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My recent experience with Spot SOS feature

Nemo Brinker said:
I was browsing ADVrider and came across a relevant thread with all kinds of info on how SPOT, GPS and local authorities actually do (or don't do) a rescue; in this case, the guy crashed alone on a remote trail, had many forum members and local SAR folks looking for him, and finally was found by the SPOT-dispatched helicopter...20 HOURS later. Yow.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=613416&page=2
Click to expand...

Rule #1 when riding off-road. Don't do it alone. Period. Shit happens to even the most experienced riders.

20 hours later alive is better than finding his corpse.
 
Good thread - thanks to OP for sharing his detailed recent experience.

I ride with the SPOT connect and have been happy with its capabilities - but I also agree that you need to be prepared (boy scout motto:thumbup) and just carrying a spot is not enough - know the area, have a ride plan that others know about, and bring map/compass/food and other gear as noted that will assist you in surviving if things go wrong. And ride with others whenever you can :thumbup

I am assembling/testing a simple block & tackle rig that I can use if needed to move or raise my big heavy vstrom...will post up pics when I'm done.

And this advert for SPOTs new sat phone just came in - looks like a competitive offering to the
Delorme phone discussed earlier in the thread. $100 off for current Spot users who upgrade.

http:// www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=122


T
 
Titus58 said:
Good thread - thanks to OP for sharing his detailed recent experience.

I ride with the SPOT connect and have been happy with its capabilities - but I also agree that you need to be prepared (boy scout motto:thumbup) and just carrying a spot is not enough - know the area, have a ride plan that others know about, and bring map/compass/food and other gear as noted that will assist you in surviving if things go wrong. And ride with others whenever you can :thumbup

I am assembling/testing a simple block & tackle rig that I can use if needed to move or raise my big heavy vstrom...will post up pics when I'm done.

And this advert for SPOTs new sat phone just came in - looks like a competitive offering to the
Delorme phone discussed earlier in the thread. $100 off for current Spot users who upgrade.

http:// www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=122


T
Click to expand...


I'm actually considering switching to InReach next year once my SPOT subscription is up... only downside is that it is 2x more expensive than SPOT if you want tracking...
 
Titus58 said:
Good thread - thanks to OP for sharing his detailed recent experience. (snip)
Click to expand...

No worries - my pleasure. I totally agree about being prepared. I've recently upgraded my first-aid/trauma kit that I'll be carrying on future adv rides.


Titus58 said:
And this advert for SPOTs new sat phone just came in - looks like a competitive offering to the
Delorme phone discussed earlier in the thread. $100 off for current Spot users who upgrade.

http:// www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=122


T
Click to expand...

FYI - the new Spot phone is simply a re-badged Globalstar GSP 1700, which you can find on Amazon.com for cheaper than Spot is selling it. Same phone/service - just not the Spot logo.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O9FS1I


I just got the shipment notification that my new DeLorme InReach SE is on its way. A few folks on advrider have already gotten early shipments and seem pretty impressed with its capability as compared to the Spot1/2/Connect.
 
Nemo Brinker said:
I was browsing ADVrider and came across a relevant thread with all kinds of info on how SPOT, GPS and local authorities actually do (or don't do) a rescue; in this case, the guy crashed alone on a remote trail, had many forum members and local SAR folks looking for him, and finally was found by the SPOT-dispatched helicopter...20 HOURS later. Yow.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=613416&page=2
Click to expand...

I'm left wondering if the rider had a spot that was hooked up to his GPS (Delorme P60Nw) or not, and whether that would have made a difference ? I think the SPOT with GPS will send your coordinates as part of the message - that is why it is connected ? Not sure about this, but it seems like an advantage in these kind of situations.

Unfortunately the quality of the response seems to depend on where you are when you need help. That is a big downfall of these alert/rescue systems IMO, and not really what people think they are getting when they sign up for service.

Would an InReach have made any difference, or is that also dependent on how local authorities respond to the calls ?
 
sckego said:
I don't think SPOT is really intended to call for rapid response, or call for help in situations where there is a group of people where anyone can head off to find the nearest house/phone/Calfire station to get help. It's a great tool for solo riders who are riding in areas where they might crash and go completely unnoticed... read this and think of how things might have ended up differently for those drivers if either one had a SPOT tracker.
Click to expand...

This. SPOT is for when you are solo, in the middle of an area where you can't get a cell signal, and can barely push the button. Sooner or later help will in fact arrive. SPOT is not for a time when you are with another rider, or even better lots of riders where one of you can ride up the road and get help. SPOT is a good, cheap solution to a very unlikely scenario. Those who don't want to use SPOT needs to simply make sure you tell SOMEONE where you plan to go, what time you're leaving and the exact route you plan to take. If you can't stick to that, then get SPOT.
 

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