mini2 vs messenger, or ?

[Macintosh]

I have been searching, and surprisingly not seeing many posts on the pros and cons. If I missed a post feel free to link it, it did not turn up in my search.

I currently have zero communication when out of cell service. My iphone does have the satellite texting, but it is unreliable at best. Much of the area I hunt has no cell service, or spotty service at best. Looking to have a way to communicate reliably when out of cell range. Use would be a 50:50 mix of communicating to my wife who is at home and does have cell signal, as well as the other half comunicating with a partner in the field who is also using an inreach. (ex my brother has a mini2 and uses the messenger app).

If it matters, area is 100% heavily forested--if leaves are down it can be fairly open-sky, but often it is not and there is no chance to easily find open sky.

I do not need mapping, I have and use onx offline maps. I dont think I need the ability to send photos. I AM interested in sending free-form text messages (as opposed to pre-set messages) to a phone, as well as to a garmin-brand inreach device, sometimes in combination via a group text. I think I would likely use the messenger app so I could compose messages on my iphone.

I am having trouble finding much differentiation between the mini2 and the messenger model from garmin with regard to my use. I also am not clear about other brand options and whether they will allow me to easily text with a garmin-brand inreach. I am wondering which devices will do what I want, and what are the particular pros and cons of each model?

Also I've seen several mentions of steep discounts on min2, but am not seeing this online...if anyone knows of those sales still going I'd appreciate a nudge in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.

 

[HighUintas]

I do not know much about the mini2 other than it sending pictures.

I've used the messenger since it came out and it's awesome. I know I'm at least able to message other GPS communication device like SpotX, but that's the only other type I've tested.

The battery life of the messenger is fantastic and it sends messages out pretty quickly but of course will be slower when in heavy tree coverage. Heavy tree coverage will also use more battery due to it taking longer to send a message out. However, I haven't found it to be an issue. I just did a 10 day hunt, send probably 150-200 messages, and I don't think my battery went below 45-50%. A good chunk of those messages were in heavy tree cover.

It sucks to type a message on the device itself, so linking it to your App is a must, but if course you can type messages on the device all the time if needed.

The only qualm I have is that my phone will occasionally unpair from it (android pixel 7a). Not frequently though. Seems like it's happened once a year. I think it is an issue with my phone because my phone sucks.

Without even knowing what all the mini2 offers, I'd proceed with the messenger with high confidence

 

[Macintosh]

Thanks thats helpful.
Still love to hear from anyone with experience who can help differentiate.

 

[mtnbound]

I have been searching, and surprisingly not seeing many posts on the pros and cons. If I missed a post feel free to link it, it did not turn up in my search.

I currently have zero communication when out of cell service. My iphone does have the satellite texting, but it is unreliable at best. Much of the area I hunt has no cell service, or spotty service at best. Looking to have a way to communicate reliably when out of cell range. Use would be a 50:50 mix of communicating to my wife who is at home and does have cell signal, as well as the other half comunicating with a partner in the field who is also using an inreach. (ex my brother has a mini2 and uses the messenger app).

If it matters, area is 100% heavily forested--if leaves are down it can be fairly open-sky, but often it is not and there is no chance to easily find open sky.

I do not need mapping, I have and use onx offline maps. I dont think I need the ability to send photos. I AM interested in sending free-form text messages (as opposed to pre-set messages) to a phone, as well as to a garmin-brand inreach device, sometimes in combination via a group text. I think I would likely use the messenger app so I could compose messages on my iphone.

I am having trouble finding much differentiation between the mini2 and the messenger model from garmin with regard to my use. I also am not clear about other brand options and whether they will allow me to easily text with a garmin-brand inreach. I am wondering which devices will do what I want, and what are the particular pros and cons of each model?

Also I've seen several mentions of steep discounts on min2, but am not seeing this online...if anyone knows of those sales still going I'd appreciate a nudge in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.

The Messenger's antenna configuration is different; it needs to be pointing up to work best. Most folks just toss it in a pocket, and that works, but if it flips upside down or on an edge, it could affect its connectivity. Probably not a big deal, as it would only affect tracking or incoming messages, but with a Mini, you can get a holder like EXO's and attach it to your bino harness, keeping it in the proper antenna position and readily available if needed. I would use the phone app to send messages, but it's doable with the Minis keyboard, but it's like old school texting.

 

[Gingerbeardman26]

I have used a messenger for the past few years. It can be finicky to send and receive but it’s worked well for the most part. I keep it in the left little pouch on my Stone Glacier bino harness and have received messages with it in there, not pointing straight up. If I’m actively using it I pull it out and make sure I have a clear view of the sky. The only time I’ve had real issues sending or receiving was under dense canopy up on the south side of Mt St Helens.

 

[SloppyJ]

I just went through this and got the messenger on sale for $199. Supposedly the antenna is much faster, battery life is better, and has the charge back capability. So far so good, but it will start getting used on Friday. I don't think you can go wrong with either but I didn't want to deal with the extra charging of the Mini 2 for the map features that I won't use.

 

[doc holiday13]

Messenger has longer battery life and I think it can connect to cell towers vs just sending to the satellite

Mini2 can download topo maps, the messenger cannot

 

[6.5Express]

I just went through this as well and went with the messenger. I finally upgraded from the original delorme device. While I haven't field compared side by side, the specs listed better battery life, stronger antenna, and reverse charging capability and those sold it for me. I keep it in a small marsupial side pocket on my bino harness and send / receive fine through my android phone. I have not had to pull the messenger out and lay it flat for better signal yet.