Any reason not to buy a Fast Find Ranger PLB?

SPOT GEN 3 is on sale for about $100

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=230&utm_source=frontpage&utm_medium=marqueebanner&utm_campaign=spotchallenge_int&pk_campaign=spotchallenge_int&pk_kwd=marqueebanner

Mine weighs 4.15 oz with battery and 4.30 oz with battery and strap that comes with it.

Under $20 a month for connection to services, which can be terminated at end of hiking season.

I couldn't see what the FFR weighed or compare.

You probably already know this, but just in case.

Hi Ken,

Thats a well trusted unit.

Did you consider the ACR unit? If so, why are you leaning toward the Fast Find? Price point? Check out review at outdoorgearlab dot com. Mike

Prob just fine..weighs 5.8 oz.

I've used the Fast Find for a couple of years. Tough item to evaluate given that it just sits there awaiting that crucial first use. What can I say. Looks good.

My decision was simply based on weight, price and that it was certified as a PLB. I was tickled when I got it because it weighed so much less than my old ACR brick. I hope to never use it.

I think the ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS PLB comes in at 4.6 oz. I don't own one, but am looking to buy a PLB or Delorme Inreach soon.

The Ocean Signal rescueMe Personal Locator Beacon is smaller, lighter, and has a 7 year battery.

But, it’s also more expensive at $250

Thanks Keith. I don't want to buy a toy.

Everyone else. Thanks. Price is a huge factor. I do like the design. For the price I'm not too concerned that it has a 5 year instead of a 7 year battery. Especially with technology prices.

Just looking to see if anyone had a bad experience or some personal insight.

Not much faith in Outdoorgearlab reviews.

I'm sure you did the math, but perhaps others didn't ….

$180/5 years = $36

$250/7 years = $35

Make sure that the unit you are looking at has the full life of the battery still on tap. I had bought a FastFind at REI that was a great low price, until I saw the expiration date on the battery showed it was already two years into its useful life. Suddenly not such a bargain, I returned it. I ended up with the ACR and that unit had full battery life available.

Note that this is not a criticism of the unit or the manufacturer but of the amount of time that particular unit had sat on the shelf.

Also check to see if ACR has any rebates — mine did when I bought it, bringing the effective purchase price down to around $200.

Fast Find Ranger has 6 year battery life? …according to the website. The original that I have did have 5 year.

Well the one on Amazon right now has an expiration date of July 2019.

Thanks for the input everyone. I have one on the way.

Edit: 5.8 oz. in my pack.