'New' Garmin InReach Explorer+ ? well....

[Toyark]

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/561269
Garmin has bought a part of Delorme to make their new 'SOS' device and have, it seems, incorporated the Delorme tech into a body resembling the 60 series - no satellite phone though but the ability to send sos and text messaging via $$$ subscriptions payable to Delorme not Garmin.
I found a review here

I was looking forward to it but, reading the specs of the InReach Explorer+ ...seems to me that there are a lot of functions/specs that I cannot see so the usual caveat applies. I'm guessing it is a very basic sat nav, possibly a dumbed down version of an old 60 series with heaps of features missing. So I'm disappointed. C'est la vie!

The absence of a 'Menu' key is imho not a good sign..
Specs published by Garmin

• Only 20 routes, only 500 points/favorites/locations...,
  
• No mention whether it is custom maps compatible
• Interface only usb - not NMEA 0183 compatible
• No wireless unit-to-unit transfer
• 20 routes but No mention of routing capabilities ( either tune by turn, straight line only etc)
• No area calculation facility...
• Only 2GB of built in memory with no mention of what is left as User available memory
• No mention of any internal micro-sd card either
• Topography maps are usually large... so adding some... good luck

I'm not convinced it is a 2 in 1 device - I don't think it can take road mapping and offer turn by turn either.
IMHO an 'SOS' device need be carried on ones' person, reachable especially if injured whereas a routing satnav is fine mounted on handlebars/dashboards.

Combine all that with the tiny internal memory is reason enough for me not to buy it. ...a bit like like the 'new' 276CX ...from what I've read so far which is a crying shame as I used to like my 278C and was looking forward to this one.

IMHO, best stick with the Montana 680 which is a reliable unit as is the 64ST (Note** below)
if you prefer a smaller one and buy the original InReach Explorer if you need an SOS device to keep on you in case of trouble.

Maybe this Explorer+ has been designed for those who travel on foot?
My 2 p!

**
Despite the best both can do when navigating on compass page set to CDI is to give your 'Left or Right of track' error as between zero and 250 Meters:fpalm and you'll be none the wiser how much as each dot represents 250Meters drift so....as there are 5 '+' points to the left and 5 to the right of the centre line, your drift could be up to some 1250 meters or more to the right or left of track or more if off the scale....Mamma Mia!
My 2p!

[Gipper]

+1

I too was looking forward to a new InReach product, but I am not surprised Garmin has made a hash of it, corporate bean counters targeting weekend hikers who want to carry a satellite messaging device. They would have done better to ditch the navigation function off the unit completely and at least keep it small (breast pocket sized), I prefer the old style unit over this GPS 60 sized one -especially as I will still have to use my 64s. Disappointing