Tested: Spot Messenger

Many of us carry some form of GPS navigation equipment on our rides. Whether it’s a dedicated GPS tracker or a tricked out mobile phone an increasing number of electronic gadgets are finding their way into our packs.

Up until now the only way we had of calling for help in the event of an emergency was a mobile phone. Obviously these can’t always be relied upon if we’re out in the middle of no-where meaning we run the risk of being isolated and in need of help but with no way of notifying anyone. Not a good position to be in. 

Enter the Spot Messenger. A compact and rugged GPS tracker, communicator and emergency beacon that constantly updates your position via a network of orbiting satellites.

To quote the Spot Messenger website:

“With the SPOT Satellite Messenger, you and your loved ones have peace of mind knowing help is always within reach. SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location – with a link to Google Maps™ – and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. And unlike Personal Locator Beacons, SPOT does more than just call for help. Tracking your progress, checking in with loved ones, and non-emergency assistance are also available, all at the push of a button. And because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works around the world – even where cell phones don’t”.

Before you can use the Messenger you need to complete a simple online registration on the Spot website, setup your contact information & decide which subscriptions you’re going to take out. As well as purchasing the Messenger unit you will need to take out an annual subscription (€99) for satellite service and if you want to make use of the tracking / check in facility that will cost an additional €39 per year. At the time of registration you are given the option of taking out GEOS Emergency Response cover - basically an insurance policy that covers you for any costs incurred if you do have to call out the Cavalry. For €11 per year you get cover up to $100,000 - if you don’t take it out during the registration process the cost goes up to €150.

It’s worth noting that even with the subscriptions you ‘only’ get 200 SMS help or check in messages per year. After those 200 SMS you will be charged at €0.10/message. Emails are free however.

In use I found the Spot Messenger to be incredibly straightforward. The unit itself is waterproof (check the website for full specs on this) so I left it strapped to my hydration back shoulder strap whenever I rode for ease of access. The unit is really solidly constructed and the buttons are recessed far enough to prevent accidental activation but not far enough to make it hard to use them with thick gloves on. A simple series of flashing LED’s tell you which mode the Messenger is in and mean you always have a good visual indication that everything is working properly.

The tracking facility works very well. Most of you will be familiar with Google Maps™ so I won’t explain that interface for you but the Spot Messenger ‘Shared Page’ that allows friends & family to track your progress is very straightforward and also allows you to later record the route you took. Handy if you were out searching for new Singletrack.

However, I had intermittent problems with the tracking signals - sometimes they wouldn’t send at the 10 minute interval which left big gaps (the largest gap was 32 minutes) in my route tracking. Not a major problem but slightly annoying. Also it was found on more than one occasion that the unit had turned itself off completely which obviously means no tracking data and no status messages. I put this down to rough treatment that the test unit must have received and would have no doubt that Spot would sort such a problem under warranty.

I’m very pleased to say I had no need for the 911 facility for the duration of the test but did make use of the ‘help’ message one time when I punctured without a tube to patch my UST tire. Considering I was found in good time without too much fuss I would assume that the Messenger worked exactly as it was intended to.

All in all I’m very impressed with the Spot Messenger. It’s a great idea that has been very well executed. It’s easy to understand, setup and operate and even given all the subscriptions and extra services that are required to get the most from having one I still think it’s very good value for money. If you like big rides, are regularly in areas of limited Cell service, want an accurate way of tracking your routes or just want a way to stay in touch without actually being in touch then take a good look at the Messenger.

Summary

MSRP / RRP: €199.99

Required extras: Satellite Service subscription €99/year 

Optional extras: Tracking service €39/year, GEOS search & rescue benefit: €11 / €150/year

Contact: Spot Messenger, +353 1 2991071 (findmespot.com)

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