UPDATE-

OK- I have had my InReach SE for a couple of weeks and it has been working fine but I was not able to update the software or my contact lists from my computer. I even tried two different computers. The tech support from the manufacture was responsive but a bit surprised. They finally suggested there was a slight chance I had a bad USB/micro-USB cord shipped w/ the unit. But they had offered to ship me a brand new complete unit no questions asked. I elected to try replacing the cord on my own first and bingo- it works like a champ.

I have to say, sometimes shit happens but when a company backs its products- it makes a big difference

I also went with the Inreach Se. The thing that put me over the edge compared to the Spot is that it can be a Bluetooth GPS source for my ipad and that I can receive texts to confirm it's working.
Now that we actually have maps for Foreflight in Canada I imagine I will want the ipad with me now also.
We also have the option of turning off our subscription here and only paying $5 a month when we are in a frozen non flyable hell, like now at minus 35c with wind chills into the minus 50 range!

I ordered the Spot 3 last week. Cancelled it the next day and ordered the inreach SE. You inreach guys, do you use the aviation plans, or standard plans. There is not much reference to aviation plans on the site, and you have to call to get an aviation plan (from what I've been told). Seems like a good idea, and you can customize tracking, from every minute to...

I figure I'll use 5 minute tracking when flying my 170, then use 10 minute tracking when flying corporate. You can't to that on standard plans (10 min. Tracking minimum).

http://www.delorme.com/library/hardware ... iation.pdf

There is a different plan for flying. I can't remember the details or how to get to the menu but I think Bumper posted a link on a different site some time ago. IRRC I think the link was thru a glider/sailplane dealer supply company. Sorry I don't have better info but if you start digging or google glider supply houses or such you may find it. I do recall the plans were much better than the standard Inreach plans on their site. I guess its "secret handshake" stuff...

Found it!

http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/delorme.htm

Found it!

http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/delorme.htm

It does look like the way to go. And with additional tracking options... another plus for the inreach.

Thanks!

That's funny...

OK thread drift

Got a SPOT Gen 3 for Xmas and used it on the Chicken Strip Trip. The price was right (hope my son got his rebate )
It worked excellent, easy to use and compact. I got the 5 minute tracking and it doesn't look like it skipped at all. It didn't show speed or altitude at all, but I knew how fast and high I was going the whole time.

I called customer service Xmas day to transition it and I gave my son my old Gen 1 (he set up a new account for him same phone call) I was very surprised they answered on Xmas day around noon and helped transition the devices.

I just purchased a InReach at Sun-n-Fun for $259 from Gulf Coast Avionics. Then there is a $50 show discount (rebate) from Delorme. The hardware nets-out to be $209.00.

What threw me over the edge was the new seasonal pricing. For a $24.99 "annual" charge, you can opt-in to the monthly subscription options.

I'm likely to choose the "Recreation" plan which is 10 minute tracking intervals and 40 text messages/month for $34.95/month.

Provided I will use mine for 3 months a year (prime/likely backcountry season for this mid-westerner as in past years), it will cost me a total of $129.80 in service fees.

Using the same annual 3-months of use, my 1 year TCO is $338.80, 2 year TCO is 468.60.