Spot X vs Garmin InReach mini

I'm in the market for a satellite messenger/tracking device. These two units comes to mind.

Does anybody have any experience with these units? Like em, love em, hate em, should of could of would of?

Thanks

 

Look at Zoleo as well. More similar in function to the In Reach, but around $100 cheaper if you catch it at the right time. I have one, but have only used it twice so far.

Edit: Meant In Reach, not SPOT. Working on a whole 30 minutes of sleep. Wheeee!

 

I have an inreach se and quite like it. I found garmins service pricing to be more compatible with how I use it as well

 

I have 66i which has preloaded maps and a nice quality screen.
With these types of devices you can pretty much send and receive texts from anywhere.
And send your location.
I got one for my wife as well.
On my last trip a buddy had a mini and was showing me how to sync mine to my phone and its contacts.
Was texting to him and other folks in no time.

 

I would consider the 66i but I already have a rino, I like the mini because it's small. The Garmin's seems to have the better reviews even though it's a little bit more pricey.
How did your friend like his mini?

 

He really seemed to like it.
He pairs it with his phone and a tablet, both which he has the Garmin mapping/trail software/app running.

When I'm on a trip I let folks know where it is and how to use it in case of an emergency.
1) push the sos button
2) watch for and respond to the messages from those responding to your sos
You should confirm the sos with those responding and the responders can get someone to assist asap through texts as well as dispatch help.

 

I have the inreach mini. Never used it for more than a few text messages, which is technically a good thing, I have it solely for emergency use. The live tracking mapping feature is cool, not sure if competitors have something similar.

I went with the Garmin because I already have several other Garmin products. Regardless, I like it. It seems well built. Garmin does also allow you to stop/start the satellite service so if you know you're not going to be using it for a few months, you can stop service and not pay the monthly for it.

 

That's pretty much what I want it for, I worry that while I'm out having fun there's something wrong at home and nobody can contact me.

 

Love the inreach mini. Use it for texting the wife and weather reports. The billing system I like too.

I do not use it for mapping whatsoever as I have my phone and paper for that. I use it only for communication and SOS capability.

 

I went with a classic (non-mini, older version) inreach, personally.

That, and a 206 PLB for 'come get me I'm fuxed' types of emergencies.

 

i went with the mini and the safety service (cheapest one) with the sar insurance. I use the pre messages as you dont get billed for those. I just semd my family “I’m okay” messages, I love this lil thing, peace of mind.

 

Another vote for the Garmin Mini. After lots of research and analysis it won out over the spot. I cant say that the margin is large but cost wise its about a wash. The more mature satellite network and a device that can still work and send custom messages independent of a cell phone were the notable reasons for the inReach. Got it at the beginning of last season had has been a great peace of mind for myself and family.

 

I’ve had an inreach for a few years and it’s been great. They operate on the iridium network for 100% global coverage (unlike spot on globalstar). That alone was a big decision maker for me, it’s not worth saving a few bucks to get something else to have it not work in an emergency.

 

Another recommendation for the Garmin InReach Mini. We got ours beginning of last year ind it’s been great so far for off-grid communication and peace of mind.

 

I'm not sure where you guys are using this stuff, but the InReach Mini has been garbage for us in the 10,000' peaks in Southern California and in the High Sierra. Everyone on the trails is wearing one with the little fake carabiner, and they're cute, but they're constantly struggling to access the satellites even when we're out in the clear at 12,600’. Worked Mountain SAR for a while, as does my climbing partner. It's better than nothing because it *might* work, but man....

Here's where we were last weekend. InReach kept prompting us to find clear sky…

 

Weird - I have the OG inreach and it works pretty well. I also carry a 406 PLB though.

 

Don't have any experience with the spot x, but my inReach has been fantastic. I have the mini that i got on sale for 279. It works great, good satellite lock on, easy garmin app interface. I don't use it for any serious navigation so the mini suited my needs better. All i use it is for comms when there is no cell service available. Garmin's service plans are also fairly priced.

 

I’d look into a warranty claim, something doesn’t seem right about that. We’ve used ours all over CO with no issues… clear skies, forests, all kinds of elevations. Works great!