Not sure why the prices for subscriptions is not mentioned but the Basic for the year is $143 not including the activation fee and the annual service renewal. The Flex plan cost $15 a month not including the activation fee. You still have to pay the $24 annual network maintenance fee even if you suspend your plan. #ouch
Great device. I use it on my pack when doing ultra marathon races in remote locations. My family & friends can tune in at all times while I'm on course
User interface on their website is horrible. The paperwork says this will work with the Spot X app but does not. The instructions are inadequate. Once I signed up for service the website said I needed to do a firmware update to be able to use the custom message service. I have used this for a few days on hikes in the mountains and I’m very disappointed with the tracking. I’m guessing it’s not set up correctly but overall this thing is not user friendly.
Great helpful video. My one question- let’s say I have all my custom messages programmed in. can I send any of them to any contact? Or are they each programmed to a specific contact?
1:48 "IP rating of 68, which means you're dust and you're water resistant, not waterproof, so keep that in mind." IP68 is the highest rating found on consumer electronics, meaning it can be safely immersed in water at a depth greater than 1m, up to a limit defined by the manufacturer. "Waterproof" is not a verifiable claim and all honest marketing claims will say "water resistant," because everything short of a submersible vehicle will fail at some depth. There is technically an IPx9K standard, but unless you are pressure washing a cement truck, it's probably not relevant to you. Probably still best if you don't submerge the thing on purpose if you can help it, considering how important it is that it keeps working. But that being said, sailors/kayakers/watermen shouldn't be discouraged from putting a float strap on the thing and taking it with them because it's "only water resistant." IPx8 is effectively the fancy term for what you and I would consider waterproof.
@@UguysRnuts If the max depth is deeper than the Challenger Deep is it really a limitation at that point? Or just hypothetical? It's irrelevant. IP is a consumer standard. It's not used for research vehicles. The whole point is that "waterproof" isn't verifiable, but "water resistant up to X" is verifiable, so that's what legitimate marketing claims use. When someone tries to caution people because something "is only water resistant, not waterproof" its unintentionally misleading because it implies there is something out there that IS waterproof, meanwhile the thing they're talking about actually meets the highest consumer standard for waterproofness. But I believe we do agree, in principle, that "waterproof" doesn't really exist and all devices have some design limitations against water pressure.
I don't understand what the function of the tracking button is for. I thought it tracks all the time based on the interval you configure. What does pushing the button do?
The Spot Gen4 is the cheaper communicator that we sell. The Garmin inReach messenger is another great option but does cost a little more. www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/garmin-inreach-messenger-p
So let me clarify something; this product will not contact emergency services automatically if you are in a crash in a way similar to OnStar? Seems that if it's motion activated by a gyrometer or accelerometer that could be a very useful feature
I bought a used gen 4 device ,when activating a message in red rectangle appears saying that "ESN is in use " so what could i do to activate this device on my account
The "custom message" or "check in" does not send texts. I know that Spot sent and you did not pay for this device, but it does not work as advertised. It does not send messages to your contacts nor gives them a link to follow to track you. I can after I return log in and see where I was but others can not follow you not does the Spot Gen 4 message. Just be aware of that.
would not touch it with a barge pole, I have had both the spot X and the others as well as bar in for several adventure trips. Spot don't make any secrets about coverage but let's just say when I needed help the only one that worked for me was the Garmin, it's not worth saving a few bucks get the best which this is not. As for support omg the people at spot and the GPS service are horrible. Say no more.
I only need to use it for two months. One their site they list the flex plan, for 15$ a month. Now that's not too bad. But with that comes a 20$ activation fee and a 25$ flex charge? Does that mean that I actually need to pay 75$ for just two months of usage because that's way too expensive for me! Can anyone verify this?
Please correct your false statement that it is basically the same features as Gen 3. NOT TRUE. There are 2 important differences. (1) it is NOT COMPATIBLE with the Spot App - that is a major step backwards. (2) The Gen 4 has an IP-68 enclosure - far more robust against water ingress than the Spot 3.
SAVE YOUR LIFE BY BUYING A GARMIN. Otherwise you may find yourself in a pinch and you wouldnt want to have to rely on this device and the miserably IDGAF attitude of Stephanie in their support department.
This is useless it’s cover protecting the sis button failed immediately / broke in two. Made almost of wax!!!! They refused to repair replace or replace the part without a $50 fee!!!! Terrible don’t buy
The product listing I found for this was misleading and mentioned nothing about the subscription and activation fee. Customer service was awful and I will be returning the product and telling everyone I can about how little this company cares about customers.
@@rmatvmc I suppose a lot of people understand that. But I am not someone who dabbles in the outdoors- or at least not in areas that would leave me without cell service. I did not buy this for me, it was a gift, and I wouldn't have purchased it if it had been clearly disclosed that a subscription was required- and that wasn't at all clear in the product listing. Therein lies the problem- not that there is a subscription, but that isn't obvious.
@@stevepolk1039 I wonder how effective these devices are going to be when there are millions of them out there being used by the functionally illiterate.
Not sure why people whinge about this. It’s literally the price of a coffee a week but can get you help in an emergency when out of mobile range, worth every cent.
Be aware that they have an opt out i.e. automatic renewal. So if you don't remember and the notice they provides goes to junk mail then you'll be out of luck and that'll cost you. Before you buy Google "Spot 3 trustpilot" to get reviews. 1.7 stars out of 5 with 75 reviews.
Came here after being stupid enough to buy one of these things, hoping to figure out how to use it. . . After watching it, still couldn’t. After an hour on the phone with their customer service still no luck. Taking this piece of junk back to REI tomorrow.
I work on very remote areas and I always have this close. It’s worked to let my family know I’m ok, get me unstuck. I have an elderly friend who loves to rock hunt. Unfortunately he gets stuck a lot, he’s used the crap out of his to get help. It’s literally saved his life. Love it
This product is junk. If you Activate it they WILL NOT allow you to unsubscribe from billing. "If your going on a trip" make sure you bring your home computer on your back for constant firmwear updates. This product is way to complicated. ....then you need batteries! Utter junk.
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Thoroughly interesting and informative product description, very well spoken.
Not sure why the prices for subscriptions is not mentioned but the Basic for the year is $143 not including the activation fee and the annual service renewal. The Flex plan cost $15 a month not including the activation fee. You still have to pay the $24 annual network maintenance fee even if you suspend your plan. #ouch
This hidden crap is what pissed me off.
I appreciate the product reviews. Getting a users perspective helps much more than just the online information.
Great device. I use it on my pack when doing ultra marathon races in remote locations. My family & friends can tune in at all times while I'm on course
User interface on their website is horrible. The paperwork says this will work with the Spot X app but does not. The instructions are inadequate. Once I signed up for service the website said I needed to do a firmware update to be able to use the custom message service. I have used this for a few days on hikes in the mountains and I’m very disappointed with the tracking. I’m guessing it’s not set up correctly but overall this thing is not user friendly.
Great, to-the-point tutorial and review. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Best review of this device that I have found on the internet. Great Job!
Glad it was helpful!
How many seconds you should press one of those 2 "protected" buttons in order to activate the "help me my friend" or SOS?
Great helpful video. My one question- let’s say I have all my custom messages programmed in. can I send any of them to any contact? Or are they each programmed to a specific contact?
It’s actually an ounce heavier than Gen3. The difference is that it takes AAA batteries and has better water/dust protection.
1:48 "IP rating of 68, which means you're dust and you're water resistant, not waterproof, so keep that in mind."
IP68 is the highest rating found on consumer electronics, meaning it can be safely immersed in water at a depth greater than 1m, up to a limit defined by the manufacturer. "Waterproof" is not a verifiable claim and all honest marketing claims will say "water resistant," because everything short of a submersible vehicle will fail at some depth.
There is technically an IPx9K standard, but unless you are pressure washing a cement truck, it's probably not relevant to you.
Probably still best if you don't submerge the thing on purpose if you can help it, considering how important it is that it keeps working. But that being said, sailors/kayakers/watermen shouldn't be discouraged from putting a float strap on the thing and taking it with them because it's "only water resistant." IPx8 is effectively the fancy term for what you and I would consider waterproof.
Hate to be the one to have to inform you, but even "a submersible vehicle" will have depth limitations.
@@UguysRnuts If the max depth is deeper than the Challenger Deep is it really a limitation at that point? Or just hypothetical?
It's irrelevant. IP is a consumer standard. It's not used for research vehicles. The whole point is that "waterproof" isn't verifiable, but "water resistant up to X" is verifiable, so that's what legitimate marketing claims use. When someone tries to caution people because something "is only water resistant, not waterproof" its unintentionally misleading because it implies there is something out there that IS waterproof, meanwhile the thing they're talking about actually meets the highest consumer standard for waterproofness. But I believe we do agree, in principle, that "waterproof" doesn't really exist and all devices have some design limitations against water pressure.
I don't understand what the function of the tracking button is for. I thought it tracks all the time based on the interval you configure. What does pushing the button do?
Sweet, looks like a nice update
Do they need to be in the open or will they work inside a vehicle?
No it's not the same!I don't like it because you have to use a tool to get to the batteries! The Spot Gen 1-3 had D-Rings on the 2 screws!
Good informative video, thanks!
Is there another tracker that you recommend? TIA.
The Spot Gen4 is the cheaper communicator that we sell. The Garmin inReach messenger is another great option but does cost a little more. www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/garmin-inreach-messenger-p
You say you carry a satellite communicator on rides, but you don't specify Spot. Garmin InReach mini perhaps?
I use a Garmin Inreach. I have the SE model which is the exact same as the explorer plus but without the topo maps. - Chase
So let me clarify something; this product will not contact emergency services automatically if you are in a crash in a way similar to OnStar?
Seems that if it's motion activated by a gyrometer or accelerometer that could be a very useful feature
It will not. You MUST activate it manually.
I bought a used gen 4 device ,when activating a message in red rectangle appears saying that "ESN is in use " so what could i do to activate this device on my account
The gen 4 is more robust and has better waterproofing in addition to the lighter weight
The "custom message" or "check in" does not send texts. I know that Spot sent and you did not pay for this device, but it does not work as advertised. It does not send messages to your contacts nor gives them a link to follow to track you. I can after I return log in and see where I was but others can not follow you not does the Spot Gen 4 message. Just be aware of that.
It is very difficult to activate the locator with its poor instructions. It does not say how to synchronize the locator with the cell phone
would not touch it with a barge pole, I have had both the spot X and the others as well as bar in for several adventure trips.
Spot don't make any secrets about coverage but let's just say when I needed help the only one that worked for me was the Garmin, it's not worth saving a few bucks get the best which this is not.
As for support omg the people at spot and the GPS service are horrible.
Say no more.
Wow. You cut and paste the same negative reply on every spot 4 review you see. Are you a bot or just a troll?
Looks easier to activate Custom/OK feature while moving (and with gloves on) than the Gen III
I only need to use it for two months. One their site they list the flex plan, for 15$ a month. Now that's not too bad. But with that comes a 20$ activation fee and a 25$ flex charge? Does that mean that I actually need to pay 75$ for just two months of usage because that's way too expensive for me!
Can anyone verify this?
I’d think it’s worth $75 if you go down and break your leg on some BDR and have no cell service.
Pretty cheap when you consider you're accessing a network of satellites orbiting the earth. They aren't cheap to maintain.
Sounds about right. There are other more cost effective satellite communicators out there.
Exactly
Please correct your false statement that it is basically the same features as Gen 3. NOT TRUE. There are 2 important differences. (1) it is NOT COMPATIBLE with the Spot App - that is a major step backwards. (2) The Gen 4 has an IP-68 enclosure - far more robust against water ingress than the Spot 3.
also NO external charging port - you need a screwdriver (or a dime or penny if you are in a pinch) to open the body to recharge.
Where the hell do you go to set your contacts and your message?????
Check out the video SPOT LLC has on managing your contacts: th-cam.com/video/iEo5fcpUZ6I/w-d-xo.html
SAVE YOUR LIFE BY BUYING A GARMIN. Otherwise you may find yourself in a pinch and you wouldnt want to have to rely on this device and the miserably IDGAF attitude of Stephanie in their support department.
IT's Basic...
I L💗VE That!
Although, Been Stuck, with No Cell Service, Needing AAA Service!!!
How May the O.K. Button Help?!?
NDNluv 😁
This is useless it’s cover protecting the sis button failed immediately / broke in two. Made almost of wax!!!!
They refused to repair replace or replace the part without a $50 fee!!!!
Terrible don’t buy
The product listing I found for this was misleading and mentioned nothing about the subscription and activation fee. Customer service was awful and I will be returning the product and telling everyone I can about how little this company cares about customers.
Sorry you were unhappy with your SPOT. Unfortunately all satellite messengers require a subscription.
@@rmatvmc I suppose a lot of people understand that. But I am not someone who dabbles in the outdoors- or at least not in areas that would leave me without cell service. I did not buy this for me, it was a gift, and I wouldn't have purchased it if it had been clearly disclosed that a subscription was required- and that wasn't at all clear in the product listing. Therein lies the problem- not that there is a subscription, but that isn't obvious.
You are right, it definitely should be made clear upfront that a subscription is required.
no discussion about charging or power
Comes with 4 AAA lithium batteries. He does mention this.
@@stevepolk1039 I wonder how effective these devices are going to be when there are millions of them out there being used by the functionally illiterate.
You get screwed on the service plans
Not sure why people whinge about this. It’s literally the price of a coffee a week but can get you help in an emergency when out of mobile range, worth every cent.
@@eldanno5970 As someone else mentioned here, there are better devices and plans so do your research.
Be aware that they have an opt out i.e. automatic renewal. So if you don't remember and the notice they provides goes to junk mail then you'll be out of luck and that'll cost you. Before you buy Google "Spot 3 trustpilot" to get reviews. 1.7 stars out of 5 with 75 reviews.
Yikes. Good tip.
Came here after being stupid enough to buy one of these things, hoping to figure out how to use it. . . After watching it, still couldn’t. After an hour on the phone with their customer service still no luck. Taking this piece of junk back to REI tomorrow.
I work on very remote areas and I always have this close. It’s worked to let my family know I’m ok, get me unstuck. I have an elderly friend who loves to rock hunt. Unfortunately he gets stuck a lot, he’s used the crap out of his to get help. It’s literally saved his life. Love it
Worp cord talk cord pull Prosser.
4 AAA batteries and no 12v plug in support. Yea, one trip in cold weather and the thing is dead within the hour. TRASH
This product is junk. If you Activate it they WILL NOT allow you to unsubscribe from billing. "If your going on a trip" make sure you bring your home computer on your back for constant firmwear updates. This product is way to complicated. ....then you need batteries! Utter junk.