Acr bivy stick

[Stabi]

I recently got a BIVY stick for satellite communication when I am out of cell range. If your phone is lost, it can be used stand alone. A subscription is required, but I think their plans are very reasonable in order to ensure communications at all times.

We have used an InReach for about 9 years and have used it all over the world. Lately I have had some problems with my InReach device mysteriously disconnecting via bluetooth to my phone. Delorme was always helpful, Garmin's attitude was just buy a new device, even when we are in the wilds of Alaska with nowhere to do that.
Since I am not a big fan of Garmin, I would like to give ACR BIVY stick a try. They seem to use the same satellite network, Iridium, so I assuming that the service would be about the same. Is that a correction assumption?
One of the problems / irritants with the InReach was when someone sent a long message that was longer than 160 characters, it would arrive out of sync, does the same happen with the BIVY stick?
Any known pros or cons?
Thanks

 

[Fletcher500]

I believe your comments about Sat coverage are correct, but that is not my field of expertise so I will defer to others who know more.

I bought the Bivy a couple months ago, and have only tested it a few times. I sent texts to 5 different people and all were promptly received with no character jumble.

You receive a credit of x messages per month, but the non used ones carry over so I am building up quite a few in the offseason when I am not using it.

 

[DDW]

We have used an InReach for about 9 years and have used it all over the world. Lately I have had some problems with my InReach device mysteriously disconnecting via bluetooth to my phone. Delorme was always helpful, Garmin's attitude was just buy a new device, even when we are in the wilds of Alaska with nowhere to do that.

That's Garmin for you. It was not a happy day for users when Garmin acquired DeLorme. There are other Iridium messengers beyond Garmin and ACR to look at as well.

Since I am not a big fan of Garmin, I would like to give ACR BIVY stick a try. They seem to use the same satellite network, Iridium, so I assuming that the service would be about the same. Is that a correction assumption?
One of the problems / irritants with the InReach was when someone sent a long message that was longer than 160 characters, it would arrive out of sync, does the same happen with the BIVY stick?
Any known pros or cons?
Thanks

Same satellite network and same limitations on messaging I believe, which is based on SMS and limited to 160 characters.