Quality ****
Reliability ****
Price/Value ****
Referability ***
Average Score-3.75 stars out of 5
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We live in an age where constant communication with each other is a must have. Lets face it, if you send a text message to someone and you don’t immediately hear back, you wonder where the heck they are and what is wrong with them. If you are a hunter, chances are you are hunting in an area that doesn’t have cell service, especially if you like to travel to the ends of the earth pursuing big game. To help keep you in contact with your loved ones wherever you are, you might want to check out the Iridium 9575 Satellite phone from Explorer Satellite Communications.
At first glance the Iridium 9575 looks more like what the first cell phones used to look like instead of a satellite phone. The phone itself is a nice size and is built rugged for your next trip. The housing is jet-water resistant, dust proof, and shock resistant. The large antenna pulls out of the top of the phone and the top swivels to ensure the antenna is pointing to the sky
The phone basically functions like a regular phone, but you have to put in a couple extra numbers depending on where you are dialing. You can also send and receive text messages on this phone. The phone quickly powers up and has very easy function. The directions say to make sure the phone has a clear view of the sky when using. I tested the phone in the woods and still received good signal. The leaves are starting to fall here now so I’m not sure how it would work in a dense forest.
What helps the Iridium 9575 is that Iridium is the only provider of truly global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the earth (including oceans, air-ways and Polar Regions). So no matter where you are you, can reach your loved ones and they can reach you.
There is also an online tracking feature where your whereabouts can be tracked.
If you sign up for Global Rescue, there is an SOS button you can hit if you are in real trouble. Hit the button and help is on the way. Global Rescue has several different service plans to buy starting at $119/week.
The Iridium 9575 is listed right now with a sale price of $1,425 or it can be rented for $85/week or $300/month. Before you head out to the field you will also need to purchase minutes. Depending on the package you get the minutes aren’t cheap, but you aren’t getting this to keep up with the local gossip while you are away.
I know most hunters might think they will only need this phone if they are in the wilds of Africa or hunting in the Great White North. I think satellite phones should be something almost any hunter should consider. Lets take my farm for example. On my hunting property it isn’t in a way far out remote area, but I still don’t have cell service. Sure I let several members of my family know where I am hunting, but they will only be concerned about my whereabouts if I don’t show up at home when I’m supposed to. If I am in the middle of the hunt and I need help, I have no way of getting it. The small size of the Iridium 9575 makes it easy to carry and gives me a little piece of mind when I’m heading to the stand.
Sure, the Iridium 9575 is an investment and you may never need it. But are you willing to make that bet?
Quality: A very well made product that can handle your next hunting trip.
Reliability: It’s a product that I would be willing to bet my safety on.
Price/Value: Sure it’s a little expensive but it’s you best insurance policy when out in the wilderness.
Referability: No, everyone probably doesn’t need a satellite phone. If you are even questioning getting one, the rental price is not that bad considering it could save your life.
