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Evaluation of ACR ResQLink: A Comprehensive Analysis

Essential Equipment You Should Possess: The ACR ResQLink Standouts as a Must-Have Item.

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Essential Outdoor Equipment: The ACR ResQLink Topped as a Must-Have Device You Should Consider...
Essential Outdoor Equipment: The ACR ResQLink Topped as a Must-Have Device You Should Consider Owning.

The ACR ResQLink is a must-have for any adventurer's gear collection. In a pinch, press the button and you'll be rescued from anywhere in the world. Don't risk it – if it's not in your pack, get it now.

Curious about the newer model I’m using? Check out this review: here.

Known as a "personal locator beacon," the ACR ResQLink broadcasts your exact GPS position via a worldwide distress signal, alerts search and rescue, and then saves you. It's accurate to 0.06 meters within 15 minutes – pretty impressive stuff.

Why You Need a PLB

Why rely on spotty cell phone service in the backcountry? The ACR ResQLink works anywhere in the world, even the middle of the oceans (details on that later). Don't gamble on being in cell phone range – the ACR ResQLink has got your back.

On the trail, anything can happen. I've seen my fair share of sprained ankles, people sliding down mountainsides, and hikers hitting their heads and going unconscious. Mistakes and accidents happen, it's part of life. But in the wilderness, they can be life-threatening.

If you break an ankle at home, you can rest, watch TV, and put your leg up. If you break it during a hike and can't walk, you might have to crawl back for hours. A fall in the wilderness could mean death. The ACR ResQLink costs a few dollars, but it's worth every penny to ensure you make it back home. Don't be the guy who wishes they'd spent the money on a PLB before the hike.

Having a ACR ResQLink in your pack is the insurance policy that ensures you get to go back to your life and see your friends and family again.

I can personally attest to this. A couple years ago, I was the subject of a major rescue in the north woods of Maine. I fell in a boulder field, lost consciousness, couldn't walk… My companions waited for hours, not knowing what to do, as I degraded into hypothermia. We were deep in a ravine, miles from the nearest road and towns. They finally got through using a cell phone after two hours. The net-net was that it took 10 hours from the time of the accident until I arrived at the hospital. It was a near-death experience and the rescuers knew it.

What a PLB Is NOT

Having the ACR ResQLink doesn't mean you can be ill-prepared, take risks, or be lazy. Some people use their PLB as an excuse to be careless. Given my years and thousands of miles of hiking, I've never had to activate my PLB.

In general, you should only activate your ACR ResQLink when:

  • You or someone in your party is in immediate life-threatening danger.
  • Getting a rescue is quicker or safer than hiking out.
  • You are unable to stop the life-threatening danger on your own.
  • You’ve been lost and out of contact for over 24 hours.

ACR electronics has been making GPS rescue beacons for years, but for boats (they're called EPIRBs). Boaters who sail across oceans use them. If they were 3000 miles offshore and something went wrong, they could hit a button and alert a rescue. This technology has been around for years, but as it got smaller, ACR was able to put all of that functionality into a package the size of a computer mouse – the ACR ResQLink.

Register the device with the government when you first get it. Search and rescue uses this info if your unit is activated. Use it worldwide – if you activate it outside of the USA, the signal is sent to the NOAA, who then notify the local authorities wherever you are. All of this is free outside the purchase cost of the unit.

Press the button when you're in immediate danger, and the beacon sends a distress signal to satellites orbiting the earth. They'll have your GPS position and information about you (that you provided when you first registered it). At that point, the beacon also starts emitting a local homing signal that guides rescuers to your specific position if you're stuck in a ravine, for example.

ACR also does a cool thing: if you use their product for a rescue, and you share your story, they'll replace your unit for free. Check out all the survivor stories on their site: https://www.acrartex.com/survivor-stories/

The ACR ResQLink+ is waterproof and buoyant. And it's about $10 more. For $10, you get peace of mind knowing it'll work if you're wet or fall in the water. Worth it.

The battery life is a topic of debate in some reviews, but ACR reports that most battery issues occur because people test the unit more than once. The user manual mentions that you should only perform the test once. Generally, the battery is designed to last five years. When the time is up, you'll need to go to an authorized service center (or send it there) to replace the battery, which costs between $100-150 bucks. The battery replacement includes full testing and diagnostics. Not cheap, but again, it's your life that we're talking about.

Given its worldwide coverage and small size, it doesn't hurt to keep the ACR ResQLink with you always, especially when traveling. I carry mine on hikes and in my laptop backpack. If my car runs off the road, if my plane crashes, etc., I can signal for help.

I am a retired US Coast Guard rescue pilot with over 30 years aviation experience (Alaska - Pacific Northwest) and currently flying HEMS in the Rocky Mountains. Knowing the vital importance of a 406mhz beacon in a rescue situation, the ACR ResQLink offers optimum alert and rescue resource dispatch in an emergency. Its small size and unmatched capability give the individual the best chance of rescue regardless of climate, place, or physical capacity. Well done! – ACR ResQLink Reviewer

I own a SPOT. It's alright, but it's not as reliable as the ACR ResQLink. ACR has been making these for aircraft and ocean-going boats for years, and I know that professional sailors, law enforcement, and various outdoors professionals use ACR products. I haven't seen any who use SPOT. Go with the ACR ResQLink – it's industrial strength and I feel good about depending on it. Plus, it has no annual fees like the SPOT.

Unlike the SPOT, ACR ResQLink+ does not have all the frills, it is to be used in an emergency only so you are not killing your battery sending text messages. SPOT requires a membership/annual fee, and it has limited coverage. ACR ResQLink+ can be used anywhere on Earth.

Please checkout my review of the newer model here. It's still a great tool to have in the backcountry.

  1. In the wilderness, the ACR ResQLink serves as an essential piece of outdoor gear, broadcasting your GPS position worldwide and alerting search and rescue teams during emergencies.
  2. When navigating trails, even the most seasoned hikers can encounter unexpected difficulties, such as accidents or life-threatening situations. The ACR ResQLink offers peace of mind, ensuring help is just a button press away in these moments.
  3. The ACR ResQLink's compact size and advanced technology make it ideal for a range of sports and outdoor activities, from hiking to backpacking, mountain climbing, and exploring forested wilderness areas.
  4. In the realm of gadgets and technology designed for adventurers, the ACR ResQLink stands out as a vital safety tool that can potentially save lives. Combined with proper preparation, caution, and following established safety guidelines, this device offers unparalleled support for outdoor enthusiasts.
  5. When coupled with a smartphone, the ACR ResQLink becomes an indispensable companion for those who love the outdoors. Whether summiting mountains, navigating dense forests, or braving the wilderness, the ACR ResQLink ensures you'll always have a reliable means of communication and rescue – should the need arise.

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