This is the most unreliable GPS tracking system ive ever tried to use. Spot 4 would not acquire SAT's after over 10 attempts. Test sequence failed every time. Instructions on printed docs unfollowable as well as online. Very unclear and incomplete. If this device and support from spot is inept from the very beginning how can it be trusted with your LIFE in the field. Customer support person was very rude and her feelings hurt by stating this product sucks without a doubt. My prior experience is with MIL DAGR, and several other products that ive used in the past. Wanted to upgrade and thought this system was up to par. IT IS NOT! UNRELIABLE-Jen O'connell - do a better job with this company! GEN4 has more 1 star reviews...

A simple tracking and messaging device that gives me and my family a little extra peace of mind while I'm out in the backcountry. Battery life is incredible, runs for days if not weeks nonstop with tracking on depending on your interval settings. Design is sturdy, light and simple. Only gripe is the setup process. There needs to be better documentation and a better walkthrough for initial setup. Overall it's a device with limitations. For those of us that primarily want an emergency beacon, the simple messaging and (excellent) tracking are perfectly fine. For my use case it was the most cost effective option and I've been very happy with the device and service.

I purchased this with an easy set up expectation. It was fairly complicated requiring a firmware update with a USB cable when I only had a type c port. Subscription was expect d but the registration fees were not. Not what I expected.

First, the little blurb that comes with the unit is useless except to tell you the web site where to set up an account. That in itself is a ponderous process. There is no info as to what the buttons mean. This is IMPORTANT information for the "button test" before you start out on your trip. It tells you the unit has to be connected to your computer but there is no indication that you have to open the back to find the connection. Second, setting up the account is a PIA. It was telling me my CC on record was going to be used for billing. What? I hadn't even gotten to a screen to input my info. Third, I tried the 800 number for help but waited and waited and waited. Be prepared to be on the phone a long time for assistance. Since the unit was not completely set up I left it at home and went hiking. I might recommend it once I start using it.