Samsung s9 using Google Maps here. I download the route so reception isn't issue. I'm just not that fancy.So I guess nobody here has a 2 way satellite communicator?
I was trying to decide between a Garmin InReach and a SPOT X. I ended up buying a SPOT X from Bass Pro/Cabela's.
Garmin's InReach is a bit more robust but the SPOT X has the service plan and the features I was looking for that cost extra on the InReach.
The 2 main features that I am looking for is the ability to have family "track" my/our movements on a map in nearly real time PLUS I also wanted some basic 2 way communications when outside of cellular areas. BOTH offer those things at the prices above.
SPOT X offers the advantages of giving unlimited transmission of 14 pre-typed messages. So you can have some canned messages that read something like "Stopped for gas, back on the road soon", "taking an extended lunch/rest break, back on road in roughly 90 minutes" or "at the strip club with the guys, don't worry, I only have $50 in singles so I won't be out late." You get to pre-type 14 different messages so you can cover a lot of topics, even things like, "flat tire, fixing it, don't worry, back on road soon" or "need help, not injured, but the bike needs to be towed" The beauty is each one of those messages sends your coordinates.
The Garmin InReach Mini offers similar capabilities with unlimited sending but only allows 3 "canned" messages to be stored in your file so you need to be more specific about what you have typed into your unit's file.
Both also offer a "breadcrumb" tracking system that drops a pin on a map, with your Latitude and Longitude coordinates, that your family/friends can follow. Default setting on the SPOT X is every 10 minutes with the $12/month plan. For an added cost you can go down to 2.5 minutes. The Garmin InReach Mini requires upgrading to their $25/month plan to get this feature unless you want to pay 10-cents per pin drop, which, if you ride a lot, would end up costing you another mortgage payment on your home.
Garmin's InReach Mini offers much better navigation aids for backcountry use, and if you are in the middle of a forest or desert and need to get out it would be the better unit. InReach Mini also uses the 66 satellite Iridium network versus the 24 satellite system used by the SPOT X so it is somewhat faster to get satellite fixes, transmissions, etc.
Both systems have an SOS button that will alert Search & Rescue to come get you.
Both systems have a HELP button that will alter your family friends that you have an emergency but it is not serious enough to get the search & rescue teams mobilized to help you.
Both systems cover 100% of North America, Central America, South America and Europe. But SPOT misses some areas of central Africa, Antarctica and parts of Asia, that may be an issue for some, but not for me.
Looking at if from the COST standpoint:
Honestly the intended usage is the prime reason to pick one or the other. Both are generally very very reliable, both have some failures.
- SPOT X = $199 + $144 annual subscription --> $343
- InReach Mini = $349 + $300 annual subscription --> $649
For a MOTORCYLE trip standpoint either one will work so no need for the extra costs associated with the Garmin. I'm also a long distance backpacker and have walked across a couple countries, but I already own a couple Garmin handheld Sat Nav units for mapping, use a compass and paper map better than most people and, at age 60 am probably not going to be backpacking the wilderness northern Canada so Garmin's InReach Mini is not really an advantage for me. I'm far more likely, now, to be nearer to civilization than farther from it so the SPOT X should provide a high level of safety, plus it gives me the convenience of communication I am looking for outside of the cellular areas.