The personal satellite tracker market is getting crowded, and we always thought these relatively inexpensive devices are a worthy investment for pilots who fly in remote areas not served by cellular service. The latest Garmin inReach Messenger Plus—priced $200 more than the entry-level Messenger—is no exception if you can swallow the not insubstantial data costs.
Like the other inReach models in Garmin’s lineup, the latest $499.99 Messenger Plus uses the subscription-based Iridium satcomm network, and it’s optimized to also use a cellular connection from the paired smartphone. The device offers global two-way messaging capability, plus an interactive SOS function that pings Garmin’s IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Center) that’s staffed 24/7.