SPOT...does anyone use these?

[TunaFisherman]

I am interested to see who uses these. I use one for tracking when fishing the smaller boats offshore, hiking and anytime I am fishing alone on the river.

http://www.findmespot.com/en/

NOTE...I do not rely totally on this for rescue offshore, we also have EPIRB and SAT phone and VHF with DCS.

[TunaFisherman]

guess not:confused:

[That Guy v2.0]

OP Check out

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/45-GPS-and-Computers-%28Hardware%29

More than a few multipage threads on the SPOT. Also some talk on PLBs.

I plan on getting a SPOT when I get home but I have no firsthand experience with it. I like to do solo trips into the Gila National Forest and I need it for safety purposes.

Hope this helps.

[K.L. Davis]

Previous comments... https://www.m4carbine.net/showpost.php?p=851671&postcount=3

[TunaFisherman]

Previous comments... https://www.m4carbine.net/showpost.php?p=851671&postcount=3

Thanks. Search doesnt always work to good.
I am looking for some current info on the new gadgets the offer

[hatidua]

I've used a SPOT device in the mountains consistently over the past three years. I like the ability to send wifey pre-programed messages, she likes watching my progress toward the summit every 20 minutes as it marks it online, and the ability to summon support if needed. One thing I've always told my wife is that if she gets a call saying I've punched 911 into the system, don't assume it's ME that is injured or needs help. On several occasions, climbers here in CO have fallen and people that happened upon them used spot to get the air evac people on scene, so it might not be me that I use my SPOT device for.

As for offshore use, I prefer a dedicated EPIRB unit (with GPS) registered to that vessel than to use the SPOT device, but either is better than nothing when far from land. That said, more often than not there are both on hand when I leave the dock.

If you get the SPOT device, it's probably a good idea to pay the little extra for the air evac insurance, it's a small price compared to what a helicopter with emergency crew can cost.

[brian0128]

I originally bought my SPOT for motorycle trips since I ride solo trips up and down the East Coast on a regular basis. It was great for family and friends to be able to track my progress as well as to guess an ETA without calling me.

Now that I own one, I find myself using it when out on the Chesapeake Bay or when hiking or hunting.