Hi all, question for spot users out there ? Are there any benefits to using spot gps trackers ? Or is there suitable software that does the same on a mobile phone, just curious as I have
Thought about buying a spot gen 3 or 4 but curious about any benefits of using one ?.
Thanks
Neil
I've had a Spot 2 for around 8 years and currently use a Spot 3. Combined with
Spotwalla there are many benefits to a satellite tracking device over a cellular device, but it really comes down to your needs and how you intend to use it. You can use a cell phone with Spotwalla for tracking, when you have cell service with
Bubbler Lite for free. Spotwalla is moving to a pay format, but I don't know when. Still likely be very reasonable. You don't need Spotwalla, but it saves your trips forever, unlike others.
In the UK, I don't know if you have areas w/o cell service like we do in the US. In the greater sense of the EU, I'm sure you can get as lost as you want to. It just depends on what area you ride in. A big benefit for Spot is being able to send a OK or Custom message when you're stopped for the day to let loved ones know you're fine and either stopped for a break or done for the day and safe at your destination when you don't have cell service. Secondary is that whomever has your tracking link can follow along on your trip, or in case of problems, see very close to where you are either from the end of the pings or the repeated pings in one spot not at a safe place.
I never looked at the Spot as an excuse to be dumb. Don't go riding into areas where risk is high w/o other riders and w/o telling people where you are going, your route and when you expect to be back.
My main reasons for having a Spot were for endurance rally use, when I was doing those events. Now it's more a tool to make my wife happy if I do a long solo ride or take a solo trip. Day to day she uses it for her blog to show others where we went on day rides or longer rides. An example in the latest blog entry here:
http://cletha-adventures.blogspot.com/