I bought a SPOT X for a backpacking trip that fell through. Unfortunately, the device is buggy and has issues. So far, I have found that it can reliably send messages two ways, and it does have many pre-defined messages. Overall, its price is okay for these functions.

The issue with the SPOT is with two things: The keyboard doesn't reliably register keystrokes and the navigation function is buggy. I could live with having to do a lot of back-spacing on the keyboard to fix the messages I send that are inevitably misspelled.

However, I encountered bugs with the device, as with many users I've seen reviewing the device (including Philip Werner of Section Hiker and renowned backpacker Andrew Skurka). In my case, I put seven waypoints into the device manually, and seven more online, for a trip. Each time I activate the navigation feature, it deletes the second set of waypoints without a reason, and syncing the device intermittently puts them back on the device only for the device to remove them again when I activate the navigation feature. SPOT tech support agrees it should not be happening, and I worked with them for weeks over the phone, sending them error report after error report. They know it is a problem with my device, and have been working on fixing this for over a month. They still haven't fixed the device.

People with SPOT devices just keep having issues with random bugs and have been dealing with its problems ever since SPOT released it. SPOT cannot get these things to just work properly like they are supposed to. I had a flawless SPOT gen3 but will switch to Garmin when the contract runs out. I don't trust this SPOT X, its bugs and overall quality is unacceptable and I would not recommend it.

The SPOT X has been one of the most useful items I have ever bought. It is great to have a device that I can text back and forth if I really need to. My wife also loves that I have the SOS feature when I go out solo. Pros: Battery Life: this device lasts WAY longer than my old inReach. Full keyboard: This is the easiest device I have found to type on. Some of the others require a cellphone to use a keyboard Weight: 7oz and it comes with a strap and carabiner so I put it on my pack and forget about it Cons: No maps: if you like using topo maps you might need to find another way to go about doing that. It has way point navigation but no visual maps. No weather service like the inReach. Overall: The price is hard to beat, if you are looking to buy one of these devices mainly for communication, tracking, and SOS I think this is the best option on the market. ALSO It is important to note that the device does text back and forth much like a cellphone, but because it is going all the way to a satellite it can take a little bit longer to send and receive text messages. (the longest I have waited is probably about 10mins) Compared to a cellphone that is going to a tower built a few miles away so it can send and receive almost instantly. So set your expectations accordingly!

I like my spotx messenger. It brings a great sense of peace knowing I can be in touch with family, friends, co-workers, or emergency support. I use it when Im snowmaching or flying. Allows my wife to see my progress as well as contact me if we need it. The free pre-defined messages are neat in that it basically allows me to communicate most of what I need without even costing individual messages. I use the flex plan, as it allows me to turn it on or off, month by month, as needed, and pocket the difference, but Ive found that I use it enough that I almost never have a span where I can cancel the membership. As far as ease of use, I find that its probably not a good fit for someone who is not tech savvy, unless someone sets it up for them and teaches them the specific ways to program the unit, use pre-defined messages, turn on or off the tracking feature, and interval, and explain the benefits and drawbacks of each setting. Hope this helps! Scooter in Alaska

The Spot X works well at communicating and checking in with concerned family and friends when I am off the grid. I do a lot of long walks and take my dogs on adventures out in the country. My area is a bit on the rural side and many areas do not get good cell phone service. With Spot X I can still reach my contacts to let them know I'm ok, no cell tower or internet needed. Every message I sent out was received without any issue. The device itself is a bit tricky to use at times but overall works properly. The compass would not always calibrate immediately...it took several tries to get it right on occasion. Sometimes it would work fine right away. Also the buttons are slightly hard to press but I guess that is a feature that protects me from pressing something I don't want to press. I do like this product quite well overall. Great for added safety. Also has an emergency button to get quick help if I was ever lost, trapped, or hurt. Very impressed with it.