Personal Locator Beacons (PLB's)

[Carroll Birge]

Cowper,

Yes, I did. Sorry about that.

Carroll

[Jeremy M]

SPOT-2 is HERE!

The Rebate on the SPOT-1 is valid until December 31st, 2009.

[MStrobel]

West Marine has 15% off everything Thanksgiving day (use code BIG15) and 10% thru Monday Buy the FastFind and get a free buoyancy pack.

[Jeremy M]

SPOT-2 Voluntary Recall...

If you've purchased a SPOT-2 recently, check out this link for instructions and details on the recall....I believe they're doing the right thing by correcting the problems early. Just a note, in the first month of the introduction of the SPOT-2, it saved 50 lives...

http://www.findmespot.com/exchange" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Cowper]

Pretty cool too that they're using the technology to make it easier, too.

Just turn it on and log into their website! (We already know who you are, and where you live, and where you are now!)

I'm very happy with my FastFind for what it is, but it is something like a snake. Cool pet, but they just sit there most of the time; you don't really get to "play" with them like a puppy dog. I may have to get a Spot-2 also; I'd really like to have the option of handing it one to non-GPS owning guests on DeBo's swamp floats so that if they get separated from the group, they would have the option of sending a non-emergency "I'm OK but come find me" type message.

[ckuntz]

Thanks for all the info on SPOT and other personal locator beacons. Received one as a Christmas gift and am pleased that I have it. Hopefully will never need the 911 assistance but sure is comforting to know that you have it if you do.
Chris K

[MStanley]

I received a SPOT II for Christmas and when I tried to activate the device I found out about the defect. It would not even let me activate it but said they would replace the unit sometime in EARLY 2010. After complaining about their customer service I have received more information; the new SPOT II's will be avaiulable Jan 16 so they say. I'm still undecided about keeping the SPOT II or just getting a refund and looking elsewhere.

[Butch Crain]

Attended a logging woods rescue workshop last week where the instructor was upbeat about SPOT.

But in doing research, it seems that SPOT has a frequent occurrence of hardware failure, an automatic annual renewal without notification and customer service that's not very helpful.

I'd recommend reading through the customer reviews at REI's emergency electronics link -

http://www.rei.com/category/40006527" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've found REI's customer reviewers to be pretty savvy in the past.

[okieboater]

Don't know much about the "Spot" but I second Butch's comment about using REI customer reviews for research.

When I am researching most any outdoor gear, REI customer reviews is the first places I look.

After having a really bad experience with "automatic payment system" some years ago, I do not use them anymore. If the small print says words to the effect the only way to cancel the automatic deduction must come from the recipient of the funds ---- be really careful!!

[perspective7]

Never had a problem with mine except when my parents canceled their text messaging capability on their phones...so they only got e-mails on my OK status. Works great otherwise with the original batteries. I used it when hiking Adkins creek and other similar areas with no interference with trees or terrain...

[Butch Crain]

Sadly, where I once could readily find experienced foresters willing to do temporary field work on a daily contract basis, the current state of the timber industry has driven many of those out of forestry and into more stable work.

I now do more solo field work in remote locals than ever before. Also sadly, I ain't getting no younger and injuries in the field that I might once of gutted out to the truck have the potential for rapidly breaking bad.

So I've just ordered a ACR ResQLink 406 GPS PLB from REI. Includes an optional subscription for a self test "I'm OK" message that can be emailed to up to 5 contacts for $60 annually.

[okieboater]

Hey Butch, keep us posted on how the unit works out. I don't have one yet but considering it for the same reasons you posted

dave

[Cowper]

I’m guessing that ACR may come out with some additional units in the near future to stay competitive.

The ACR ResQLink 406 GPS PLB wasn’t available back when this thread started in 2009; one web blog said it was released in about July of 2011.

I picked up one of the Spot II’s (now called the Spot GPS messenger) on clearance earlier this year for $35, and have had some fun using it to update others on my location. But for a real emergency, I would agree with those who argue that the “true” rescue beacons have several advantages.

Butch, thanks for posting this update – this ACR looks like a great little unit.