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SPOT gen 3

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Rusticles
Posts: 2179 - Karma: 1,334
Buying a "SPOT" Gen 3, any experiences NS
Jan 21 2014 9:05AM
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Huck_Norris
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Why?

Jan 21 2014 9:34AM
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Rusticles
Posts: 2179 - Karma: 1,334
Because we have discovered a new area to ski in, Its about a 50km sled ride into the zone from the nearest hiway which is about 50km from the nearest town and we often camp there for a number of days. The last few KM's is a bitch of a sled ride. There is a Heli ski company in the area and search and rescue about 100km straight as the crow flies away. If something were to happen and we would need a quick rescue it would be handy.
Jan 21 2014 11:02AM
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Rusticles
Posts: 2179 - Karma: 1,334
Also remember when Dane Tudor dislocated his hip? in Revelstoke, in the interview he said it was life saving. Also a guy died snowmobiling near the area and according to reports search and rescue was summoned immediatley to the area.
Jan 21 2014 11:19AM
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Huck_Norris
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Nice. Yeah that seems totally legit and a good idea. I just hear nightmare stories about people with Spot transceivers so I like to ask when someone says they're buying one.
Jan 21 2014 11:33AM
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Rusticles
Posts: 2179 - Karma: 1,334
Yeah, I've heard stories about the first two being near fucking useless. Apparently the gen 3 is much better. its only $170 so it would be worth it.
Jan 21 2014 12:31PM
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SamtheEagle
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 713
I have a spot and a PLB. The spot is nice for non emergencies (It is nice when i travel or go into the backcountry alone i can send an ok signal to let my family know I am alright). The PLB is way better for emergencies. While the spot does have an emergency button the signal goes to a spot satelite and then to the company. They then have to look up the search and rescue organization closest to your location and call them. The PLB on the other hand does not have a monthly fee like the spot and it connects directly to emergency services so they can get to you more quickly. Even if it is a few minutes quicker it could save your life. Do some more research on PLB's and the spot before you commit to one. btw PLB stands for personal locator beacon
Jan 21 2014 11:34PM
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Rusticles
Posts: 2179 - Karma: 1,334
I did do a bunch of research earlier then kind of forgot about it. (May even be a repost). I remember that the "SPOT" gen 2 was the latest from them and just like you said not that great. Sounded like the gen 3 was better? There was another PLB that had great reviews when I was researching earlier but I can't seem to remember what it was. What PLB are you using right now and have you used it in an emergency? I don't really care about letting my family know I'm okay, I want to make sure Search and rescue will be notified and hopefully a Heli dispatched as soon as possible
Jan 22 2014 12:32AM
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SamtheEagle
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 713
I have the second gen spot. I have this one and personally think it is the best (thats why i got it).

http://www.rei.com/product/815753/acr-electronics-resqlink-406-gps-personal-locator-beacon

I have not used it in an emergency... thank god... but from everything i have read a plb gets you rescued faster

Check this article out for some clarification

http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/personal-locator-beacons.html


Jan 22 2014 2:55AM
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Rusticles
Posts: 2179 - Karma: 1,334
Cool thanks
Jan 22 2014 4:44AM
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SamtheEagle
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no problem. hopefully it helped a bit
Jan 22 2014 11:35AM
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Rusticles
Posts: 2179 - Karma: 1,334
Yup after some research i have decided to get the ACR resqlink, looks a lot more promising than the spot in an emergency situation, The wife doesn't need updates, all theyll do is make the situation worse

Jan 22 2014 1:34PM
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Rusticles
Posts: 2179 - Karma: 1,334
Bought the ACR Resqlink. Thanks for the heads up Samtheeagle.
Jan 22 2014 2:34PM
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