The SPOTX replaces my older SPOT Gen3. I was very happy with the Gen3, and so far am also happy with the SPOTX. I updated to get the 2-way messaging capability. I also like that it is self contained so you don't need a phone to write messages.

The SPOTX has successfully sent and received both predefined and on-the-fly messages, done tracking, and check-ins. I cannot speak to battery life yet since I've not used it on longer hikes or backpacking trips. The setup was simple, and field use seems to be straight forward. I have no problem locking onto the satellite network (nor did I with the older Gen3 except in very dense forest areas where it could take a while.) A two way message can take a while to go through a send-receive cycle, but as near as I can tell I'm looking at a 5 minute or less time. Again, this is from limited use so far but is consistent with the time it took the Gen3 to send a message and for me to get it back as an SMS text on my phone when that was possible. Most of my Gen3 usage was in the mountains of North Carolina on the Appalachian Trail where tree cover can be heavy, but there's usually a hole that gets a clear view of the sky overhead. The SPOTX is being used in western Colorado where it's desert so cover is minimal. I haven't gotten into any canyons with it yet to see how it does there.

Some cons: I'd rather have removable/replaceable batteries like the Gen3 had mainly because they are lighter than a power block and no 110 source is needed. I also have had issues getting the SPOTX app to download to my phone (Android) because the Play Store says my phone is not on the appropriate software level - it's too up to date with the most recent version! I've gotten a workaround from SPOT support, but have not tried it yet. As many people have noted the SPOT website is not friendly - I agree, but after almost 8 years of using it I seem to get it to work for me.

I've been out with friends that have the Garmin In-reach and it is smaller, but again, no keyboard so you'd better have a working phone. I haven't had/seen issues with the satellite network on either device. Overall I am happy with SPOT and have learned to live with any oddities in its website, app, and subscription service.

If you want pretty and flash - go with the Garmin. If you want dependability, ruggedness and long battery life then buy this. I've had mine for 5 years. It's been dropped, kicked, exposed to high heat, extreme cold and stashed in the closet without charging for a year. Still turned on and had enough battery power to send two messages. The keypad is easy to use. I guess none of the people crabbing about this ever used a blackberry device. Or an old style cell phone. The non "pretty" graphic display means it retains battery life and honestly I didn't buy this thing to be trendy or to sit on the trail texting my besties, hey, I just saw a bird and it was cute. I have never once had a dependability problem. It is not a cell phone. It is not a satillite phone either. And you need to be in a place where it can send a message or you need to wait. Garmin is the same. I find the subscription to be very reasonable. I like having a number that my family and friends can put down as a contact for me. I have used it during times my cell service has gone out - I've had ATT, T-Mobile and Verizon - all of which have failed or gone out. I live in rural Northeastern Nevada and I carry my SPOT whenever I go out. I never have to fuss with it like an iPhone etc. It's there when I need it which isn't often but last year I almost stepped on the biggest, fatest rattlesnake I've ever come across, (I wasn't paying attention to the trail). Luckily it hissed and reared up but didn't strike. I was alone. Thank god for the spot because if it had bitten me....I was in an area without cell service and a long hike back to my car.

Before you buy this, you need to know that it does not work anywhere that there is 5g service. That is almost everywhere. Granted, you are supposed to use this when there is no reception, you will need to travel great distances to train with it or use it at all. You can send messages out, but you cannot get them anywhere with 5g. You will have to travel probably an hour out into the middle of nowhere to get the message. I recommend not getting this, there are other devices for just a little bit more money that can operate with the 5g towers in proximity. I am sending my device back and trying that. Very promising device though, I hope their future models take current technology into consideration when they build the next one. You should be able to use the device even though there is 5g towers around.

Its not as fast as a cell phone 2-4 minutes response time has been my experience. It depends on tree canopy and cloud cover. Even cloudy night under trees it still work took about 4 minutes for receipt message to an email. I noticed it seemed to be faster to SMS phone text than a persons email. (would need more data to make this claim).
Set-up was simple on web and plans were excellent. I choose yr base plan
Syncing changes are a breeze connect and click
SPOT-X has 14 changeable preset message Awesome ONLY 3 with Garmin In-reach.
(i defined my messages into 2 groups one for statu update only and another for ones i need help not SOS
SPOT-X Stand alone product not so with Garmin In-reach or Zoleo or others

Would highly recommend this SPOT-X for hiking, back packing, canoeing or hunting even at a cottage were cellular doesn't exist