If you own a current Explorer, the Explorer+ offers only one benefit: it can be used as a GPS even without an active service subscription. But if you would appreciate having a combined inReach/GPS, then the Explorer+ would be worth a look. GaiaGPS app) or don’t need one, then the current inReach SE will remain adequate. If you only use the inReach for text messaging, and if you have another GPS solution (e.g. It’s not a simple answer, and largely depends on your current and anticipated use, as well as your budget. If you already own an inReach SE or inReach Explorer, you may be wondering if there are compelling reasons to buy an inReach+. The new inReach Explorer+ is best compared to a conventional handheld GPS unit, but with inReach functionality. It’s like an old-school GPS unit, before they were spec’d with decent screens and maps. The inReach SE+ has basic features: a feature-less grid map, and the ability to import and create waypoints, routes, and breadcrumbs. The current SE has no mapping functionality. The new inReach SE+ is more similar to the current inReach Explorer than to the current SE. Feature a bigger screen, though the size and resolution is hardly on par with even entry-level smartphones and,.There are also a few obvious differences. The new inReach+ and current inReach units have most things in common, like:
inReach+ versus current inReach: What’s the difference? If my description of the differences was too much for you, try these executive summaries. The $80 difference between the current inReach SE and Explorer probably deters more purchases of the premium product. I almost feel that the price differential was kept intentionally small to encourage Explorer+ purchases. The SE+ retails for $400 the Explorer+, for $450. For example, it does not need to be moving to know the direction in which it is pointing. The Explorer+ has a digital compass, barometer, and accelerometer, which makes it a more powerful standalone GPS device. In this sense, they could be considered GPS units with inReach functionality. To use the Explorer+ topographic maps and the SE+ grid map, the devices must be activated initially but do not need an active service subscription. The inReach antenna can be used to pinpoint current location, rather than relying on the phone. Landsat, USGS quads - can be accessed through the Earthmate app. In the field, you can create waypoints and breadcrumb tracks, and navigate to saved features.Īdditional data tiles - e.g. Routes and waypoints can be imported to both devices through your online inReach account (formerly the DeLorme Explore portal). For navigating Europe, you can load Open Street Maps the built-in memory is sufficient for about six countries. Syncing of data requires a hard connection with a mini-USB/USB cable. USGS quads cannot be loaded onto the Explorer+, for example. However, only certain data is compatible. The Explorer+ has 2 GB of internal memory for additional map data.
no features or contour lines, just its location plus any imported or created routes, waypoints, and breadcrumbs). The SE+ is not preloaded with any mapping data, but it does have a simple grid map (i.e.
Topographic map data - specifically, DeLorme’s TOPO North America - is pre-loaded onto the Explorer+. The control buttons on the Garmin 64 and the inReach+ are arranged differently. Weight of 7.5 oz, full-color 2.3-inch screen (1.4” x 2.9”), water-resistance rated to IPX7, and battery life up to 100 hours with 10-minute tracking. They share a similar build to the popular Garmin GPSMAP 64. This assumes you have an active service plan and sufficient satellite reception. Using just the unit, or paired with a smartphone via the Earthmate app, you can send and receive text messages. The history can be helpful, but can also cause confusion.īoth new devices are two-way text messengers. To understand the inReach SE+ and Explorer+, it helps to temporarily forget what you know about the current inReach devices, which I have written about here and here. So the inReach+ models, which are the third-generation of inReach, are the first overseen by Garmin. Last week I was able to inspect them first-hand and discuss them with representatives at Outdoor Retailer (OR). The original manufacturer of the inReach, DeLorme, was purchased by Garmin a year ago. Garmin announced two new inReach devices shortly after the New Year, immediately prior to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES): The new Garmin inReach SE+ (yellow) and Explorer+ (orange) are best described as conventional handheld GPS units with satellite text messaging.