View Full Version : SPOT for $90.00
I was in Sports Authority yesterday and noticed they have the SPOT on sale for $90.00. Just wanted to pass this deal on. I haven't taken the SPOT plunge yet but I'm considering.
If it is a first gen SPOT there may be a $50 rebate on top of that: http://www.findmespot.com/holiday/
The first gen SPOT is a decent unit. The new SPOT 2 has had a number of improvements made to it. The second gen model seems to have addressed most of the issues raised with the original SPOT. Including:
30% smaller and lighter.
Safety caps over the Help and 911 buttons to prevent accidental alerts.
A better GPS chipset for faster satellite lock and improved reception in tough terrain.
An LED light that shows when you've got a lock.
3 x AAA lithium batteries, rather than the old 2 x AAs.
A better antenna with improved reception and transmission, and a wider coverage angle so the unit can communicate better when not lying flat.
Improved tracking reliability. Now every (10-minutes) trackpoint upload will transmit your last two trackpoints, in addition to your current one. Helps patch up gaps in the tracklog.
A separate confirmation light that shows when you've successfully transmitted a message to a satellite.
In addition to the OK, Help and SOS buttons, there's now a fourth custom message button for situations like "I've reached the rendezvous point", or "I've got a flat tire, come get me". You set up the text on your web account.
The smaller units now come with a soft case and elastic armband, similar to an iPod runner's armband. The case also has wide slots so it can be attached to belts and packs.
The SPOT itself has a molded loop that will take cords or straps.
If you can't afford the second gen then wait. The new spot is so much better in every way. Plus if you get it trough Ben you the the tracking feature for free and that is very cool.
It's the 1st generation model at Sports Authority. The 2nd generation features sound much better.
My buddie has the 1st gen and I have the 2nd. There is a huge difference worth worth evey penny.
anexkahn
12-06-09, 07:48 PM
Thanks for those details Ben! I have the first gen unit and have used it quite a bit, but run into a lot of those issues, especially with track -- and i don't know how many times i wished i knew if i "got out" with the message received light..... I didn't realize the new unit fixed so much. I will definitely look closer at upgrading in the near future for a few of those items. Its funny, the email from spot themselves, announcing version 2 didn't mention half that stuff and i figured it was more of just a "we made it smaller" type of upgrade... definitely not the case though!