Cant trust my Spot device!!!

[hflier]

DeLorme InReach hands down. 2 way communications and a screen for confirmation that your message went out. There are at least 2 long threads in the last month or 2 discussing them. Also have bluetooth connectivity to your phone for faster texting and a different interface.

Agree, mine has been flawless for the last 3 years. I would and do trust my life on it.

 

[Tony Trietch]

Mine has delivered for me.

 

[Blockcaver]

My SPOT Gen II has been flawless in BC (southern and northern), western US states and Coastal Alaska over the past 5 years and hundreds of messages sent. You need to let it run 10 minutes or more with a clear view of the sky. If you shut it off the second it goes over to the "message sent" flasher the message is likely not sent yet, at least on mine. Be patient and it works every time for me.

 

[dotman]

My spot has worked flawlessly, it doesn't give you a text message but the indicator lights work exactly the same way as a printed sent message, they let you know if the message was sent or not.

When I send a message I just leave it out until all the indicator lights show the message was sent successfully. Don't put it back in your pack to early or shut it off too early as this is why I believe a high percentage of messages don't get sent.

 

[banishd]

I have the inReach SE and it has worked well for me. Only problem I had was everyone could get messages from it except for my wife the last time I was in the backcountry for an extended time. I think it was a problem on her end as she had a test phone. I did just see a new device coming out soon that works for 2 way messaging while off the grid. It's called gotenna and runs $150 for 2. I need to look into it some more but only weighs two ounces and has 3 day battery life.

 

[colonel00]

Hmm, I would rather have radios than use that Gotenna. Not really sure where that would come in handy.

 

[banishd]

Yeah, looking at it further it doesn't have the range I would want. I used to have a ham radio and as much of a pita that was, it looks better than this for hunting. Will stick with the inReach till the next greatest thing comes along

 

[Archerm]

Took mine out this past weekend for a hike. I had it on tracking mode for the trek.

My spot has worked flawlessly, it doesn't give you a text message but the indicator lights work exactly the same way as a printed sent message, they let you know if the message was sent or not.

When I send a message I just leave it out until all the indicator lights show the message was sent successfully. Don't put it back in your pack to early or shut it off too early as this is why I believe a high percentage of messages don't get sent.

 

[xziang]

I don't mean to hijack this thread but does the DeLorme InReach require a 'monthly subscription service'? (currently researching online too)

**edited** found same question on amazon (guess this answers my question): You can find all the info on the Delorme website. http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/subscription-plans.php Plans range from $12 to $100 a month and vary as to yearly fees.

 

[COlineman78]

Yes, you can either choose monthly (which is more expensive and also requires an annual fee), or annual. I use the lowest annual, as I don't use tracking and only use the preset messages to do tracking. I also use less than 5 text messages per month, so by far the best option for my use.

 

[endorice]

Yes, you can either choose monthly (which is more expensive and also requires an annual fee), or annual. I use the lowest annual, as I don't use tracking and only use the preset messages to do tracking. I also use less than 5 text messages per month, so by far the best option for my use.

This is exactly the course I went as well. You get to send a unlimited number of "pre-set" messages which is all I really need. Works great for a reasonable monthly fee.

 

[Colberjs]

I picked up the InReach a few months ago. I've only used it one time on a river kayaking trip but it worked well. I'll put it to use during the hunting season for sure.