Mcmurdo Fastfind MaxG

richardjawilson · 02 March 2011, 18:06

Hi there

I was thinking of getting one of these. Does anyone have any thoughts?

I prefer the PLB route compared to EPIRB just because its more portable.

Budget about £300 ish

Thanks Richard

willk · 02 March 2011, 18:22

They have the obvious advantage of being buoyant. I went for the smaller (much smaller) Fastfind 210 which isn't but as it has circa mobile phone dimensions, WILL be on my person if I go over the side. It gets great mileage when I'm hillwalking solo too.

Channel Ribs · 02 March 2011, 18:54

The PLB210 has an optional buoyant sleeve, but the specs for the Max-G are below. Just in budget at £290 delivered.

http://www.mcmurdo.co.uk/products/pr...r=3&product=99

BogMonster · 03 March 2011, 00:24

I looked at it and ended up thinking I'd get the Fastfind 210 as well. I haven't got past the thinking about it stage mind you, but that's what I'll get at some stage before I venture too far afield.

SPR · 03 March 2011, 01:13

I think there a bulk buy thread on the 210 - Last year

I have the 210 and is nice n dinky...just make sure you get one with GPS built in to it.

S.

Channel Ribs · 03 March 2011, 07:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I looked at it and ended up thinking I'd get the Fastfind 210 as well. I haven't got past the thinking about it stage mind you, but that's what I'll get at some stage before I venture too far afield.

I could probably be persuaded to throw in a free floating pouch, when the time comes.

Razorbill RIBs · 03 March 2011, 07:58

210's (GPS) here too....Nice and small, mine is in a pouch on my LJ with a safety lanyard attached from inside the pouch to the unit....

Recently bought a new 'unwanted gift' 210 (GPS) on here for the wife too.....although when she'll be getting back in a kayak i'm not sure....only three months to go before the new arrival....

PeterM · 03 March 2011, 11:42

[QUOTE=Razorbill RIBs;391009] 210's (GPS) here too....Nice and small, mine is in a pouch on my LJ with a safety lanyard attached from inside the pouch to the unit....

Recently bought a new 'unwanted gift' 210 (GPS) on here for the wife too.....although when she'll be getting back in a kayak i'm not sure....only three months to go before the new arrival....

[/QUOTE

Your getting a new Kayak in 3 months !!!.... nice move

Seriously - I ot a 210 with GPS as part of the bulk buy - £150 so a very good price. I never go out without it. Seems to do all the 'bigger' stuff does but cheaper and takes up less pocket space. I seem to recall its 406 & 121.5 but only has the fact its 121.5 in very small print .

Cypman · 03 March 2011, 11:49

I have the 210 with GPS and flotation jacket!! It is very compact and is worn on every trip.
There is a guy on Ebay (in Falmouth) who regularly has this model for sale (new) from £80, just search "Fastfind 210".

Channel Ribs · 03 March 2011, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cypman

There is a guy on Ebay (in Falmouth) who regularly has this model for sale (new) from £80, just search "Fastfind 210".

Not very high feedback for a regular seller?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Personal-Locat...-/330537222543

Maybe a different seller in that area with 210s for sale.

Poly · 03 March 2011, 12:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I looked at it and ended up thinking I'd get the Fastfind 210 as well. I haven't got past the thinking about it stage mind you, but that's what I'll get at some stage before I venture too far afield.

Steven - whats the satellite coverage like in your part of the world. I know its patchy over the poles - are you close enough that this is a problem?

BogMonster · 03 March 2011, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Steven - whats the satellite coverage like in your part of the world. I know its patchy over the poles - are you close enough that this is a problem?

I think it's OK for distress coverage - remember we're only as far south as London is north - 52 deg S.

The GPS coverage is excellent - have had 12 satellites at once on my handheld eTrex on more than one occasion

Razorbill RIBs · 03 March 2011, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

Your getting a new Kayak in 3 months !!!.... nice move

I'm considering paddling to Panama myself....I'm sure the ante-natal classes we went to last time mentioned a 'blooming' stage

Poly · 03 March 2011, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I think it's OK for distress coverage - remember we're only as far south as London is north - 52 deg S.

The GPS coverage is excellent - have had 12 satellites at once on my handheld eTrex on more than one occasion

Ah OK, it was the Spot messenger coverage I was thinking of which was ropey:

http://www.theinfomine.com/2011/02/1...-communicator/

willk · 03 March 2011, 21:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

remember we're only as far south as London is north - 52 deg S.

As I keep reminding anyone who'll listen to me, Thank God for the Gulfstream Current. We're up there (55N) on the same latitude as Moscow and Newfoundland, but look at the climate we have! Wicked.

BogMonster · 08 March 2011, 17:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Ah OK, it was the Spot messenger coverage I was thinking of which was ropey:

http://www.theinfomine.com/2011/02/1...-communicator/

The only available distress option here is "send helicopter" so I think I'll stick with a PLB

You're right though, Spot misses my bit of sea completely.

Pikey Dave · 08 March 2011, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

The only available distress option here is "send helicopter" so I think I'll stick with a PLB

I thought it was "send Navy,Paras & Harriers"

Channel Ribs · 08 March 2011, 17:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I thought it was "send Navy,Paras & Harriers"

Are there any left?

willk · 08 March 2011, 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

Are there any left?

Don't tell him, Pike(y)!

Those Channelers might be looking around for Lebensraum.

SPR · 08 March 2011, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Ah OK, it was the Spot messenger coverage I was thinking of which was ropey:

http://www.theinfomine.com/2011/02/1...-communicator/

Yes - a bit ropey down there, but there been launching new satellites and installing new ground stations to enhance coverage - latest map I been given is [here]

New product coming out later this month: SPOT Connect - basicly a Satellite Modem for your smart phone - and when phone goes flat you have the device to send S0S Message like the SPOT 2.....price not been released. a preview of it can be found [here]

SPOT 1 and SPOT 2 are good products, I sold quite few of them since they came out, including 120 units of SPOT 2's to a large oil company !

S.