in the classifieds as the early adapters start to upgrade.

I just bought the SE From cabelas. $229 for the old model or 399 for a new one. The decision was not a hard one to make.


Follow me on Instagram @hunter_hindman

 

[colonel00]

I know a lot of people, including myself, have issues with the battery and don't want to use up battery lift that potentially could be needed in an emergency. One thought would be to have a reserve battery in the unit that was only there for emergency communication needs. Even if they came out with the option to use AA batteries, I'd still like to have some sort of onboard reserve power.

I also still agree with everyone else that I'm just not quite seeing the need to jump from the original SE. Don't get me wrong, I like seeing improvements being made and progress but it's just not quite there yet.

 

[joshmo]

I know a lot of people, including myself, have issues with the battery and don't want to use up battery lift that potentially could be needed in an emergency. One thought would be to have a reserve battery in the unit that was only there for emergency communication needs. Even if they came out with the option to use AA batteries, I'd still like to have some sort of onboard reserve power.

I also still agree with everyone else that I'm just not quite seeing the need to jump from the original SE. Don't get me wrong, I like seeing improvements being made and progress but it's just not quite there yet.

Colonel,

There actually is an unadvertised amount of additional battery life in all the models that will allow it to go past 0% if you are using it in an active sos communication. I'm not sure what that amount is, but I know it was worked in as an added security. Our first unit (the screenless version) took aa batteries. The problem we ran into was the size and weight balance that was caused by the amount of AA batteries needed for a screened unit. We opted for a stronger and smaller internal lithium ion battery that could be recharged by the users' preferred battery pack. I carry a dark energy charger that can charge my inreach around 4 times. Obviously you could use on of the smaller goal zero packs when worried about weight. This still gives you that option if ever needed. I think they just had to make the call on size vs battery preference and they went with size. I'm not sure what the future holds on that subject.
That was a long response on a cell phone so hopefully autocorrect didn't leave any weird words in there! -josh

 

[cnelk]

I took my inReach to Alaska last fall for my moose hunt.
It was AWESOME!

After 9 days in the bush and using it everyday, I still had ~20% battery life.
And the weather feature was spot on in the forecast!
When it said it was gonna rain... it rained! and when it said no rain... it didnt

I brought an external power source in case I needed it - never did.
But one thing to mention is that the InReach wont accept any USB cord, it must be the cord that comes with your unit.

 

[Trial153]

I really liked having the inreach this season .... kept the wife in the loop when I was out of service, which was often. Made for smoother sailing at home keeping in touch. Well worth the monthly expense.