Review: Spot Gen3 and Spot Trace GPS trackers

[Iwan Kemp]

The SPOT Gen3 is a personal GPS tracking and satellite messenger system that is designed to work with satellite-based communications and can be used for rescue, tracking and messaging where there are no mobile phone networks.

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[TheJ]

Used one of these (orange one) for the Addo 100 Miler trail run earlier this year. Worked 100%. Was out in the wilderness for over 30 hours and the battery didn't run down.

[Slowbee]

do you still have the unit ?

 

and would you say it works better than a cell based app ?

[Iwan Kemp]

do you still have the unit ?

 

and would you say it works better than a cell based app ?

Hi Terry,

 

Definitely works better than a cell based app purely as it has signal when and where a phone does not. Jumped on my motorbike ad headed into the wild with this and my cell and my check in messages always went through even when my cell had zero signal.

[Slowbee]

Thanks.

 

Just struggling to get the head round the yearly fee. Especially given that most cycling rides are within cell phone coverage areas.

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

Thanks.

 

Just struggling to get the head round the yearly fee. Especially given that most cycling rides are within cell phone coverage areas.

I think this is really useful if going into really remote areas and then that yearly fee is ok. But as you said, most trails are in cellphone reception area, where a fully charged, reliable cell phone would do the trick. MySos is also cool

[Madala]

Thanks.

 

Just struggling to get the head round the yearly fee. Especially given that most cycling rides are within cell phone coverage areas.

Hi. I used one of these SPOT Gen 3 trackers on a Beit Bridge to Cape Augulhas Ride earlier this year. As I was travelling alone and mostly on roads/tracks with little or no traffic I felt it was worth having for the peace of mind. It worked flawlessly and is a very rugged device. Battery life is exceptional so it becomes a "carry and forget" device. I also used a cell based tracking app on my phone but coverage is a very real problem. We have a very false sense of the coverage as most of the major towns and freeways are covered but you will be amazed at how quickly you get out of coverage if you travel off the major routes. With the SPOT tracker if you can see the sky you will have coverage. If you are wanting to be sure of getting help if you need it then there is only one choice. 

Edited July 7, 2016 by Madala

[TheJ]

Hi Terry,

 

Definitely works better than a cell based app purely as it has signal when and where a phone does not. Jumped on my motorbike ad headed into the wild with this and my cell and my check in messages always went through even when my cell had zero signal.

 

As far as I know, GPS isn't dependant on the cell having a signal. In the same trail run I was using a cell based app as well and even in the most remote parts of the park with no cell reception the GPS still kept running. The phone might not be able to download the "map", but if you are following a set route like I was, it works.

[TheJ]

do you still have the unit ?

 

and would you say it works better than a cell based app ?

 

Had to give it back after the event. But this is not something to track yourself with - and see it tracking you. We used it for the people at home to follow you online. Depending on the quality and technology advances in individual GPS chips... for me GPS is GPS.

 

Good old SportsTracker on my S4 has never let me down.

[Nick]

As far as I know, GPS isn't dependant on the cell having a signal. In the same trail run I was using a cell based app as well and even in the most remote parts of the park with no cell reception the GPS still kept running. The phone might not be able to download the "map", but if you are following a set route like I was, it works.

 

Unless I'm mistaken, a phone GPS can't communicate via satellite. So it won't be able to send for emergency help or let people know you're safe or track your movement when outside of signal. In my mind, that's the main benefit of these products and the value all depends on how much time you spend in places without mobile connectivity. But I agree, for most, a phone will do just fine.

[TheJ]

Unless I'm mistaken, a phone GPS can't communicate via satellite. So it won't be able to send for emergency help or let people know you're safe or track your movement when outside of signal. In my mind, that's the main benefit of these products and the value all depends on how much time you spend in places without mobile connectivity. But I agree, for most, a phone will do just fine.

 

Ok yes on that aspect I agree. I was more talking about the actual tracking. So yeah if you are out in the boendoes without reception a cell won't help you - even though your cell might still have GPS coverage.

[Iwan Kemp]

We have a very false sense of the coverage as most of the major towns and freeways are covered but you will be amazed at how quickly you get out of coverage if you travel off the major routes.

 

This. We don't really notice as thankfully most of us have never needed a true SOS emergency signal. But riding with the Gen3 and Trace (and paying close attention to cellphone signal) I quickly realized just how often I would be without any support should things go south. 

 

Parts of Jonkers, Contermans, Tokai (if I remember correctly from back in the day), Harkerville, Petrus se Brand, exploring Greyton and I'm sure many others all over our beautiful country all run out of signal somewhere along the way.

 

Should I own a Gen3 (and I'm seriously considering it) it would go with my wife when she's out running or just on her way to the movies at night for girls' night. I will have it with me on my bicycle, motorbike and also when out driving. 

 

In an emergency there is a MASSIVE difference between having to hit a button and having to get out your phone, making a call in the hope that THAT contact will pick up. For example I travel the R300 with its DO NOT STOP signs often. Should a mechanical strike there sending a SPOT message will be quicker and "safer" than having to make a call. 1 button that notifies 10 contacts beats making a call. 

 

Note to self: next time include this in the review!

[Slowbee]

Iwan, those reasons are why I am seriously considering the unit.

 

The other thing I checked was the SOS button goes to an international call centre. They then route the call to your nearest emergency centre based on your GPS signal.

 

The 10 contacts is also routed in a similar vein.

 

Do you still have the unit with you ?

[Grantc]

We used the Gen3 on RASA this year.

[Shebeen]

SPOT is excellent. I've been on the tracker side of things behind races before, and it can't be beaten in most regards. For years we were not on their map and only 18m months ago a new geostationary satelite was added to their system

 

feel the love mzansi

BUT, that comes at a cost. I think they will probably do better at hiring out units than sales using their current pricing. It's just hard to justify unless you're in remote areas a lot. and only having a 10minute refresh rate on the basic package does save on battery and (satellite uplink data) but could be 6/7km between locations if you're on your bike - that's not good enough for safety if something goes wrong(i know pushing the sos button will give current location).

 

Cellphone based tracking apps have improved immeasurably and there are many ways to configure how they operate, including battery life. The GPS operation of your phone does not need to be data/battery heavy - but the default is normally to use the most accuracy/refresh so it appears that way. It is also device dependant, it seems like a phone GPS is binary, you either have it or you don't, when in actual fact the hardware used is critical for how well it works. They have got pretty damn amazing at cramming the RF radios into cellphones and getting GPS, Glonass(russians) and beidou(chinese) all helps seeing more satellites for signal. 

 

I don't want to knock SPOT here (hell they just pulled off the best Freddom Challenge coverage), but i think they've priced themselves out of the market. their only real pull factor is satellite uplink giving you almost guaranteed coverage. on the other hand you have a multitude of tracking apps that are low cost(or free) and work on a device you already own. Cell coverage is the main issue here, but these apps will poll until a signal is sent, and very little signal is required to send a short data message even when the phone says 0 bars of signal.

 

here's an example of a local one - https://www.mysos.co.za/

[IH8MUD]

Used these Spot units in quad bike and cycling events in Canada

Cellphone can not compare. 

Unlike SA, cellphone reception for most part only in towns and some big highways in BC.

I was amazed how quickly you lose cell signal. 

As soon as you're out in the "sticks" your cellphone is useless. 

Edited July 8, 2016 by IH8MUD