Novice here, less than 60 days on my first implant. I’m not as wordy or linky as some of my betters here, but I’ll try to answer a few general questions.
Where to install? I went with P0 of my left hand for the first, an xSIID. I’m right handed, so like many others, I wanted to be able to interact with the implant with my dominate hand. In general, it sounds like P0 installs are the easiest just due to lack of possible interactions with bones/blood vessels.
Map of installers - I’m going to put this out there and hopefully not get burned…but I did my install at home and would recommend it to others. For a flex install, or an install in an odd location, I would 100% find a trained professional. For a P0 x-series install, I believe anyone with a mind for cleanliness and the ability to follow instructions can do it. Now, I’m not recommending a self install - find a friend, spouse, or family member to do it. As long as everything is sterile, and the friend has watched videos and pinches the skin properly, you should be G2G.
What to install? Personally, I ordered the xSIID xEM combo kit. I’ve yet to install the xEM as I’ve found high frequency solutions that work with my xSIID for EVERYTHING I’ve wanted to do. Gun safe? Check. Garage door opener? Check. Contact card sharing? Check. Login to my computer? Check. Blinky? Double check. I just don’t have a use case currently for a low frequency implant other than my Hornady safe, and based on feedback here I’m not convinced the x-series form factor will even work with it. And my work access requires an iCLASS, which is a while nother implant.
How bad is the install? Well…it depends on the person I think. I have a bad vasovagal response (means I faint) that I developed sometime in my twenties for no reason at all. I use to give two pints of blood frequently, and now have to focus on my breathing to avoid passing out for any blood draws. My install didn’t really hurt - like others, I’d describe it as a quick bee sting. However, my mind kicked in and I became dizzy, sweaty, and nearly passed out. Whisky helped. So, if you aren’t a wimp with a weird reflex like me, it’ll be a quick poke and you’ll be on to better things.