SPOT or inReach - what's the difference? Satellite communicators explained

Today I talk about satellite communicators, SPOT and inReach.
Why should you use one?
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For group tracking you can't go past www.flytrace.com
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[@Niskibum]

I carried the Spot for years, and a couple years ago changed over to the inreach. I can tell you from personal experience that, when you have to push the emergency button, having two way conversation with emergency services is essential. You are able to explain the type of emergency to them, give greater detail on where you are and how to get there, and they are able to provide advice to deal with your emergency and an ETA of when help will arrive. Just pushing a button on the Spot without two way and not knowing if anyone received your call would be terrible, and sending a help message to your friends without being able to tell them something like what parts you might need would be almost useless. You can also communicate with other Inreach devices, and text with cell phones. No excuses anymore for getting lost in the woods. I carry mine whenever I leave town.

[@democratpro]

"leave town" you mean spreading the super deadly virus!!!!

[@daleanderson88]

The inreach saved my bacon on my last trip! Used the messaging to communicate with a friend to get parts organized for a broken down bike and arranged a rendezvous. Won’t leave home without it.

[@seanfrench1029]

Before purchasing, after much research between InReach Mini and the SpotX BT, I chose InReach because the Iridium network is better over Africa where I live in SA. No regrets. Nice & small and rugged. It's as easy to use as the app on my phone. As a bike medic for MTB, enduro and adv bike events, keeping event organizers updated in mobile network blind spots is priceless.

[@keithjob]

I agree, the phone app makes it very easy.

[@matthewmcivor6827]

Fantastic review! Thanks for giving a no BS, all facts and examples review and helping me decide on the Spot instead of the InReach!

[@keithjob]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mattmcguire1577]

Which spot did you buy? What are your thoughts on it?

[@ThePHOENIX1286]

I went with the inreach mini for peace of mind with the two way messaging.

[@maccas44]

Not sure how I missed this one Keith. Great video

[@robkeogh4593]

Great advice here, was trying to decide what to use, epirbs etc. Helped make my choice a lot easier. Two way comms makes sense to me i think, it would be handy to know someone is on the way with eta etc.

[@keithjob]

Yep I will jump to inReach at some point, mostly because I don't carry the sat phone on any local rides. Two-way comms is essential.

[@MarylandWearAndCarry]

This is very helpful information. Thanks Keith

[@gride5153]

Thanks for a great informative video Keith. Have you upgraded to the Spot Gen4, and if so, would you recommend it? Thanks again

[@Dave--gp1qx]

I got a PLB1. Considered the Spot but the Satellite system it uses didn’t have worldwide coverage and was thin around Hawaii. I think inReach uses a Satellite system with better coverage than Spot.

[@philadv]

07/2023; Two things are not mentioned in the video: 1) The help function (two hands button, is called SOV, Save Our Vehicle) is optional $30 USD per year and it will cover towing up to 50 miles (80km's) max of 5 times per year. And Global Overwatch & Rescue Plan protect you against expenses related to an emergency situation, extensive travel medical and security assistance benefits, (not Ian insurance) including no cost evacuations for users who choose the annual plan for $30 per year. (NOT WORKING FOR THIS GUYS 😂) I'm interested in the Inreach, but I don't think they will have this kind of extras. Spot still good if you don't need two way communication.

[@Hidden_Destinations]

To make this an accurate comparison you need to use the Spot X, NOT the Spot Gen 3.

[@fpvsky2887]

I've had the spot messenger for years that allows 2 way texting through your cell phone

[@beingsneaky]

@ way messaging is much better. plus 2 way messeging ppl can get a hold of YOU. lets say you are out and about and your mother winds up in the hospital you don't want to find that out after you been 2 days out in the bush...

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

I don’t want to have to pay for months I’m not using it. Like over winter. The idea of having to pay for a year when I may only use it a couple times a year is a money grab. I would gladly pay for a month for the few days I might use it but then I should be able to not renew until I need it again. Spot has a monthly plan but you need to still sign up for a year and canceling is only through a customer service phone number

[@YouMotorcycle]

Helpful video thanks Keith

[@keithjob]

Glad to help

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks.

[@Randallsixx13]

Good info! Thank you.

[@advrider7777]

There are different plans on Inreach with pro s and cons

[@keithjob]

Yes, there's monthly options too.. I just compared what I considered the best usable annual plans. Monthly are about $55/m inreach, $28/m spot, plus about $40 per year for the monthly plan subscription. The plans are a bit confusing with choices, so make sure you read carefully and get one that suits!

[@advrider7777]

Keith Jobson I pay the minimum $29 Inreach

[@bayselec]

Inreach 66i for me is the shizzle.

[@zrig1]

Been looking at these videos as I am about to pull the trigger on a satellite communicator, I hear Spot is unreliable in sending messages. What is your experience between the two?

[@keithjob]

My experience... I have never had a known issue with the Spot sending messages. Same for the inReach - haven't used it much, but it has sent every message I've sent (tested about 10), within a few minutes.

[@mcskippster]

would not touch it with a barge pole, I have had both the spot X and the others as well as bar in for several adventure trips. Spot don't make any secrets about coverage but let's just say when I needed help the only one that worked for me was the Garmin, it's not worth saving a few bucks get the best which this is not. As for support omg the people at spot and the GPS service are horrible. Say no more.

[@trimtabletalk2882]

I totally agree. Spot is a bad company. Pay the extra for a Garmin InReach, you will not be disappointed.

[@BlenderBends]

Do you use the spot or in reach as well as the Rino?

[@keithjob]

Absolutely! Rino is UHF-range, ie. 10-15km. SPOT is satellite based so no limits on range.

[@human1513]

Why go riding as a group and get separated by so much of a distance? That is not group riding in my books.

[@TheWanderingGeezer]

No Spot, ever.

[@skibum96]

It would be nice if you get a chance to try out the SPOT X. I have been with SPOT since the beginning same as you, I have a gen 1 that lives on the bike and a gen 2 I keep on my body. I am very interested in trying the SPOT X. We're planning a trip down the Trans Taiga this year which is remote like a lot of Oz. 2 was messaging is something I want. www.jamesbayroad.com/ttr/index.html

[@rrsnotyours]

Whoa.. those prices arent American.

[@magilla2567]

He's Australian. What's your point?

[@democratpro]

did your government give you permission to publish this content?

[@davidperreaux1348]

You should consider training yourself to stop pushing your eyebrows upwards into your forehead to the point that your forehead is wrinkled. It makes you appear arrogant too. 😅