SPOT Tracker

[Canadian FJR]

I'm having issues with my Gen I SPOT Tracker and SPOT is will to replace it with either another Gen I or the upgraded Gen II. For any of you that have had both, what one should I go with. FYI - I have no issues with the Gen I design.

Thanks,

Canadian FJR

 

[Ignacio]

While I haven't had the Gen II unit--it was by choice because I liked the Gen I design better for monster battery life. Only thing I didn't like is that it's not as easy to carry on the body as the Gen II.

Which leads me to the Gen III. I'm seriously considering upgrading to it--at the end of my subscription with Gen I. My understanding is they don't move your subscription time over to another unit...without raising a big fuss. Gen III seems to have the better features, wearable, and better battery hang time.

 

[Geezer]

Gen 1 has much better battery life. Gen 2 is more compact, like Iggy said, but eats up a set of batteries in about a week. It is also supposed to be more powerful so it should function in more remote areas, but I have found plenty of places where my Gen 2 did not register a signal while in tracking mode. If I was shopping today I'd get the Gen 3, which can be powered via a USB port rather than worrying about battery life.

 

[101stpathfinder]

I've had both Gen 1 and Gen 2, I regret the "Upgrade" to Gen 2. A Gen 3 is in my future for sure for the reasons stated by Iggy and Geezer. (Spot On LOL)

 

[PhilJet09]

Too bad they won't help you upgrade to the Gen3. I love mine.

 

[Canadian FJR]

Pathfinder,

Is it just the battery life or why did you not like the Gen II?

"I've had both Gen 1 and Gen 2, I regret the "Upgrade" to Gen 2"

Canadian FJR

 

[Intech]

I concur on the GEN II. Battery life sucks AND you have to use the expensive lithium. Also have seen sporadic tracking in areas that shouldn't have any problem.

 

[101stpathfinder]

Scott,

I personally did not notice much improvement in tracking from 1 to 2. The size difference isn't that big of a deal with me since I velcro it to a stem mount.

The cost of batteries alone is enough for me to upgrade to the 3. Plus the fact , the battery pack that I buy has 4 batteries in it while the SPOT takes 3, making battery rotation a real PITA. My batteries always seem to go at night right AFTER a refuel, causing either a ceasing of tracking or lost time fumbling in the dark with a battery changeout.

Most of my rides are 10 days, which put the ride or rally a bit longer than battery life.

 

[RaYzerman19]

I've had both Gen 1 and Gen 2, I regret the "Upgrade" to Gen 2. A Gen 3 is in my future for sure for the reasons stated by Iggy and Geezer. (Spot On LOL)

Yep, SPOT on....... I kinda regret the Gen 2 "upgrade" for reasons of battery life...... however, in an emergency, you can use alkalines (good for 3+ days) if you can't find lithiums on the road. One day I'm probably going Gen III, but I'd hang on to a Gen 1 if I had one.

 

[Geezer]

For anyone looking to buy a SPOT 3, I just got a holiday rebate form that makes the price of the device $99.95. You can get it here:

https://findmespot.com/downloads/SPOTGen3_rebate_Holiday_2013_tearsheet.pdf

 

[101stpathfinder]

For anyone looking to buy a SPOT 3, I just got a holiday rebate form that makes the price of the device $99.95. You can get it here:
https://findmespot.com/downloads/SPOTGen3_rebate_Holiday_2013_tearsheet.pdf

I got the same ad on an email, then this other email comes in from West Marine with a $50 off rebate PLUS an additional $25 gift card.

SPOT 3 ... Is it time for an upgrade (?)

Then I download the coupon and see it is only $25 off the SPOT 3

OK... here is the right card:

‎findmespot.com/downloads/SPOTGen3_rebate_Holiday_2013_tearsheet.pdf

+ a $25 gift card:

‎content.westmarine.com/documents/pdfs/rebates/11%2025%2013-12%2024%2013%20SPOT%20MFTR%20Holiday%20Rebate%20Form%20Final.pdf

 

[HotRodZilla]

That last one is only for people who already have a SPOTaaccount. Oh well...

 

[Morecowbell]

My understanding is they don't move your subscription time over to another unit...without raising a big fuss.

I heard a similar story from a friend of mine when she upgraded from a Gen 1 to a Gen 2 SPOT. She said it was quite an effort with a lot of time spent on the phone.
I was prepared for the worst when I upgraded to a Gen 2 a year or so ago. As it turns out, it was an absolutely painless transaction. No phone calls or hassles with customer service. I followed the links on the web site with the serial # for the new unit, then deactivated the old unit. No extra charges for anything. I think it took less than 10 minutes.

I certainly prefer the long battery life of the Gen 1. I like the smaller size and extra message feature of the Gen 2. It sure sucks down the batteries, though. Maybe in a year or two I'll upgrade to the Gen 3.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

I went from Gen 1 to Gen 3 and really like it. The gen 3 has separate buttons for track and OK, and I can set it to report in more frequently.

Speaking of Gen 1 SPOT trackers... I am willing to give my Gen 1 to a forum member for the cost of shipping. PM me if you are interested.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Will that one strap to my arm?? If so, I'll take it. Been needing to get one, but have to figure out how to run things...Lemme know.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

The SPOT has been claimed by a group of riders in the North West.