SPOT 2 - Everybody should have one of these

[SledsWest]

Every backcountry rider should have a SPOT with them in their group. We had an incident yesterday in our group and ended up needing S&R and EMS. I have a SPOT 2 and was able to hit the SOS button and send a distress call to the emergency dispatch. The GEOS National Emergency Response Center alerted the appropriate agencies (contacting 9-1-1 responders) with our exact Latitude/Longitude. Because I was unable to receive incoming phone calls, the NERC also contacted my wife and asked if she knew where I was and what I was doing (luckily she did because I had sent a SPOT to her from the parking lot before we left up the mountain). I HIGHLY recommend that at least one person in every group carries one of these with them for an occasion like we had yesterday.

I know there are naysayers on here that will say a SPOT isn't necessary and give a false sense of security. To that I say, you're right. Some people will get lost/hurt in a padded room, you can't fix stupid. If you have common sense and know how and when to use this tool, its a very effective communication device. Had the two guys that got lost in the Snowies last week had one of these, the S&R would have known exactly where they were and might not have had to even spend one night on the mtn instead of two nights and three days until somebody luckily happened upon them.

I'm honestly not trying to advertise anybody, I'm just trying to educated others by way of my own personal experience.

I know SnowBigDeal has them on sale this week for the Thanksgiving sale. Normally they are $159 but SnowBigDeal.com has them for $139. Its an excellent Christmas present and peace of mind for both the rider in the backcountry and the people back at home (they can get on the internet and track your live location via google maps). I also use mine when traveling or going anywhere that is in a remote area where my cell phone doesn't work.

 

[AndrettiDog]

QW - Does the new version do anything the last version didn't? It's obviously smaller which is key when I pack my bag. Is the subscription cost the same (as the older version)?

 

[SledsWest]

QW - Does the new version do anything the last version didn't? It's obviously smaller which is key when I pack my bag. Is the subscription cost the same (as the older version)?

There is one new option on the SPOT2, there is one more button for a personalized message. Its just smaller and the buttons are more user friendly (each option has its own button rather than pushing the same button for a certain amount of seconds for each desired option like the original SPOT). The subscription is still the exact same and same price ($100/yr for the basic plan and $150/yr for basic plus tracking option).

Here are the subscription price and option comparisons:

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=103

 

[newmy1]

It also lets you know that your message was SENT, SPOT 1 does not do this. I sold my SPOT 1 on here and purchased a 2 for that reason. It's also much smaller, a third custom message option as QW said and the 911 button is covered so you can't accidentally push it (SPOT 1 does not have this). QW, sorry to hear you needed to use it but glad to hear you had one.

 

[snowww1]

The SPOT is changing mountain rescue. Why be lost for four days when you can be found in one day? With how far riders are going off trail, it makes a lot of sense. I own one and recommend it in all my classes.

Mike Duffy

www.avalanche1.com -avalanche education for mountain riders

www.snowavigear.com -gear that I have found to work, from 20 years of mountain riding and 15 years of avalanche instructing. A friend runs the site. Based in Edwards, Colorado. Email me to get a discount on gear: duffyww1@aol.com

 

[black swan]

awesome product!........proven to save lives.........so that said, what happened.?

 

[sledsrock]

awesome product!........proven to save lives.........so that said, what happened.?

X2...

 

[hiflight]

GPS / Spot Combo

If you like the SPOT Service, check out the Delorme GPS with Spot combo that is available now at

http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?item=30785&section=10741&minisite=10020

I have not had the opportunity to see one, but it sounds like a good unit.

 

[Dunatic]

does spot have a an option that tells them to send life flight now!

 

[newmy1]

The SPOT 2 yes, you could customize the third message before you head out and use it if necessary....in fact very good idea. That message however goes only to those in your list of contacts not the same as 911.

does spot have a an option that tells them to send life flight now!

 

[yamahaboy701]

The Spot system is a great idea, we all know it works well and our group always has a least one person with one but the problem is that I feel like a walking electronics store with all these emergency gadgets. How about GPS, SPOT, and Becon all built into one unit? Sleds are getting lighter every year but my pack in gaining weight fast!

 

[bgraff1]

i like how the 911 buttom is covered. last year we were in revy and my cousin had his strapped to the outside of his coat. he didnt notice but the button got some slush/ice or somethin on it and it froze the button in the pushed position. needless to say we had EVERYBODY out looking for us. had numerous messages on his phone, his rig was going to shutdown because of it, had to make a big statement at the police station about it. not 100% sure what came of it but it sure is nice to know what happens when you push that button.

 

[Dunatic]

The SPOT 2 yes, you could customize the third message before you head out and use it if necessary....in fact very good idea. That message however goes only to those in your list of contacts not the same as 911.

This is why I will be getting a sat phone, spot is great unless you need help immediately, I have been there, we had a spot, the phone call from the nearest house 30 miles away got the heli coming.

 

[Flange]

...(each option has its own button rather than pushing the same button for a certain amount of seconds for each desired option like the original SPOT)....

I'm not sure what you mean by this. The original SPOT has 3 separate buttons, one for each option. 911 for life threatening emergency, HELP for non-life threatening emergency, and OK to check-in with pre-setup list of family and friends.

 

[SledsWest]

I'm not sure what you mean by this. The original SPOT has 3 separate buttons, one for each option. 911 for life threatening emergency, HELP for non-life threatening emergency, and OK to check-in with pre-setup list of family and friends.

You're right. What I mean is if you subscribe to the tracking option, you push the OK button for 6 seconds and to send a check-in, you push the OK button for 3 seconds. Sorry for the confusion. The SPOT 2 has individual buttons for the tracking option and a check-in.

 

[Duke]

I've had spot for a few years now, definately better than carrying nothing, IMO though, there's no substitute for two way communication.

 

[plumnuts]

SPOT

Have a SPOT (mainly because of dual sport riding) but looking at what one of my sons have... it is a cell phone with satilite capabilities... you can send text messages... we were in a hole elk hunting and he sent a message out.. no cell service... I think it is with ATT

 

[kamaskid]

I personally use a SPOT and definitely recommend them to all of us out in the backcountry, I just cant wait for this.....

http://www.lightsquared.com/what-we-do/technology/

Satellite = coverage + reliability
LightSquared will launch a satellite built by Boeing into geostationary orbit over North America. It will be among the largest commercial satellites ever launched. Via the satellite, people can operate their wireless devices from every single part of the country. Never again do they have to worry about traveling out of network or losing their connection. For the first time ever, people can enjoy universal network coverage, no matter where they are in the United States.

 

[bosscat800]

After doing some research on SPOT, I am holding off on buying it. Seems to have a few issues. Not always able to send a signal. You have to have a paid subscription. SPOT does not work off a dedicated SAR satellite. Who knows, maybe your local S&R has no clue what this is? Still looking for a personal beacon that is 100%! That should not be to hard to find. I guess after reading some of the reviews on the internet, I am not impressed with he SPOT2.

 

[newmy1]

And you are going to hold off on buying a cell phone for other uses until it's 100% perfect. Good Luck, just sayin.

After doing some research on SPOT, I am holding off on buying it. Seems to have a few issues. Not always able to send a signal. You have to have a paid subscription. SPOT does not work off a dedicated SAR satellite. Who knows, maybe your local S&R has no clue what this is? Still looking for a personal beacon that is 100%! That should not be to hard to find. I guess after reading some of the reviews on the internet, I am not impressed with he SPOT2.