SpotGen3

Have one. Not used in emergency yet. Basic subscription us dollars is $165 which gives 4 levels of messaging and basic tracking. enhanced tracking extra $50 per year. Custom messages to sms cost extra email messages free. Emergency life threat messages free. Works well tracking web site or third party website.
Look at site
Findmespot.com

The Spot system is an alternative to a PLB or EPIRB, but response to an SOS may be delayed.

If you activate a PLB or EPIRB registered in Australia, the call is sent directly to the Search and Rescue centre in Canberra and proceedings begin immediately.

If you use the SOS (911) function on a Spot device the call, containing your position, goes to, I think, Spot in Canada, or maybe some other authority in Canada. But it goes to Canada.

Australian Search and Rescue has a formal agreement with the people in Canada, whoever it is, whereby a call received with a position in Australia's Search and Rescue area of responsibility is relayed to the Australian SAR centre in Canberra. I am told by my mate in Aus SAR there may be up to a 20 minute delay.

That 20 minutes is the only real difference in the SOS/911 function.

Cheers

Have used an early Spot version and the tracking facility was fun for those following us on bushwalks. Nasty surprise when owner decided not to renew and received demand three years later because it was an opt out system. Too bad, pay up or else. Don't know what the current system is but I don't bother finding out.

Evil bay GME MT600 is good for 5 years, I believe. $214 plus $10 postage was the first on the list. If you are only concerned about emergency situations, maybe that sort of device is the better deal overall.

Iza

Unless you want the additional tracking and messing features an EPIRB is a much lower cost option

Rob

On the basis of your comments the Spot3 is more suitable for you that a PLB or EPIRB. They are only emergency devices. Spot3 allows you to send predefined messages when ever you want.

They have another advantage over a PLB or EPIRB. If you need to hit the emergency button, not only does your signal go to search and rescue but other people of your choice receive a message and can themselves contact search and rescue to make sure that they (S&R) are on to it.

We have travelled with a Sopt2 for a number of years and plan to upgrade to Spot3 before our next outback trip. I would not leave home without it.

Cheers,

Kevin