Spot X Review

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Introduction

The Spot X (7 oz / 198 g, $199.99) is a rechargeable two-way satellite messenger equipped with an SOS button and a stand-alone mobile number (with purchase of service plan). Other features include a compass, a backlit display, adjustable tracking intervals, a programmable “check-in” tool, and a Google Maps interface for family and friends following along at home. As a standalone device, the Spot X adds integrated two-way messaging functionality not available in Spot’s flagship tracking device, the Spot Gen3.

Heavier and bulkier than one of its smallest competitors, the Garmin inReach Mini, the Spot X attempts to distinguish itself with a more accessible price-point, a large screen, and a full QWERTY keyboard. In theory, this keyboard function allows you to communicate efficiently even if your phone is out of battery, bypassing the inReach’s biggest limitation. However, the Spot X is hampered by sub-par communication reliability, the tendency to freeze, and confusing computer interface during setup and post-hike data collection.

spot x satellite messenger (stock photo) — Photo: Spot

About this Review

This is a Limited Review, based on six days backpacking off-trail in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in September of 2019. Conditions ranged from 65 F (18 C) and sunny to 28 F (-2 C) and cloudy. We encountered high winds, freezing rain, and light snow while on this trek.

While we hiked above the treeline quite a bit, mostly our camps were in wooded or semi-wooded areas (this fact is crucial as we consider the Spot X’s functionality later in the review). Since my testing, Spot has released Bluetooth compatible versions of this device. However, I tested the stand-alone version of the Spot X, which is $50.00 cheaper than the Bluetooth version.

spot x attached to a backpack shoulder strap — Hiking with the Spot X in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. I often found it difficult to unlock the device, especially in the cold. Sometimes this required a hard reboot.

Features and Specifications

MSRP
- non-Bluetooth version: $199.95
- Bluetooth version: $249.95
Weight:
- Claimed: 7 oz (198 g)
- Measured: 6.9 oz (198 g)
- Measured, including charging cord and pack attachment accessories: 8.4 oz (238 g)
Dimensions (less antenna): 4.5 in x 3 in x 1 in (11 cm x 8 cm x 3 cm)
Satellite network: Globalstar
Operating Temperature: -4 F to 140 F (-20 C to 60 C)
Operating Altitude: -328 ft to 21,320 ft (-100 m to 6,500 m)
Battery life (claimed): 240 hours in 10-minute tracking mode at 77 F (25 C) with a clear view of the sky
Water resistance: IP67 (submersible up to 1m for 30 minutes)
Year-round and month-to-month service plans
Stand-alone mobile number with purchase of service plan
Locked S.O.S. Button
Programmable “check-in” feature
Compass and programmable waypoints
2.5, 5, 10, 30, or 60-minute tracking intervals
Optional Bluetooth version and Spot X app (MSRP: $249.95)

Performance Analysis

Since this is a Limited Review, a detailed performance analysis based on long-term use will not be presented. Instead, performance observations and issues are noted below.

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This topic has 11 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 7 months ago by Cameron M.

Viewing 12 posts - 1 through 12 (of 12 total)

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Posts
May 8, 2020 at 3:17 pm #3645842
Backpacking Light
Admin

@backpackinglight
Locale: Rocky Mountains
The Spot X (7 oz / 198 g, $199.99) is a rechargeable two-way satellite messenger equipped with an SOS button and a stand-alone mobile number (with purchase of service plan).
- Read the Spot X Review
May 8, 2020 at 11:26 pm #3645918

Rex Sanders
BPL Member

@rex

Thanks for the Limited Review including a side-by-side field comparison of the Spot X with the inReach mini. The Spot X larger screen and full keyboard has great potential, hobbled by cranky hardware and unreliable messaging.

I’m definitely in the minority now, but I don’t want to take a smartphone into the wilderness. The inReach mini’s annoying interface and tiny screen also helps me stay disconnected. It’s too hard to dash off short custom messages, and I really need to communicate something important to swear through composing a longer message. In a perverse way, that annoyance has become a feature, not a bug.

And the messages almost always go through quickly. And my wife can track my progress easily.

… a device Backpacking Light calls the “‘gold standard’ for lightweight satellite messaging devices.”

Still true.

— Rex

May 9, 2020 at 9:53 am #3645952

Toon D
Spectator

@toon

Can you put openstreetmaps on the Spot X for navigation?

May 9, 2020 at 2:13 pm #3645998

wayne R Clark
BPL Member

@waynowski

be careful where you use the SPOT. the texting wasnt available in australasia last time i checked

i’ve used both in New zealand, the furthr away you get from the equator the worse SPOTs globalstar satellite coverage is..

the inreach iridium satellite coverage is far superior around the globe, i’ve had far better reception with that, as soon as you’re under a forest canopy or in a canyon with the SPOT in australalsia you’re highly likely to loose satellite connectivity, i’ve only ever lost inreach coverage in a narrow canyon hundreds of feet deep with heavy forest cover. pairing the inreach and being able to use it with an app on the phone is a big plus as well.

May 9, 2020 at 2:20 pm #3646000

Hanz B
BPL Member

@tundra-thrasher-ouch-man-2

@rex

I too am constantly arguing with myself to leave the phone. But I keep coming back to how high quality the cameras shots are on the phones now a days, even though I don’t mind using the garmin mini without a phone. Alas, I have only taking two extended trips without a phone.

May 9, 2020 at 2:52 pm #3646003

Rex Sanders
BPL Member

@rex

Wayne,

You mean Globalstar’s SPOT X coverage map is wrong? I’m shocked!

(Where’s that sarcasm emoji when I need it.)

— Rex

May 9, 2020 at 2:57 pm #3646004

wayne R Clark
BPL Member

@waynowski

lets juset say a certain amount of imagination and creativity went into that map…. iridium satellites travel north south around the globe… globalstars don’t go as far south last time i checked

May 9, 2020 at 3:41 pm #3646007

John “Jay” Menna
BPL Member

@jaymenna78734
Locale: 30.3668397,-97.7399123

The thing to note with GlobalStar the satellites are equatorial. At higher or lower latitudes like Patagonia, Greenland, ANWAR Baffin Island. You must have open sky towards the horizon, to get the coverage they show on their map. With a ridge in the way, you get nothing even if you can see sky above.

May 9, 2020 at 5:59 pm #3646027

Jim B
BPL Member

@leftovereggs

The Iridium satellite system was the primary reason I chose Garmin InReach over every other system. No matter how amazing the gadget itself is, if it’s not going to reliably get a signal to a satellite, it’s basically worthless.

May 9, 2020 at 6:44 pm #3646035

Rex Sanders
BPL Member

@rex

In theory, Globalstar can provide service from 70° North to 70° South, using satellites 876 miles (1,414 km) high, in orbits that reach up to 52° north and south latitudes.

In practice – not so much. Globalstar uses a bent-pipe system, which means that a satellite must have simultaneous contact with your device and a ground station for messages to go through. Hence big gaps over oceans and less popular areas like Central Africa. Just not worth it to build more ground stations.

And as pointed out earlier, a satellite needs to be far enough above the horizon to clear hills and large trees from your device. In theory, you should be able to connect to a ground station within about 2,400 miles (4,000 km). But as you get to more extreme latitudes, each satellite spends less time above the apparent horizon, so you have shorter communication windows.

Combine all these factors and … good luck getting SPOT / Globalstar messages through at higher latitudes.

Iridium relays messages between satellites until it reaches a ground station. Their polar-orbiting satellites provide better coverage as you get closer to the poles.

Iridium is far from perfect. But it’s way better than Globalstar in theory and in practice for providing truly global coverage.

Yet SPOT has many happy customers, mostly in mid-latitude countries. It’s also cheaper to buy with less expensive plans. Good to have choices. Imagine what Garmin and Iridium would charge without competition!

— Rex

More details on satellite systems here:
https://backpackinglight.com/satellite_communications_sotmr_part1/

May 10, 2021 at 6:49 pm #3712065

Dylan J
BPL Member

@dylanmj

I know this thread is a bit old, and while the reliability and communication of a device like this should be the paramount consideration for which device you take into the backcountry, I would also like to point out that Spot’s customer service and billing practices are not very transparent and it is very important to read the fine print on the plans you are signing up for.

There are a number of fees to keep in mind, and in my experience you must keep track of when your plan renews, as they only sent an email after the fact (which made cancelling the plan and getting any fees refunded challenging).

From my experiences dealing with Garmin, the billing process has been much better.

May 10, 2021 at 10:27 pm #3712118

Cameron M
Spectator

@cameronm-aka-backstroke
Locale: Los Angeles

In the time I had a SPOT I found communication unreliable and I had very bad experiences with customer service and being billed incorrectly.

I think the Mini is perfect in that it delivers a capable device with the minimum of bulk and weight, but also allows the message-inclined to use their very good Iphone interface.
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By Andrew Marshall