inreach/spot

[brian h]

since there is no new post s on the topic was wondering what people are running for emergency calling. why did you go with what your using? are you happy with it?would you want a different unit then what you have and why? any info would be appreciated. ride mostly vale if that makes any difference

 

[teeroy]

I got a spot when they came out and used it for 3 years or so, worked good for me. switched to the first gen inreach and used that for the last few years, even better than the spot as you can pair it and have two way texting anywhere satellites can see you. this summer at an oilfield show I won a globalstar sat phone, gonna give that a try this winter. hopefully their service has improved

 

[brian h]

thanks for the reply, so if you were to purchase i take it you would go with the inreach. do you know what the sat phone is for cost?

 

[DooDoo]

I have had a spot for the last 3 years. I didn't know about the inreach back then but looking at the 2 now i would probably go inreach now. I like the fact that you can text with it. Spot does texting with the spot connect but you have to have a cell phone also. Just more stuff for batteries to die in. I know with my iPhone if i take it in the bush and its cold out, even in my pocket it won't last more than a few hours.

 

[teeroy]

thanks for the reply, so if you were to purchase i take it you would go with the inreach. do you know what the sat phone is for cost?

between the spot and inreach, I would choose the inreach for sure. it does everything the spot does, you can have the three pre programmed messages that you just have to hit a button to send, or you can use your paired phone and send what ever you want for a message and receive replies. the newer SE model is even cooler, with it's own display and keypad you don't have to mess with your phone after it's paired. at least I think that's how the SE works.

I haven't checked out the sat phone yet, but I did read that they are offering a pay and talk deal now so you don't have to enter into a contract. I'll get to the shop one of these days here soon and fire it up.

 

[brian h]

thanks for the info, i dont like the idea of needing the cell phone due to more batteries to deal with,if sat phones have a pay and talk now that might be the way to go

 

[sledneckx69]

Just got an inreach explore, works great and love everything about it. Even used it for a sledder that lost his way, the first time I had it out! 100 hour battery life, 2 way communication, message received verification, and a way for some one to at home to initiate communication! That last one is a little tricky, but easy enough, any questions, be happy to answer them!

 

[Merc63]

I run an inreach too. It's a great little device. You can txt on it (slowly) or pair with iphone to txt easily.

It also has the SOS button which sends out a distress call to inreach, they will in turn contact your emergency numbers and then the appropriate S&R department.

 

[arff]

Had a spot. Went to InReach for 2 way communication

 

[brian h]

went with the inreach, thanks for all info provided.

 

[fnDan]

I like the simplicity of the Spot. I don't feel like having discussions while I'm sledding.

 

[sledneckx69]

Why would you have discussions while you're sledding, just use it when you need it. To each their own, but I like the message received verification. Also, to be able to give details of the conditions your in, invaluable!


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[LBZ]

I got a spot and after they screwed me on the rebate and wouldn't do anything for me I haven't renewed the subscription. It is simple to use and I did use it on one occasion for a guy that couldn't ride out after wiping out and injuring himself but I think I might sell it and get an in reach if I start sledding more than I do now. The wife worries about me dying in an avalanche when I'm out riding so she likes it if I keep in touch. Makes it easier for me to get away sledding if she's comforted and happy!

 

[sledneckx69]

She can even track you at home on her phone as you ride, if you let her, that is. Set the in reach to track, and it will drop markers on intervals of your choosing, the people can follow on a map at home.


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[SUMMIT TREE]

Here's a question that was brought up in our group.... A guy said he heard cell phones have been shown to interfere with a avalanche beacon signal/ability to track properly. Anybody know the facts on this ? Does a guy just keep it shut off unless you need it just to be safe? And if cell phone does interfere does the Inreach also interfere?

 

[zal]

Yes, a cell phone will interfere with a beacon. If you "need" to have a cell phone on, at least have the phone approx. 30 cm away from the beacon. Ie in, in your bag. As for the enrich, I'm going to say the same. One way to find out is to try it with a beacon.

 

[westhawk39]

I like the simplicity of the Spot. I don't feel like having discussions while I'm sledding.

The two way communication works with emergency crews also. When in trouble and you pull the trigger with SOS you can attach a message for example (broken leg, need heli asap) or (broken sled, have food for 2 days, no rush)

Also when its a non emergency and you need to message a friend for a tow, you can actually recieve a text of email back saying (on my way) otherwise you dont know if or when to try another friend...

I had spot connect and the iphone pairing is glitchy. You need an iphone to do anything besides press SOS. I like that the inreach is fully functional without the phone but when you do have it its faster to send messages.

Inreach plans start at $20/month and cost up to $70 for the unlimited plan. Spot is more affordable (and less capable) in that your plan is $100/year and you can add unlimited tracking for $50 (wife can see where you are). With the less expensive inreach plans you get several hundred tracking points, however you can have tracking off and your wife can remotely turn it on to see where you are (only using up one tracking point)

I found the spot took up to 15 minutes to locate satellites and send messages where the inreach can send a message within 60 seconds. Therefore your more likely to use it. Spot sat at home for 2 years

When i called spot to tell them how unsatisfied i was with the spot connect they admitted that it is "unrefined" and gave me a year worth of subscription money back


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[hardworkingdon]

what is the cost of the inreach ??? what do the plans cost ??? where do you buy them at ???

 

[sledneckx69]

what is the cost of the inreach ??? what do the plans cost ??? where do you buy them at ???

Go to inreaches web site, all your questions will be answered there. Just make sure you do some reading. You want to get the most out of your inreach, it does some pretty cool stuff. I got the explorer with the rechargeable sports handle bar mount, best thing ever!

 

[zal]

Here's a question that was brought up in our group.... A guy said he heard cell phones have been shown to interfere with a avalanche beacon signal/ability to track properly. Anybody know the facts on this ? Does a guy just keep it shut off unless you need it just to be safe? And if cell phone does interfere does the Inreach also interfere?

Cell Phones Affect Avalanche Beacons? | Snowtechmagazine.com