Does Anyone Use a Spot Tracker or Garmin inReach Mini 2

Spending2Much on 19/11/2022 - 01:03
Last edited 19/11/2022 - 01:04

Hi,
Getting into my adventure motorbike trips and as I work shift work, I tend to do alot solo and nearly always ride alone.

I always hold back, the thought in my mind, what if something happens, but I like riding and exploring.

Does anyone have any first hand use of the spot tracker, or Garmin InReach type of PLB.
Thinking must have the messaging ability, rather than just EPIRB/PLB type. I have a ResQLink PLB, which is wayyyy out of date and the battery is shot, but that was just a 'push button in last case of emergency'

I'm thinking the messaging ability for things like, "broken down/out of fuel, not an emergency, but come help."
"Having a great time, staying longer than expected return date"

Thanks in advance

Sports & Outdoors GPS

Comments

  • teaBagger on 19/11/2022 - 04:46

    Yes

    • Spending2Much on 19/11/2022 - 12:10

      Which one are you using and what are your thoughts/review on this one please?

  • Ozbfan on 19/11/2022 - 05:55
    +1

    I bought a spot about 15 years ago now, it was good, but back then subscriptions were getting north of $200 per year, probably more now.
    A lot of money and I didn’t use it enough. Sold it in the end. Understand spot are a bit better now with 2 way messaging, do u really need it though. An epirb / plb is a bargin in comparison, no ongoing fees.

    Or if u have the latest iphone just wait until satellite feature is turned on in australia, hoping soon (was recently announced for europe)

    • Spending2Much on 19/11/2022 - 12:13

      Thanks, I like the idea I can send some preset or custom messages, (as posted above) for instance, broken down/out of fuel, send help, but not an imminent emergency.
      A track, so I can be followed remotely, and can see when I set up camp/stop for the night.
      Push button, in last option/worst case scenario and send rescue immediately.

  • Nugs on 19/11/2022 - 08:48

    Have you found advrider?
    they have an Australia sub forum and I recall seeing topics related to spot (10 odd years ago though)
    it appears the site is still active
    https://www.advrider.com/f/forums/australia.32/
    I found the site helpful when choosing my 990
    on the topic of 990's, the most intersting project bike on the site was a 2WD one in the US
    https://youtu.be/1F4Qqw06tyM?t=88
    https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/my-950-refresh-or-mission…
    .

    • Spending2Much on 19/11/2022 - 12:16

      Thanks, I'll sign up/join and search more from there.
      Do you still have the 990?
      I have the 790 adventure R.

      • Nugs on 19/11/2022 - 12:29

        it's been in the shed for toooo long
        .

  • teaBagger on 19/11/2022 - 09:42

    I do have a Garmin mini and adventure ride on my own. The mini does give me confidence I to go remote as can use as an EPIRB or send messages with position in case of trouble.
    I like how my position is trackable on a website so long as people have the link.

    • Spending2Much on 19/11/2022 - 12:19

      Great, thanks. What're you riding?
      The Mini2 has a longer battery life and a few more tracks/routes.

      This sounds like me, currently. Wanting to do more, but holding back as riding solo, looking for more confidence in case something goes wrong.
      The tracking will show when I've stopped and not moving.

      • teaBagger on 27/11/2022 - 13:06

        I ride a DR650 which I kitted out with it all but have only ridden it once into the desert around Albacutya cos then covid lockdowns hit.
        I plan to ride Flinders Ranges, across the Simpson solo, as well as up to Alice one day shortly. Work is currently in the way

        • Spending2Much on 27/11/2022 - 22:32

          Bought the G Mini 2

          Have KTM 790 Adv R.
          But still love my DrZ 400, that does everything and won't ever get rid of.
          10 years now…

  • Sleeqb7 on 19/11/2022 - 10:36

    In short, because Spot uses Globalstar satellites instead of the Iridium used by the InReach, people tend to complain about messages taking longer to send, and sometimes not being received after being sent.
    I'd suggest the InReach is the better of the options for that one reason alone.

    I say this as someone who has worked for a company selling both devices.

    • Spending2Much on 19/11/2022 - 12:19

      Thanks for reply. Would you recommend the InReach Mini2.?

      • Sleeqb7 on 19/11/2022 - 13:52
        +1

        I would.
        Better battery life than the Mini 1, and no directional antenna like the Messenger.

  • pegaxs on 19/11/2022 - 11:36

    Did some homework on these earlier in the year and another 2 I found to be pretty good value are the ACR Bivy Stick and the Zoleo. These both work off the Iridium network and connect to your phone through an app. Both also have emergency beacon function and two-way messages. The Zoleo even comes with mobile phone SMS capabilities.

    Dont use Spot. I have had a few of them in the past and they are trash. Very expensive, little functionality and horrible customer support team.

    The InReach Mini gets great reviews, but both the device itself AND the network access is Gold/Platinum Tier level pricing. It's dear as poison. And I would rather write my messages on a phone than to input them how you have to on the Mini.

    • Spending2Much on 19/11/2022 - 12:23

      Great. Many thanks for your reply. Messaging via phone sounds alot easier. If phone has battery charge and doesn't get damaged in a drop. I use quad lock handle bar mount.
      Will look at both the Zoleo and Bivvy stick as you mentioned and wonder, which one you decided on?

      • pegaxs on 19/11/2022 - 15:08

        If phone has battery charge and doesn't get damaged in a drop.

        The same could be said for any communicator device. Any of these devices could get damaged in an accident or run the battery flat. Easy fix is to make sure you have a safe place for the phone AND a USB port installed.

        The Zoleo has kits with a mount kit for straps, 1/4" thread or RAM type mount. The Bivy appears to come with a 1/4" thread mount on the back, so anything would screw to it.

        I ended up going with the Zoleo because of the subscription that didn't require me to pay an extra $9US every month on top of the monthly plan fee and I can subscribe when I want, and turn it off when I dont need the account subscription and I didnt need to pay an Activation fee each time I wanted to use the account again.

        • yoho on 24/01/2023 - 10:21

          This may have changed. The way I read it, once you cancel, the activation fee of $40 would apply.

  • Marty-69 on 19/11/2022 - 11:44

    My mate has an inReach which works great with his Garmin watch and the (Android) Garmin app. Always coverage, preset SMS messages (you can "type" as well but that's a pain), can be used as an emergency beacon with one click, you can reply to text messages from the inReach, get weather updates, share location in SMS and on the website etc. My satellite phone is on the Globalstar network and drops connection quite often, no issues yet with inReach after about 10 months.

    A minor downside is that you need an inReach subscription. Annual Safety is $20 per month but there're also Freedom plans. I guess it's also a fee for the Iridium network. At the end of the month, we use the remaining SMS for testing. Send/receive is always within 2 minutes.

    • Spending2Much on 19/11/2022 - 12:27

      Thanks for your informative reply. Which model InReach does he have?
      Thanks

      • Marty-69 on 19/11/2022 - 15:38
        +1

        The inReach-2.

  • bdl on 19/11/2022 - 14:02
    +1

    Slightly OT, but for those interested in the Iridium network this is a great read: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/26893707

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