Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Updated* Initial review. I activated it with my Iphone X and set up the subscription. I chose the $35 a month for the 250 messages. I had my girlfriend and close friends download the ZOLEO app as well and it works like a charm (similar to WHATS APP). No hiccups. Ive tested the the sat connection and it had no problem locating and sending/receiving a message within 5-30 seconds with partly cloudy skies. Things I love 1. 900+ plus characters per message if you message someone that has the app (free). 160 characters when sending messages via txt. 2. Confirmation that the message was sent and received when messaging within the app. 3. Physical SOS and CHECK IN (includes coordinates) on device in case of smart phone failure. 4. 200 hour battery life checking messages every 12 minutes. 5. Can update software via satellite 6. Iridium satellite network (same network as Garmin) 7. $200 for unit 8. 150 g/ 5.3 oz Unit is small and light weight while still being durable and weather proof. It fits in my hydration vest for longer trail runs. 9. Checkin location was within 10 yards when I tested it. Cons 1. Obvious one is not being able to write a a message with the device by itself. Not a big deal for me as I prefer the ease of using my phone and feel safe with the designated SOS and CHECK IN buttons but I could see this being a deal breaker for some people. 2. No maps or tracking. Not a problem as I use an actual map/compass and a gps app on my phone to track. I don’t want to rely on anything with a battery for navigation and neither should you. 3. New company- this being a new product to the market (January 2020) I can see why people would be hesitant to trust it with there life. I get that. I’ve heard people wanting to see how plays out. I can’t convince you that this thing is bullet proof because I just haven’t had enough time with it in the field but everything so far has worked seamless. App is near perfect. This is a complete product. Would I recommend this over the Garmin 2 way communicators? Yes, I would. When researching 2 way communicators I was pretty set on the Garmin mini or explorer+ (I actually have a Garmin explorer+ that I have to return) but heard very mixed reviews online and from friends. There systems seem outdated and glitchy. Messages not being received/disappearing. Also I don’t really need the gps functions as my phone is way more accurate. Also Garmins are expensive $450 even on sale $350! The plans are less value too than ZOLEO. To top it off I’ve heard horrible things about there customer service. Granted I haven’t had to deal with ZOLEOs customer service yet but they have a 24/7 customer service number and hopefully because there a smaller company they care more about there customers. Summary So far I am very impressed by this little device and I am glad I found it when I did. It fits my criteria perfectly and I assume it will for a lot of people out there. I see this thing becoming very popular in the future. I will update this review in a couple months. Cheers! Updated review. * * * * * Ok so I’ve used the device a good amount over the last several months. Here’s my take. Still 5 stars. Here’s just some tips I’ve learned. 1. Ok I’m not gonna go into too much detail because It will get confusing but I would recommend calling the ZOLEO customer service and talking to them about billing and how suspending and reactivating your account works. After the first 3 months you are really paying per day.. I use the $35 plan so I’m really paying about a dollar a day that I have it activated. If I get back from a trip and I’m going to be home for at least a week I’ll suspend it ($4). So for you frugal folk this allows great flexibility. When I go on trips back to back with a few day in between I don’t mess with it. 2. Battery life and intervals (checking for messages). Battery life is good but not as good as they advertise. If you have it on 12min intervals 24/7 it will drain in a few days. While backpacking I’ll have it on 60 min intervals and when I make camp I’ll put it on manual. This conserves battery really well. And manual is the best way to have an efficient conversation. 3. The sos guard clasp is too loose so I taped over it with gorilla tape just to make sure I don’t accidentally press it (heard enough stories). If there are kids present this is a must. Still easily accessible in emergency. Overall I’m still really impressed with this device and I would pick it over anything else currently on the market. Great customer service and reliable.