Spot, delorme, ?
What's the hot ticket for GPS tracking devices?
- Thread starter Norma Stitz
- Start date
I had a spot and didn't get along very well, hard on batteries and quit after it got wet. Currently I have the Inreach, I like it!! Battery life is great and it's nice to be able to text if running late. I have not figured out how to use as a guidance GPS when linked to my phone. The subscription is higher than on a Spot but peace of mind and keeping everyone informed when running late is worth it..
Spot works. They and DeLorme use the same dispatch center. I'd like the text function but we have a few spot devices. That said, we had a real emergency last winter (Collapsed lung, broken scapula--not good) and if we hadn't had cell service at some time (we got spotty service on a peak) they wouldn't have known whether we needed search and rescue or a helicopter. So, I'd vote DeLorme. Either is better than smoke signals or having to find cell reception.
They use the same call center but not the same satellites.. but the Iridium network is way better than the Globalstar which the spot works... I have used mine extensively over the years.. the Iridium is hands down the best networks.. there is no argument.
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I started this year using Gaia gps app on my phone, it's no standalone rescue device but it is very useful and has gotten my whole crew out of pickles when we have gotten lost in unfamiliar areas. It's very versatile and it's cool to track your days and secret areas if people lead ya to good spots. 20$ very worth it
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But that's only for navigation basically right? I want a SAT device because I may find myself out there alone or at least away from others and out of cell zone.
Good to hear Inreach is better system, from the looks of it they are less monthly cost as well.
The nice thing is you can choose to download a area or a radius around your previous route to have detailed topo/satellite overlays for offline use. No cell service required, airplane mode works as well. Give it a shot, you can sync your tracks and waypoints and such so if you get a new phone you can have all your old data. I don't use it for navigation tho unless I'm really lost. More for if I meet someone new and they take me to a area I've never been. Also nice to compare routes and to see where I was previous in the year as you can overlay all your old tracks in different colors to see what areas you have been in and when. Very useful for large riding areas. It's also got me and buddies out of a pinch when we couldn't find a exit, or whiteout finding the road.
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Yes, my friends also complained to me that the spot was not waterproof. In the end, I was between SpyTec and PRIMETRACKING, I chose PRIMETRACKING, and my friend replaced a SpyTec. When I travel alone, my mobile phone often cannot receive the signal in time. This small GPS with long battery life has SOS function, so I can contact my family and friends in time at any time. Real-time tracking allows me to record my routes and locations.
Delorme for sure it uses the Iridium network which is the most reliable satellite wise... I had a spot and it would take for ever to get messages out and receive... the Delorme sends and receives super fast... plus has a great mapping program for your phone. I put a tool in the same pocket and it sent off the sos... by the time I got to the parking lot search and rescue was already to go... talk about embarrassing since a lot of my friends were part of the team... somehow a multitool unlocked the screen, moved the trigger switch then pressed the sos... so always keep it in a seperate pocket from anything ...
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