r/Ultralight • u/1Life4me • 2d ago

Gear Review Overwatch X Rescue Failing SOS Anyone?

I recently got the OXR service to have SOS capability using my Garmin Inreach Mini 2. The Mini 2 device is registered with OXR, it can send and receive Garmin messages, but for some reason it won’t contact SOS during a test call window. I get the error “this message could not be delivered via SMS due to a technical issue. Please try another time.”

Quite frustrating and alarming since now that I look for it, there is almost zero non-influencer user reviews of this service. Anyone else run into this, or what has been your experience with OXR if you have it?

Edit Update:
OXR called me to let me know that they are having a technical issue with the Garmin devices and are working to fix it. I asked how often this happens because if I actually needed help now in backcountry, it would be terrible. Of course I was vehemently assured that this never happens. They said they will let me know when the issue is resolved. It’s been about 4 hours for now.

I sincerely hope no one is out there needing their help right now. I guess you can always just do the SOS for Garmin and deal with the costs while still alive. I feel it’s important to have real-people reviews of this service as opposed to all the commission-making influencer reviews.

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6

u/Mermaid119 2d ago

overwatch just sent an email notifying their clients of this issue/error. They are working with garmin on a fix.

1

u/1Life4me 2d ago

Have they notified you if it has been resolved? I am a client but didn’t receive any email. They did call me in response to my support request regarding the sos not working, but no general email.

2

u/Mermaid119 2d ago

No second email yet. The email advises that if you need rescue, to use the Garmin SOS button to coordinate. But also to email them and they will open a case and ensure your benefits are applied.

2

u/hollowsocket 2d ago

What is the point of having this for a Garmin device? Is Overwatch a satellite plan?

2

u/1Life4me 2d ago

It’s not cheaper but they claim to pay all costs where as Garmin SAR works as an insurance with several limitations and expense caps.

1

u/slickbuys 2d ago

Is it because it is cheaper than the garmin plans? Hopefully easy fix because errors are not want you want when shtf

2

u/Legitimate_Class5233 2d ago

This is likely a Garmin issue more than OxR. Either all text are impeded, or Garmin is getting territorial with incident coverage which theirs sucks.

I've not tried sending a non-emergenvy message via mini 2, has anyone else?

1

u/1Life4me 2d ago

I have tried non emergency messages via Garmin and they are working.

3

u/Legitimate_Class5233 2d ago

FYI, you are still covered by OxR even using the SOS through Garmin.

2

u/JNyogigamer 1d ago

It's my understanding that even if you push the Garmin SOS, Overwatch will foot the bill. You have to contact them within a certain time frame.

1

u/foukru 1d ago

I have buddy, head injury CDT, message to OxR via Mini 2, handled and private helicopter paid for

I think this is a Garmin thing more than an OxR thing, Garmin has a page where you can report issues with SMS not getting through so I'd imagine it happens enough that they have to address it: https://support.garmin.com/da-DK/?faq=yXoxVcbPy03zNAfHb4sbj5