Hi Noel,

I'm sure I'm biased because I sell SPOT-2 and SPOT Connect units. But I had
previously owned and used a SPOT-1 unit and now love my SPOT-2 unit. I
hated the buttons/user-interface on the SPOT-1. I was never certain I got
it into tracking mode. With the SPOT-2 it is very easy to get it into
tracking mode and the blinking light makes in clear that you were
successful. I also like the extra "custom" button on the SPOT-2 that I use
to send a message to friends and family that "I have landed back at the home
airport and am done flying for the day." That way my wife knows she can
stop worrying about me.

I think the lower battery life of the SPOT-2 has been exaggerated. I don't
think I changed the batteries in my SPOT-2 at all during the 15 days of
flying in the SPOT Class Nationals in Parowan last year. That seems like
very good battery life to me.

Best Regards,

Paul Remde
Cumulus Soaring, Inc.

"noel.wade" wrote in message
...
OK All,

I'm finally taking the plunge and will get a SPOT before my first
contest flight this year (this is all Paul C's fault).

But I'm curious with the 3 major SPOT options out there now, is there
a consensus which one is best? I did a quick search on past RAS posts
but didn't find anything definitive.

I have a Smartphone so the Spot Connect is an attractive option; but
it sounds like messaging costs may be a concern? I'm also relying on
_2_ battery-operated devices with this setup, which makes me a little
uncomfy.

The SPOT 2 ("GPS Messenger") looks like a well-received product but
some complain about the shorter battery-life?

The SPOT ("Personal Tracker") seems to have the best battery-life but
is the most bulky... Does it have any other drawbacks?

Thanks!

--Noel