SPOT VS Delorme In-Reach

[actionshooter]

Instead of a SPOT, we are going to use the Delorme InReach this coming year. Its an Iridium based add-on for smart phones that allows people to text by satlites.
 It will show the senders exact location on a google map via e-mail, and the person you send the message to can respond.
 Looks like one step below a Sat. phone.
 
 My buddy was in Kodiak a couple of weeks ago hunting blacktails and he was giving me a play by play via e-mail.

http://www.inreachdelorme.com/

anyone try this yet?

[rbros]

I looked at it but went with a SPOT this year.  Might switch over next year for the hunts that are on the agenda.  Does everything the SPOT does but allows texting on your phone.

[Bob33]

For frequent use it is a good idea. For infrequent use, a satellite phone can be rented for $50/week. At $25 per month this is $300 per year. I do think using satellites is far superior to the SPOT approach.

[actionshooter]

I have a SPOT (4 years) and I wasn't real impressed. Had problems getting out in timber and a canyon with it.
 I agree the SAT phone is best but the cost is still to much, but it has been coming dorwn.

The cool thing with the Delorme is the service can be turned on and off month to month.

I want to hear if anyone has any bad experiences with it.

[Bob33]

I have a SPOT (4 years) and I wasn't real impressed. Had problems getting out in timber and a canyon with it.
 I agree the SAT phone is best but the cost is still to much, but it has been coming dorwn.

The cool thing with the Delorme is the service can be turned on and off month to month.

I want to hear if anyone has any bad experiences with it.

You must sign up for 12 months. Seasonal plans are 4 month minimum. To stop and restart service you must pay activation fee each time.

 http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/subscription-plans.php

[netcoyote]

I've already commented on other threads about what I thought of SPOT. You guys that have 'em and decide you want to drop the service, how about getting back to us after you try to cancel the subscription service and tell us about your experience with SPOT customer service.

I am still looking for a PLB and have almost pulled the trigger on a satellite beacon and may do it this next year. It SAS won't be another SPOT.

[pd]

I have a SPOT (4 years) and I wasn't real impressed. Had problems getting out in timber and a canyon with it.
 I agree the SAT phone is best but the cost is still to much, but it has been coming dorwn.

The cool thing with the Delorme is the service can be turned on and off month to month.

I want to hear if anyone has any bad experiences with it.

You must sign up for 12 months. Seasonal plans are 4 month minimum. To stop and restart service you must pay activation fee each time.

 http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/subscription-plans.php

Hi Bob,

Hmmm.  You are correct about the 12 month commitment.  This is a shame, because many of use would only use this during the summer (climbing/hiking) or fall (hunting) seasons.  It is also unnecessary--look at their system in Canada.  After the first month's service, you can suspend the service at anytime, and only pay $3.95/month to keep your account active. 
http://www.inreachcanada.com/holiday-offer/#plans

I realize that the hardware costs something, and I guess that $249 is not too bad.  And, I wouldn't mind the pre-paid monthly plan of $15 or $25.  But it sure would make the decision easier if they allowed a Canadian-style plan in the States.

Come on, man!

[archeryantlers]

I've reseached them quite a bit. Depends what you NEED. If you need to be in contact with home, rent a satelite phone. If you just want rescuers to be able to find you if you need it, I suggest the ACR ResQLink products. No annual fees; Buy it and use it if you need to. Is connected to the search and rescue satelites. Initial cost is more but, probably less money in the long run. And seems like a better system if you actually need help.

[fly-by]

I've had both and prefer the Inreach over the Spot.
 
-Quicker satellite acquisition
-Easier to read LEDs
-Better battery life
-Good mapping software for your phone.  I use the maps without the Inreach quite often.

A really nice setup is the Inreach and a cheap android tablet that is big enough to actually see your map with some sense of scale.  I use a Pantech element which is waterproof.  If that is too big, you can just use your phone.  It can pair with multiple devices.  Or you can just use it in stand alone to send canned messages to check in.
 
I have a first generation Spot sitting at home that I would sell for $20 just to cover my time and shipping.  Service ran out early this year so you'll have to reactivate, but it's in great conditions with box, etc...