Inreach or Spot X

[littlehoe]

I bought the spot x last summer and we used it up north here in Saskatchewan. It seemed to work really well, not nearly as quick as a cell phone but all the messages went through and I was able to receive messages back as well. We went with the basic plan and there was a promo when I bought so we paid $140 with the initial fee and taxes included.... I am hoping they will be like Sirius when it comes time to renew and I can get a better price than what they show, but if I do have to pay full price it won't be the end of the world for peace of mind.

 

[skegpro]

Using the app on his phone and contact list. I assume as much. Either way, it soured my experience with spot.

Well, spot x never had Bluetooth on last year's model so there was no way to use the spot app.
Might have been part of your buddies problem.

Something you can do with this year's new model.

 

[LMLCHEVY]

I bought the spot x last summer and we used it up north here in Saskatchewan. It seemed to work really well, not nearly as quick as a cell phone but all the messages went through and I was able to receive messages back as well. We went with the basic plan and there was a promo when I bought so we paid $140 with the initial fee and taxes included.... I am hoping they will be like Sirius when it comes time to renew and I can get a better price than what they show, but if I do have to pay full price it won't be the end of the world for peace of mind.

You won’t get it for cheaper. I already called and complained about paying the same for two way as one way subscription. They don’t care.
That’s why I’m dumping my og spot.

 

[Dawizman]

Well, spot x never had Bluetooth on last year's model so there was no way to use the spot app.
Might have been part of your buddies problem.

Something you can do with this year's new model.

Never said spot x, was a spot 3 IIRC. Either way, only takes one negative experience to turn a guy towards something else, especially after having such positive results with the inreach.

 

[Quicksand]

Yeah I bought it just to see what it was all about. It's a good device. Nothing like the old spots.

You guys really shouldn't be dettering guys from buying a spot x unless you have some first hand kind of experience with them that is negative.

The inreach is nice but is just about 3x the price.
As are the plans.

If guys are not willing to spend on the inreach I would still rather them have a spot x than nothing.

But hey I guess everyone just wants to be a brand ambassador.

Show me where the plans are more than spot. looks pretty comparable to me

Spot $11.95USD/month, yearly plan + $19.95USD activation fee
Garmin $14.95CAD/month, yearly plan + $19.95CAD activation fee

 

[skegpro]

Never said spot x, was a spot 3 IIRC. Either way, only takes one negative experience to turn a guy towards something else, especially after having such positive results with the inreach.

Yeah as long as you have something and know how to use it, all that matters.

I hated the old spots too.

 

[skegpro]

Show me where the plans are more than spot. looks pretty comparable to me

Spot $11.95USD/month, yearly plan + $19.95USD activation fee
Garmin $14.95CAD/month, yearly plan + $19.95CAD activation fee

Inreach you don't get the tracking until you go up one service plan.

Spots 10min tracking is included in the basic plan. Family can wat you on the app or website.

If your not comparing features then yes they are the same price, basic to basic but the features are not.

Both work good, get what your more comfortable with.

 

[Quicksand]

I agree something is better than nothing and get whatever you feel is right for you. My spot has worked flawlessly for the 6-7 years I've had it. (other than it never sent out messages when turning it on momentarily to send one then turning it back off again, don't do that, it needs to stay on for a while EVEN AFTER the message says it's been sent) I just feel it's not worth the money I'm paying for the service I'm getting.

If I could cut the features down in the spot and pay $80/year or less, I'd keep it. I cant use custom messages with my spot2, I don't need unlimited predefined messages and I don't need tracking intervals. Yet they make you pay for all of it. The custom message thing really pises me off because my spot doesn't even have the ability to do it. THAT'S THE ONE FEATURE WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY. Try calling them and they basically tell you to pay up or get bent. Done with spot

The basic plan from garmin is more than I'd use until we have an issue on the hill and needed 2-way comms. At that point I'd gladly pay whatever overages were needed. Plus I've heard nothing but good from the customer service side of garmin

 

[LMLCHEVY]

Show me where the plans are more than spot. looks pretty comparable to me

Spot $11.95USD/month, yearly plan + $19.95USD activation fee
Garmin $14.95CAD/month, yearly plan + $19.95CAD activation fee

$1 more a month and ~$6 more activation so yeah their close.

In-reach mini is $150 more than the spot X though so re-thinking that maybe I’ll just buy a spot X and switching to the $11.95 US plan.

Anyone want to buy an OG spot?

 

[skegpro]

Did a firmware upgrade on my spot x after it sat all summer , man did they ever do a good job of upgrading the tracking app/ web interface.

Pretty awesome way for folks at home to keep an eye on you.

 

[CJD]

I bucked up and bought an inreach last season. The features and services seam good. The peace of mind is excellent.

 

[skegpro]

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FYI, some new information for anyone comparing between the two. & also a heads up to those with an inReach.

Not sure what value they feel they’re bringing for a 67% increase!?! I just want to hit SOS if needed, send a message if I’m going to be later &/or be able to get a flight out if needed. I guess it’s a necessary evil to be protected in the back country.

Dirty.
I imagine spot will follow suite here shortly.

For that price you may as well get the sat phone.

 

[firstdoo]

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FYI, some new information for anyone comparing between the two. & also a heads up to those with an inReach.

Not sure what value they feel they’re bringing for a 67% increase!?! I just want to hit SOS if needed, send a message if I’m going to be later &/or be able to get a flight out if needed. I guess it’s a necessary evil to be protected in the back country.

What plan is that for? Garmin is still showing annual plans priced at $15/35/65 and freedom plans at $20/45/80 (Canadian) on their website. I just picked up an Inreach Mini. I’m going to sign up for the annual basic $15/month plan.

 

[skegpro]

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Alright, so what they’re quoting here is the “Annual Program Fee” for the price change. The monthly & annual plans are circled & in the fine print, regardless of the “Freedom” or “Annual” plan - you’re paying a program fee once per year it looks like. Unless you guys read it differently. Right now, it shows as: $29.95, going up to $49.95 on January 4, 2021 dependent which subscription type you go with. So, you mention you just bought one - I guess you should get ‘er activated before the price increase takes effect.

Or return it and get a spot.

 

[S.W.A.T.]

They didn't bump up my prices

 

[firstdoo]

Ah. It’s the activation fee that you pay every for being on the freedom plan. My understanding is if you’re on the annual plan you only pay it the one time when you first sign up.
I just activated my inreach mini on the safety annual plan. Won’t be charged the activation fee ever again as long as I keep the subscription up.

Not sure if this video is already in this thread but here’s cost analysis video to help someone pick the fight plan. Annual vs freedom; safety vs recreational vs expedition plan. https://youtu.be/EyCZrQz1FjU

On a side note. I’m not too happy that I can’t get aerial view maps on the iOS Earthmate app.

 

[rsmorin1]

Effective January 4, 2021 - on annual plans.

I received the same email tonight.