Spot VS Garmin Mini

Tcatt

FNG
Joined
Dec 27, 2022
Messages
52
I’ve done some research on both of these but what are your opinions on the two? Which do you guys prefer? The spot seems like it would be simple and to the point. Thanks for any advice!!
 

S&S Archery (Rob)

WKR
Rokslide Sponsor
Joined
Oct 19, 2015
Messages
633
Location
Boise, Idaho
I switched from the Spot to the Garmin after 3 consecutive years of increasing subscription costs. After 5 years now, i have yet to see Garmin increase my monthly bill. Still $12 per month, and happy to pay the overages in Sept and Oct. Also, love the new messenger app. One last benefit, for me anyway, is that it pairs to my watch and lets me read and send messages without taking the mini out of my lid. And since we are a Garmin dealer ill admit that i am bias, and also mention that they are on sale right now. Get the Mini 2, much better battery life.

 

jodafo

FNG
Joined
Dec 4, 2021
Messages
14
I used a spot for one season, it was basically useless. I just bought a zoleo and they're awesome. I was texting in a canyon from a very small clearing without a hitch. It uses the same network as the garmin I think.
 

Ron.C

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 25, 2021
Messages
271
Location
Vancouver Island British Columbia
Used the spot, switched to inreach and been happy with no complaints thus far. Never not been able to send/receive messages. I use the mini and mostly use it paired to my smartphone.

Zoleo wasnt an option when I got my inreach, but I hear allot of ex inreach users prefer the zoleo.
 
OP
Tcatt

Tcatt

FNG
Joined
Dec 27, 2022
Messages
52
Thanks for the replies! Definitely checking in to Zoleo.
 

bj00pb

FNG
Joined
Feb 10, 2020
Messages
31
I've used SPOT for a few years. I'm done with it and switching to Zoleo. 1 of my hunting partners who uses Inreach mini sends and receives messages quicker and with more reliability than my SPOT does..... as we're both side by side in a tent or around the campfire etc. I really like SPOTs design (although bigger) with the keypad on the face so I didn't have to take a phone if I didn't want, but the way it performed for me wasn't good at all. After a lot of research I decided on Zoleo over Inreach. Hopefully that will work for my situation, and do the things I'd like it to do. Price and plan was a big factor... this fall I'll see if I made the correct choice! Good luck
 

Ehiggins

WKR
Joined
Dec 15, 2014
Messages
335
I bought a ZOLEO last year. My buddies all have an inReach. Last year elk hunting they had several issues of messages not sending, being delayed, etc compared to no issues with the ZOLEO which was very easy to use.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Mar 15, 2016
Messages
663
Location
Boulder, Wy.
ZOLEO is awesome,,, replaced a broken inReach with it,, much quicker and simple to use,, never a issue with mine,, going on 3 years and I send a lot of messages and use it year round,,, ice fishing, hiking cutting wood, its with me almost every day.
 

hikenhunt

WKR
Joined
Jan 28, 2013
Messages
419
Location
WA
I switched from spot to inreach mini after the spot satelitte network went down while i was on a 3 day trip and was supposed to be checking in everyday. Have had the mini for several years now and its been great
 

Sanchez

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 23, 2019
Messages
137
I have an in reach and spot. I always use the spot as it has been 100% reliable and is simple. I can do everything I need with it. Two OK messages means I got an animal down.

The In Reach was complicated and the screen was to small.
 
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