As an Outfitter, Safety is my number 1 concern on any hunt. Not only for clients, but for my guides as well. We often hunt rough terrain for Elk and Muleys and often spend alot of time in the Backcountry far beyond cell service range. The Zoleo keeps me and my guys in touch throughout the hunt and ensures good communication and updates. A few of our team run the InReach, but there are a few reasons why alot of us use the Zoleo over others.
#1. Price point. Its half the cost of some of the others, and has the same functionality aside from needing to use the app to text vs having a screen and keys on the device itself like the InReach Xplorer +, which isn't really an inconvenience.
#2. Our Zoleos send and recieve messages alot faster than the Garmin products, and the App itself is super easy to use.
#3. You don't have to text someone first in order for them to reach out to you like the Garmin. And the App shows you anyone in your phonebook that has a Zoleo as well.
#4. The battery life on the Zoleo is absolutely amazing and lasts for up to 10 days at times before needing to charge it. Obviously the cold and how much your using it can affect the battery but it still lasts longer than other devices that we've used.
#5. Customer service is amazing, and there are no hidden fees or surprises on your invoice each month.
#6. The monthly plans are affordable, and it's worth paying for the unlimited plan during hunting season, then deactivating your service and only having to pay right around 6 bucks a month in the off season to keep your phone number.
All in all, this is a must have for the serious hunter. It has a built in SOS function on the device or through the app for those "uh oh" moments but knock on wood, we've never had to use it thus far. 10/10 would highly recommend this device!