Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Much more assured solo hiking and camping with this PLB. Before purchasing, read online reviews and watched you tube reviews on this beacon. Everything described on the packaging is accurate. The beacon came perfect in the box and had a recent 'freshness' date (manufactured Nov 2014). According to instructions in the packaging, the battery has a shelf life of 12 years, although others report only a 5 year shelf life. The more you test it, the shorter the life. The specs speak for themselves and you can review this yourself. Some points to consider: 1) This is a one use item. Once you use it, you have to send it back to the manufacturer to replace the battery (its not user replaceable). I'm not saying you have to throw it away (disposable), just that the battery will run for 24 hours or until turned off and you shouldn't stake your life on half a battery. I am not an electrical engineer but maybe a half spent battery would affect the PLB's ability to transmit the signals and such. 2) You must register it with NOAA. There are warning all over this thing about how illegal it is to activate this device in a non emergency situation. From what I can remember warnings are 1)on the outside of the box, 2) there is an insert inside the box, 3) and its even taped to the device itself. This is an all or nothing device. You activate it, and people are coming, period. There are no take backs (SAR is coming, choppers, mountain rescue, coast guard, etc.). I'm assuming they would be pissed if you just twisted your ankle or had your 2 year old nephew activate it at a birthday party (I think they stick you with the response bill in form of a fine). I registered the PLB with NOAA (required) and received my authorization sticker within 4 days (you have to put it on the device) like an car registration tag. 3) Here is something I did not know, and no one has seemed to mention. If you use this device in an actual emergency (life threatening or immanent danger) the company will replace the device for FREE. Yes for FREE. Enough said with that. That makes this a great deal. In conclusion, I am a solo hiker and camper and go into the wilderness for long periods at a time. If I have insurance on my cars, my house, my health, against disability, and in case of my death, shouldn't I have some sort of insurance regarding staying alive? It was an easy choice. Hope this review helped.