Thread: Hiring a PLB

Have any of you guys hired a PLB from macpac or where ever ?

I want to buy one but cant drop 500 odd bucks in one go on a item I wont use that often.

I know you are going to say " cant put a price on your life ", but fuck me why are they so expensive when they are so critical in a emergency ?

Another question , If heaven forbid , I do set one off in an emergency and have hired one from macpac or such place , do I have to replace the PLB as now its useless ?

I know I wont give a shit at the time of said emergency but it weighs on the mind if you know what I mean.....

Thanks

put it on the credit card and pay it off, it will give you the best chance of staying alive when shit hits the fan, unless your life isn't worth 500$ then taste the savings

I bit the bullet and got myself one, next day on a solo walk I fell on my ass. I was close to using it but luckily I had a well stocked first aid kit/pharmacy and only a few k's and lots of daylight to go.
Having it actually gave me the confidence to walk out.

Worth having, rent or buy is up to your situation just let your emergency contacts have accurate info.

My Dutch heritage and the $300 replacement battery cost also motivated me to keep walking.

A PLB is not a single use item, so don’t worry about that. The terms around activation is a good question to put to them as hirer, although I would assume that’s on them.
Hiring one is a perfectly good option, just make sure they have good intentions, who is in your party and contact details for the person you would want RCC to be able to contact in an emergency.

And you’re quite correct, they are far too expensive in New Zealand and should be at least GST exempt or better still subsidised.

There are a few club beacons as well which are another good option.

Really , I assumed once you have set off the PLB its worthless !
Whats a credit card ? I prefer to not tick things up and to live within my means.
I will hire one next time I go out as it seems to be a good investment for $15 for the day to be safe .

Would highly recommend getting in touch with @CooeeBay who is a sponsor on here. Great to deal with. SkippersMate website currently has the PLB1 for $450, which is pretty bloody sharp https://skippersmate.co.nz/ocean-sig...ocator-beacon/

In saying that, $15 is pretty reasonable for the day, but a few over nighters would soon add up. End of the day do what suits you and your financial situation. Just be sure to carefully read the fine print, and deposits etc.

Also look at https://www.locatorbeacons.co.nz/hireoutlets

Another aspect to consider is the battery life is limited and requires changing at the specified yearly interval. These can of course be changed out, most of the battery repacking outfits do them and charge for giving it the once over, (seals functionality), which is piece of mind and extends the life of the initial investment.