As a Inreach Mini owner Ive been interested in the latest Garmin inreach satelite messenger model, the 66i. Purely to see what I’m missing out on
Its got some advantages over the mini but also some disadvantages.
- mini-.png (15.01 KiB) Viewed 11531 times
- 66i.png (28.9 KiB) Viewed 11531 times
66i Advantages
- Faster locking GPS. Due to multiple GNSS support. (this is significant because getting a gps lock on the mini can be tough in challenging terrain like ravines and deep valleys.)
- Colour topo maps for navigation on device
- Typing msgs on the device is easier than on the mini, with a larger screen it can display all the alphabet at once. Both devices allow pairing to phone for much easier typing.
- More memory. Can hold many more routes and waypoints in device memory. 1000 vs 20 on the mini.
- Altimeter and barometer.
66i Disadvantages
- No satellite weather forecast. This is a big one. 66i requires access to wifi or mobile phone data to obtain weather info. Not great if your somewhere where a change in the weather could put your safety at risk. Initially Garmin said this would be added later but now all mention is removed from Garmin sites.
- Weight and size. Its 241 grams vs the minis 100 grams.
- Battery. 66i has 200 hours at 30 min tracking. Mini has 24 days at 30 min tracking. (this is going off the Garmin site, real life is less from my experience with mini)
- Cost. Inreach mini is $499 RRP. 66i is $899 RRP. Can likely get both a bit cheaper if you wait for specials
Everything else is largely the same. Both can do sos/msging/tracking etc.
My take.
My opinion, if your doing your nav on a smart phone or paper map and relying on the inreach for satelite sos and messaging/tracking then likely the mini would be best.
If your wanting an all in one nav/sos/sat msging/tracking then go with the 66i but keep in mind the screen on the 66i is smaller than large smart phones so you will see less of the map. Also the battery on the 66i is not going to last as long especially if your using it for significant nav as well. (can top up both devices with a powerbank).
