SPOT X Review - 2-Way Satellite Messenger

TEXTING from the BACKCOUNTRY! So how does the SPOT X 2-way satellite messenger device work?
Here's our SPOT X Review! What do YOU think? Would you find this useful?? For more info, check out our writeup at: sleddermag.com/...
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[@sleddermag]

Thanks everyone for watching our review. We hope it was helpful. We did this review 2 years ago now, with a loaner unit that we no longer have access to. Since that time, there have been a lot of good, very specific questions asked here. Our written review at sleddermag.com/gear/spot-x-review/ does have a few more things mentioned that didn't make it into the video. Otherwise, sorry if your specific query isn't answered here! Also, note that SPOT has since updated their coverage map (2020-02-26), providing better coverage in many areas including Asia and at sea. Check the coverage map out here: www.findmespot.com/en-ca/products-services/coverage-maps

[@DeepSnowRider]

Sleddermag great review! One of the most important backcountry life saving piece is equipment.

[@nishensamudrha9609]

Us

[@memerehana1073]

@@nishensamudrha9609 llll

[@memerehana1073]

@@nishensamudrha9609 lllllll

[@virginiadzysiuk4728]

Á

[@victorrice4549]

A family member of mine got tagged by a Rattlesnake last week in the backcountry. Because of this device, he was able to get an airlift and to a hospital with anti-venom, probably saved his life. Bought mine today.

[@fraomedinaii2095]

I want to see pictures

[@victorrice4549]

@@fraomedinaii2095 He had the Cankle from hell!

[@wilcoxtactical3716]

I'm very interested to hear if he was charged for this rescue. Was he billed for the extraction?

[@me-ev3kz]

Thank you. I received my Spot X today. I'm not into any epic adventures, just want to use it so my wife is not worried. Easy to set up, and I expect it will perform well. I have a Garmin ETrex, love it, and will continue to use it for navigation.

[@patricklanford]

I've been using mine now for 3 weeks. The only real shortcoming I've noticed is that the auto-tracking is somewhat inconsistent. But it did correctly show my location with every message I sent. I also like that the Google maps it sends to people are easy for them to access. My 75 yr. old mother was able to follow me on a 2 day float trip without any problem, and told me how much she enjoyed the check-in messages she got. Gave her great peace of mine. And like you said, the navigation feature isn't that great. I have a Garmin etrex 30e/compass/maps for that so it's not a big deal to me. Plus I think future firmware updates will bring greater accuracy to the compass feature. The only real thing I wanted the device for is 2-way communication, and for that it does very well. Your review maps (pun intended) onto my experience with it almost exactly.

[@josephdupont]

How much is the subscription the basic amount what does it cost to be safe

[@daniellerhinehart2145]

I’m struggling to get the auto-tracking set up, how did you get it so she could view?

[@donnahedges7896]

The navigation on this device will get you to your way points. The compass (Unit) does need to be held horizontal to have the arrow point accurately to the way point. Tipping the device up or down may alter the arrow easily 30 degrees off the waypoint or even more if angled vertically. There is no maps available to show trail routes but it will get you to your way point or back to your vehicle

[@doctoruttley]

Recently got mine. Works very well. I have had no accessibility or coverage issues. Sent messages from the woods, the beach and even from a cabin bedroom window. Reasonable monthly price and rescue and vehicle service insurance for a few bucks more. 5 stars

[@dondonranada6078]

Have you tried messaging from your phone using sms and email to spot x? And did you receive messages in your spot x?

[@mikesimpson6757]

Spot now has a monthly plan so if you are planning a trip, you can activate the account for the trip and then suspend the account after the trip is over. WAY Better if you aren't hiking every month. Cheers.

[@bradbeckett]

OMG Blackberry is back ya'll !!!

[@Noumenon4Idolatry]

Brad Beckett LOL!

[@richardwilliams1310]

It's basically a pager from the '90s and early 2000s with expensive usage costs ... I would possibly buy one if I lose reception due to being out of range or during network distributions/outages but the subscription and messaging costs eliminate it. I am sure these products are invaluable tools for emergencies when you are in the middle of nowhere and need to stay connected or rescued. Hard to put a price on that. I was hoping for a Blackberry with Satellite connection and cheap data plans and maybe even voice although so many people communicate via text now instead of calling

[@reidtillery2856]

Great video. You do a better job of marketing Spot than Spot does. This video cut to the chase and told me how it works. Thank you.

[@teddyruxpin3811]

after sending a message, how do you know it went through????? is there a way to get a "message sent!" confirmation like the garmin inreach?

[@KoralMae]

I would not waste my money on a SPOT X. I did, and I regret it. Washington and Idaho has some pretty basic mountainous tree cover, and it doesn't work for crap in the woods. In fact, the only place it does actually work is where I already have cell service. I got this for hunting in the Pacific Northwest, but my cell with Verizon service has been a much more reliable form of communication.

[@StevenYoungcaptual]

Warning to Aircraft Users: Operating the SPOT 2-way Messenger while in flight and placing the unit in close proximity to on board ADSB or Aircraft GPS navigation radios like Garmin, frequently interfere with those radios ability to receive usable or any GPS signals. Personal testing shows placing the SPOT in a location away from Aircraft Navigation radios or ADSB and thier associated coax antenna wires reduces or eliminates the interference.

[@galeskiw]

Do you have any updates to this? Like how far from the GPS or ADSB do you think you would need to be so there is no interference? For example, if you were in a medium/large jet, could you go in the back of the plane away from the cockpit and use it without interference? (As long as there are no GPS or ADSB antennas located on the back of the plane?). Thanks for your input. I’ll also do further research.

[@StevenYoungcaptual]

@@galeskiw The distance to the Aircraft GPS/ADSB antennas is frequently the deciding factor, in addition to interference directly to the aircraft radios if too close. In large jets, the SPOT GPS reception frequently will not penetrate the aircraft skin to receive GPS signals. DIRECT line of sight to the satellites is predominantly required for reasonable operation. Placing the SPOT next to a window on a commercial jet has slightly worked, but normally is of little help and operation was nil. I do carry the SPOT in case of forced landing, but with ADSB and GPS ELT, I will retire the SPOT soon.

[@offroadrover]

So did your wife answer and how long before you received the message back?

[@sleddermag]

She did, several times throughout the day. Timing depended on many factors including original message transmission time, how long before she noticed that she had received a message, how long she took to compose a reply, etc. The interval at which the device automatically checks for new messages can be changed, with the shortest interval being 2.5 minutes, although you can manually check whenever you like. Basically it takes at least a few minutes to hear back even in the best case scenario.

[@rodolfoizquierdo6657]

Hi, you said it didnt work on the middle of the ocean, you also said it works in all north America, now does it work in the golf of Mexico, I live in Florida and I usually fish 30 to 60 miles out if anyone know please let me know

[@muletowndumpsters]

Exactly why black folks do not hike. I'm not intentionally placing myself near any grizzlie bears and snakes!! But great review. I prefer this over traditional sat phones.

[@bwanasid]

Don Bowins 😂😂😂

[@Xbolt1969]

Thank you How long is the battery life

[@frankwilliams5475]

Very nice video review. Great coverage of the device. Thank you.

[@Blucid99]

Amazing review, honest and a lot of good details.

[@dondonranada6078]

Have you tried messaging from your phone using sms and email to spot x? And did you receive messages in your spot x?

[@sleddermag]

UPDATE FROM SPOT: Facebook has recently announced several platform changes that affect posting Check-In and Custom Messages to Facebook profiles. As of August 1st [2018], customers will no longer be able to post to Facebook from any SPOT product, including SPOT Gen3 and SPOT X.

[@backcountryoverland103]

I was going to ask about that, thanks. My gen-1 SPOT has been shut down as far as FB posting my check in......really really bummed about that since I still don't "smart phone". [ Do we know why they did disconned that connection ??]] Bums me out about the X as well, but as you said, it's really about the life saving tool function and getting a more detailed message about needs out there. Thanks for the review.

[@steve37341]

Well, if you can message one of your FB friends, they can post the message to their FB but note it is from you. So it is more complicated but still can get the info to FB. Or Twitter. Or other social media account.

[@keithbenardphotographyvide5176]

I have the same F.B. issue with my Garmin InReach.

[@Pookastudio2]

Great review. Do you know if this device or others work when you are open to the sky but very deep between rock walls or ravines? I fell into a ravine and am now recovering from the fall and a broken leg. I am needing to get a device of some sort. Cheers

[@sleddermag]

@pookastudio2 Thanks for watching! A clear view of the sky is recommended for better transmission. As to whether this or another satellite comms device would work in a very deep canyon it's difficult to say. It would likely depend on what percentage of the sky would be visible. Good luck with your recovery!

[@KoralMae]

It doesn't work at all where you do not have an extremely clear view of the sky. Translation = if you're from the Pacific Northwest, don't bother wasting your money. Sorry, but true.

[@Pookastudio2]

Thanks. You just saved me some money. Happy trails.

[@alexv5050]

Iridium would be better option for mountain regions

[@neothehackerV2]

Is he Tom Cruise? 😆

[@glennroberts3069]

So do you have to buy “ air time?”

[@samfuchs314]

Please answer some peoples questions, like effectiveness at receiving messages

[@m.d.e.845]

Being satellite based, you have to be outdoors obviously.

[@FROSTY420692002]

Is it a subscription

[@KevinAugelloNewEarthFilms]

Really useful and thanks for your efforts - Just subscribed

[@KuntryRD]

Nice. I have been wanting more info on this unit.

[@zone8848]

a good way to quickly send last words when facing a stand-off situation with an angry bear.

[@mudpuppy318]

Ya - for the bear.. I usually pack a 45-70

[@michaelcefalo9885]

Product brochure shows coverage area in the middle of ocean. You said it wont work. I m planning on using it 150 miles out at sea. What do you base that limitation on

[@sleddermag]

SPOT has recently updated their coverage map (2020-02-26), which suggests they've improved the coverage since we shot this review almost two years ago. You may be good to go! Check the coverage map out here: www.findmespot.com/en-ca/products-services/coverage-maps Thanks for watching!

[@aaryanv2012]

I'm definently buying this and then I can go hiking

[@pushpakp]

Sir is this can be used anywhere ??? Without mobile signal required !!!!! What is this name and how to buy this....

[@popacap]

Spot x 2 way raido hunting best buy,Dicks,bass pro, anywhere like that

[@johnforshee1416]

Excellent video!! Thank you.

[@nathanbuford6417]

Hi what site does my family need to go for tracking my hike in maps? I just need to give them the link so they can track my hike in intervals

[@headinthemountains1666]

Is there an option to pay less on your plan when you are not in the backcountry in the off season. I believe in Reach has this option without having to pay a hefty re activation fee.

[@sleddermag]

Yes Bob, there is a Flex Plan available which allows users to suspend service at anytime throughout the year without incurring a reactivation fee. Thanks for watching!

[@jayrod86]

So if I'm in the U.S. can I but it?

[@Jason-qe4tp]

When you activated your spotx were you missing a digit in your authentication code i only have 7 digits and its looking for 8

[@pfwtc]

Dont respond if it is covered later in the video, but can you add only email, or only phone number to a contact or does it* require both, aka is there two columns for each regardless and one is blank if not filled?

[@justiceforall1288]

This was a great review.

[@thewallaces9110]

Does anyone/company rent devices like these?

[@alvarogaitan2529]

nice description thanks

[@StevenYoungcaptual]

My "Movement Alert" does not work- Does yours? The SOV emergency phone number is missing-Is Yours? No Audible Alert for incoming messages, so you need to visually check all the time. Nowhere does it say How to text the Emergency Center? Good idea, but they need to get some firmware updates coming to fix some things.

[@f50koenigg]

How is the navigation on spot x?

[@McGuireMechanism]

Thanks for sharing! Can you make calls?

[@sleddermag]

no

[@realtyrocks1969]

I bought the Delorme and forgot to cancel it. My card eventually expired and they blocked my IMEI making my unit completely useless until I Pay them. Fuck that. So spot here i come.

[@bender_bay]

How much is it?

[@williamturner1517]

The key pad is way too small. The typed in letters on the screen are ridiculous they are so small. This fellow dancing his thumb across the key board is not doable

[@calebharvey5295]

I’m gonna need this when we raid area 51😂

[@sleddermag]

lol, good luck and keep your thumb ready on the sos button!

[@EL90291]

What about a real review and not an infomercial ? Battery life, charging , satellite acquisition...?

[@ziggyz195]

Review your ass to google and look it up

[@danyouellet6738]

can we use it like a everyday cellphone ? I would like to know if I can have juste this device

[@sleddermag]

@Dany Ouellet You could probably do that but we wouldn't recommend it! It is much slower to send and receive messages and doesn't work well inside buildings (if at all). Not a good substitute for the convenience and efficiency of a mobile phone as an everyday device.

[@baroovrostinki9950]

Good

[@420BLUNTLEY]

Can you receive messages

[@fraomedinaii2095]

All you had to say at the beginning was subscription plan garbage you're better off taking a mirror and a whistle this is for yuppies that go into the backcountry occasionally

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Nice & Thanks :)

[@aaadoy5910]

Wooow

[@putrabangkabelitung7748]

Semangat pagi sobat

[@lima3231]

how about just rent a satellite phone

[@skulley.]

@sleddermag Was this video sponsored?

[@sleddermag]

Nope. We would clearly state in the video and the description if it was sponsored content. Thanks for watching!

[@aesthetic_ly21]

Gak sengaja Nemu iklan nya

[@striker44aa]

Can you send a message from one spotx to another?

[@rubensarino409]

Yes, 7:08

[@420BLUNTLEY]

Can you receive a message

[@PhearaXT]

Does it have phone calls?

[@biffjones4650]

no

[@kasturip1819]

0o

[@srifitriyani2622]

Ooooooopojp

[@sultanasultana1319]

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