Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger | Handheld Portable GPS Messenger for Hiki...

I've had several models of Spot devices over the years, and this is the best one yet. Message transmission is incredibly fast and reliable - almost instant in many cases. The batteries last a very long time, too. I use it several times a week as I travel to remote, mountaintop locations for work, and can easily let my family know I've arrived safely and, using the custom message feature, let them know heading home. If I had one complaint, it is that the unit turns off after maybe an hour. It would be nice if it stayed "armed" to send a message for longer, so you don't have to hold the power button for 3 seconds and allow it to re-acquire GPS before sending another message. The first gen model stayed on for days and I loved that feature. But seriously, this is an awesome PLB and half the price of other brands. Go for it.

Very good product, I had a little difficulty understanding how it worked, but it was super easy. I went trekking in Venezuela and used it; it worked great, thank God I didn't need to use the SOS function, and the product tracked everything perfectly.

Great product. Good value for the price.

Great device and worked during a long hiking trip perfectly. Written instructions are a bit confusing so I suggest watching the videos on how to operate it.

The device itself is fine. The problem is with the required service to make it work. I ultimately had to return this and go with a more reputable brand that cares about reliability. When I first bought the device I was completely unable to use it the first weekend. Their website to set up an account and pay for the service was down and made it impossible to create an account to activate the SPOT. They have no customer service outside of M-F, 9-5. So instead of going on a hike with our new Spot, we waited. On Monday I called and they explained "it was just a server issue", and "nothing to worry about". While on the phone the issue was resolved and I proceeded to create my account and sign up. Fast forward a few weeks. We came down out of the mountains to panicked friends and family because, while the SPOT confirmed that the check-in messages were delivered, they, in fact, were not. Tried several more times while in civilization, each time the SPOT confirmed the message was sent. No messages were ever actually delivered. Waited (again, until Monday during working hours) to reach out to support. They confirmed, again, that it was "just a server issue, nothing to worry about because they are now aware of it and working on a fix". The attitude of the company is what sealed the deal to completely stay away from them: they had no regard for the fact that it straight up didn't work. They didn't care that it could have been a life or death emergency and their product didn't work. No acknowledgement that there was a real issue, just a small "blip" that was getting fixed. This device is for emergencies and needs to work. Repeated "small" server errors don't seem to bother them. I suggested they maybe have a system status page to let customers know if there's an issue. That suggestion was met with argument: "Why would anyone want to know when the system is down" and "our engineers don't know how to update the website if they know there's a problem". Yikes. Bottom line: I don't trust this company to communicate in the event of an emergency. Twice bitten is enough for me. Device has been returned, service refunded, and I'm not looking back.

I've only tried this around town so far. Seems accurate enough. I tested the SOS and custom messages. My buddy has one and I was told it's a must have for off-road trips on my motorcycle (I often go out solo for days at a time) This will allow me to at least send a message to my wife when I set up camp. When the messages are sent it also gives the GPS coordinates so that's pretty cool. You do have to pay for a subscription, there are different levels of price depending on how many messages you feel you'll send. You also pay separately for the SOS option. Small price to pay if I break a leg out in the middle of nowhere. Or find someone else who has.

Straight forward to use, has always worked well and been reliable for me. Easy to send friends a link so they can keep track of my progress. I like it better than the inreach gps.

First I will say once you overcome the software/ website the product itself is serviceable I have taken it on several hikes and up a mountain. Largest complaint is the app does not have anywhere near the functionality of the website, meaning if you want to share tracking links or edit messages or basically any other function you need internet, which is counterintuitive to a satellite based product where the intention is to be used outdoors far from cell towers or a router. I do understand that the device lacks Bluetooth connectivity and is why I believe it lags behind in this area but still wish there was a way to either plug you device into you phone and edit messages hardwired at the very least. With that gripe out of the way. The tracking function once you figure out the website and map/live mode works phenomenally. It does also send the custom/check in messages all parties that I sent it to received the messages. It’s easily mounted onto a pack or belt with the included carabiner. The lack of a rechargeable battery is disappointing but the battery life with the AAA batteries is impressive and can be hot swapped as long as you have a screwdriver/ multitool It does what it is supposed to once you take the time and effort to struggle through an interface that is not super user friendly. From what I’ve seen the zoleo/ garmin products near this price range are superior in usability and extra functionality due to their app interfaces and Bluetooth. BUT for the sale price of under 90 bucks that I purchased this for it is in fact a satellite one way communicator with an SOS function, and from what I’ve seen it has the lowest price subscription compared to the other communicators on the market. Especially after the Motorola devices recent price hikes. I would recommend this to someone who has a specific device in mind where all they really want is a SOS beacon with the ability to share tracking. The messaging features are okay but not the highlight of this device it’s a solid 3.5/5 star device in my opinion middle of the road. not bad, but not impressive.