SPOT or DeLorme

MiG25

MiG25

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anybody have anything to say about one or the other? ease of use, etc.

obviously the delorme costs more, but it is also 2 way.

thanks.
 
2 way is a very big deal if you have to make arrangements for a pick up by float plane etc. Delorme also uses a more reliable satellite system. I have had a bad experience with SPOT during a 350 km wilderness canoe trip. Spot told me it was sending "OK" messages when it wasn't. For a week. I'm buying a Delorme next week.
 
I am starting my second year using the Delorme InReach and can't say enough good things about it.

The 2-way messaging is awesome. You can send to someones email or cell phone or even post to Facebook or Twitter. You can send an internet link to anyone who can then "ping" your location at any time the unit is turned on. You can set up automatic tracking that can be followed by anyone you give permission to.
 
Just on the news today,a guy was hiking by himself west of tumbler ridge bc and broke his ankle.Used his spot to call for help,rcmp went out straight to him and had a helicopter pick him up for the ride out.
 
It is always best to have one and not need it than to need it and not have it.
I do not have a use for one at this time, but can and do see the benefits of either device.
A buddy has one and has used it on several successful trips up and down the Mackenzie River...
Guess I need to google delorme and compare to get a bit more education on the two .
Rob
 
The SPOT sends one of a possible 3 pre-programmed messages. It doesn't receive any messages. For an extra cost it can be set up to "track" the user.

The InReach (Delorme) when linked to a smart-phone allows you to send messages just like texting on your phone. It can send messages you compose on the spot to email, a web page or as a text message to a cell phone. Where the InReach is very different than the SPOT is that you can also recieve text messages from email or a cell phone. In an emergency you can send specific information to your rescuers - and communicate with them - rather than a generic SOS. It also allows for tracking.

Think of the SPOT as a whistle that can get someones attention but doesn't receive any information while the InReach is more like a two-way radio.
 
The other thing I should note is that Delorme has changed the billing options and allows you to change between selected plans - or temp suspension - on a monthly basis without finacial penalty. This can all be done "on-line"
For example I select the "full-meal-deal" for about 50 bucks a month when I know I will be spending a lot of time in the bush - hunting, fishing or cutting firewood - and suspend it during the winter for a nominal fee to store my historical data.
 
With the price of the Inmarsat ISatphone pro, it could also be a good contender.
We have one. No annual contract, no fees, does sms, voice and data

Not made to be used on the move (unless you get the special antennas)
 
I've been thinking about a Delorme for years, was waiting for them to work out any bugs if they needed to. Might be the year I buy one that is compatible with my Itelephone 5.
 
A buddy just got the DeLorme to replace his SPOT and Sat Phone. He tested it last weekend and sent himself a text but when I last spoke to him he had yet to receive it. It is a better choice for him because he will be going in to his camp by Super Cub and will need to get weather before he tries to fly back out. So with need for two way communication the DeLorme makes the most sense. For most people I think that "I'm OK", "Come give me a hand" and "Holy s##t, send help!" capability of the SPOT will be the the most use. I don't want to update Twitter from the bush. Ever.
 
I vote Iridium Sat. Phone. More expensive and bulky but I think it's the best option. You can rent them for the occasional trip as well if that works better fot you. The thing I didn't like about SPOTs was that it was unreliable with letting me know the OK message went out.

I haven't used the Delorme.
 
'Boo said:
"Come give me a hand." OK, what do you need? Gas? Tires? A tow rope? Truck Parts? More beer?
Click to expand...

You preplan that one ahead of time. Worst comes to worst and your buddy shows up with his truck/quad and some beer while yours is axle deep. One of you will be smart enough to have a tow rope. And you've got beer. Where's the downside to that?

As an addendum, I spoke to my buddy today. When he turned on the DeLorme the next morning he received the message he sent to himself. It wasn't overly fast, but it got through.

Compared to 10 years ago we're way better off today, no matter what option, or combination of options, you choose.
 
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