Peter wrote on 5 November 2009 > PLB's vs EPIRBs ... functionally very similar I've been keeping an eye on these for a while and they are getting better & better and less expensive. The usual electronics curve, but still good to see. The smallest McMurdo unit is now really cellphone sized (140 gms or 5 oz). As you point out, a PLB with half the battery life (of an EPIRB) is a reasonable trade-off for kayakers - given that the PLB fits reasonably in/on a PFD - which EPIRBs (IMO) really can't. Andrew McCauley's device was found in the kayak - enough said. My own feeling is that 24 hours is probably my useful rescue period - the 24 to 48 hour extension isn't likely to do me much good. I'm a little concerned at the likes of SPOT diminishing the credibility of the PLB devices. From what I can make out, the SPOTs are a serious step down in quality and signal success (as they use a different sattelite system). It would be a pity to have other PLB devices relegated to 'convenince' devices from their current 'nearly an EPIRB' status. Peter, do your local PLB & EPIRB retailers hide behind the 'Local Registration' barrier to allow them to double the price on the devices - the way the NZ stores do ? (I've just checked on that McMurdo unit and it sells today in Auckland for just over 2x Westmarine's price - which could certainly be bettered online. That's outrageous.) Best Regards Paul Hayward, Auckland, New Zealand *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Nov 04 2009 - 16:20:28 PST
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