cruiserlarry wrote:OU812 wrote:What advantage does that SPOT have over a PLB? I guess the fact that your friends can track your progress is fun. But isn't a PLB more reliable and cheaper?
The spot can track your route, and notify people that you are OK, and request help from friends for less than life threatening situations; An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) only is used in matters of life or death. The Spot unit is cheaper, but you do pay for service on a yearly basis. The EPIRB is substantially more expensive, but the service is free (unless you accidentally activate it - up to $25,000 fine).
The EBIRB will notify emergency personnel usually within 4-5 minutes directly, while the Spot notifies a central "911" center in Texas to relay for help in your location, so the EPIRB can be faster.
Both have good track records, but the Spot has more features for non-emergencies...
I am mostly in agreement with Larry's comments.
If you are contemplating the purchase of either the Spot or a PLB, the most critical consideration must be the ability to summon help in the event of an emergency. In that regard, it is important for you to do your research on each device before you plunk your money down.
As far as cost is concerned, be aware that the only way to enjoy the benefits of the Spot is to purchase the unit, about $150.00, and then purchase a service plan, the lowest cost of which is about $100.00 per year. If you want others to be able to follow your progress, it is another $50.00 per year. So, for the first year, the cost will be about $300.00 with a recurring annual fee of about $150.00. No money, no service - kinda like a cell phone.
A current PLB, like the one I mentioned before, will run you about $300.00 and there are no further fees, ever.
