Spot

Rock 2.0

Member
May 31, 2012
93
0
Any of you guys use this, like it, dislike it? My pops isn't too comfortable to say the least with me out hunting solo, I thought this might ease his mind, but I don't want to shell out some dough if the thing isn't effective?
 

*******

Active Member
Feb 21, 2011
163
0
Edmonton AB.
I've used the SPOT system from Alaska through the western US states and the whole west half of Canada. The messages take a few minutes to send, but they always work if you give it a chance. Don't expect the messages to go in seconds. Remember, IT IS GOING TO SPACE, AND BACK! I tell everyone I know to buy one and use it often. If for no other reason than it makes your family feel better, and at least the body recovery team will have a shorter search.
 

Umpqua Hunter

Veteran member
May 26, 2011
3,576
88
60
North Umpqua, Oregon
They work great. I used it to ease my wife's mind on a solo backpack sheep hunt into Wyoming grizzly country. I also called her on a sat phone each night to let her know I was in camp.
 

300Weatherby

New Member
Feb 24, 2011
21
0
Northern, Utah
how does the messages work with spot? can you send differnt things to differnt people. could you send a message saying you shot a animal and need help packing it out
 

T43

Active Member
With the Spot 2 you have to set up the message and contacts with a computer. I have mine set to send an ok message to family, a got a big one need volunteers to friends and family and a help message to friends family and some local backcountry rescue guys I know. It will do all of that and the emergency S.O.S. and tracking to a google map that my kid likes to look at to see where I am. Well worth the money IMO. I also use it to track my wife and kids when they travel without me through areas without cell signal.
 

Roger L

Member
Aug 17, 2011
91
32
Hi,
I am looking for a similar device. I read the reviews on the Cabela's website for the Spot 2 and they were not all that impressive. I will be looking for alternatives.
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
Hi,
I am looking for a similar device. I read the reviews on the Cabela's website for the Spot 2 and they were not all that impressive. I will be looking for alternatives.
Roger,

I just looked at the reviews on the Cabelas website. I think you should know a couple of things. SPOT recalled the original SPOT 2 in fall 2010. They released it again, and it has been extremely reliable. The negative reviews of the SPOT on the site were all from 2010. Take a look at the 2011 reviews before writing off the SPOT 2. Particularly the most recent.

Look at what people are saying on this thread, too. This is a good product that adds message functionality to a safety/PLB type function.

You could also look into PLBs, as they are less expensive over the long run and very reliable. There is no message funtion though.

Satellite phones are great, but expensive.
 

nvbrushhunter

New Member
Mar 9, 2011
9
0
Reno, Nevada, United States
Having used a spot since the first one came out and working in Law Enforcement and SAR and responding to SPOT calls, I can say they work great, but they are not flawless. What I will say is they are the best option when it comes to saying "I'm OK and this is where I am" which you can't do with a PLB. Sat Phones are expensive and aren't always dependable. The best option is the new spot connect if you have a smart phone with the ability to send text messages and post to facebook. The other option I have seen but no experience with is a similar device from delorme which is a two way satelite messenger.
 

Shaun

Active Member
Jan 7, 2012
243
0
BB is there a serial number or something that shows when the Spot 2 was made I just picked one up off ebay and want to make sure it was not one of the ones involved in the recall
Roger,

I just looked at the reviews on the Cabelas website. I think you should know a couple of things. SPOT recalled the original SPOT 2 in fall 2010. They released it again, and it has been extremely reliable. The negative reviews of the SPOT on the site were all from 2010. Take a look at the 2011 reviews before writing off the SPOT 2. Particularly the most recent.

Look at what people are saying on this thread, too. This is a good product that adds message functionality to a safety/PLB type function.

You could also look into PLBs, as they are less expensive over the long run and very reliable. There is no message funtion though.

Satellite phones are great, but expensive.
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
BB is there a serial number or something that shows when the Spot 2 was made I just picked one up off ebay and want to make sure it was not one of the ones involved in the recall
I would call this number:

SPOT Customer Care:

1(866)651-7768

Hopefully they can help you out.