Spot Gen3 Mounting

[JustinNck1]

I received a Spot Gen3 over the winter and I am currently trying to figure out how to mount it on my jacket. I don't see any loops, so I think the best option may be an arm strap. I found one, link below, but I wanted to see what everyone else is using.

http://www.giantloopmoto.com/product/tr ... spot-gen3/

[raYzerman]

I believe the SPOT Gen2 came with an arm band with a net affair to hold the device. I haven't been able to find one on line, but maybe somebody has one kicking around....

[Queensland Ken]

Mount it using an arm band, keep it on your body.
Good if you are separated from your bike in an accident.

[Geezer]

I have my Gen 2 mounted on a RAM mount on the brake lever. RAM makes a cradle specifically for the different SPOT devices. I just saw the SPOT 3 cradle on sale for cheap somewhere, but I can't find it today. I'll post it if I find it.

[wheatonFJR]

Mount it using an arm band, keep it on your body.
Good WHEN you are separated from your bike in an accident.

The deceleration forces are significant in a bad impact crash...even just surfing around in a ditch you will quite likely separated from your bike. I need to find a good location spot on my body that still transmits but won't cause injury to me or the spot.

[SLK50]

I have my Gen 2 mounted on a RAM mount on the brake lever. RAM makes a cradle specifically for the different SPOT devices. I just saw the SPOT 3 cradle on sale for cheap somewhere, but I can't find it today. I'll post it if I find it.

I don't like this idea. In the unfortunate event of a mishap,
I want to be able to access the device.
The bike won't do it for me.

[Twigg]

I have my Gen 2 mounted on a RAM mount on the brake lever. RAM makes a cradle specifically for the different SPOT devices. I just saw the SPOT 3 cradle on sale for cheap somewhere, but I can't find it today. I'll post it if I find it.

I don't like this idea. In the unfortunate event of a mishap,
I want to be able to access the device.
The bike won't do it for me.

You have to balance this with the risk of smashing it on the ground in a wreck, and possibly breaking an arm in the process.

There is no "right answer". Mount on bike, or mount on body. Both have advantages and risks. Take yer pick.

[El Toro Joe]

I just had velcro attachment straps, and a velcro pad sewn to my pants...

[Geezer]

I have my Gen 2 mounted on a RAM mount on the brake lever. RAM makes a cradle specifically for the different SPOT devices. I just saw the SPOT 3 cradle on sale for cheap somewhere, but I can't find it today. I'll post it if I find it.

I don't like this idea. In the unfortunate event of a mishap,
I want to be able to access the device.
The bike won't do it for me.

You have to balance this with the risk of smashing it on the ground in a wreck, and possibly breaking an arm in the process.

There is no "right answer". Mount on bike, or mount on body. Both have advantages and risks. Take yer pick.

I've worn the SPOT on my arm and I've mounted it to the bike. On the bike is a lot more convenient for normal tracking, but you do risk not having it with you if you crash and leave the bike. If you use the SPOT primarily to be able to summon help in an emergency then you should keep it on your person. If, like me, your primary purpose is for tracking so your family and friends can follow along, then on the bike works. Personally, if I was going to use a device primarily for emergencies, I think I'd want something better than the SPOT. I have been in places where the mountains blocked the satellites and it did not track for a while.

[Queensland Ken]

Had an unfortunate experience that still haunts me today, not motorcycle related but similar.

I was on a S&R for a lost bushwalker and yep he managed to ring 000 to report his accident and his poor condition.

On day 3 we found his pack that contained his locator beacon and another day to find his body.

He separated from his pack during a fall from a mountain razorback in thick rainforest.

It was only pure chance we found him during a comb search in incredible thick jungle.
The gent next to me found him after we passed his body cause my colleague luckily forgot his water and backtracked.
Was about 1 meter from him.

Ever since then I keep the Spot on my arm.
Ps I was in Federation Mountain Rescue for over 10 years. A volunteer specialised group formed in the early years that the SES or police call for difficult situations.

[PJ4863]

While I'm not using the SPOT, (I have the DeLorme/Garmin InReach) I keep it on my belt in a holster where only the antenna is exposed. Conceivably, I can put it underneath my jacket to protect it more if I want, and the signal should still transmit through the jacket. I keep it where its accessible to both arms in case of a crash. IMHO, if you're using it as a emergency device, it needs to be on your person. I'm not sure the arm is the right place, or the wrong place. You need to do a risk/benefit analysis for you and place it accordingly. The military in this country learned a long time ago, if its not on your person, its not available in times of emergency. I also keep a 2nd cell phone in my pocket if the 1st phone is mounted to the bike. If you ride with others, your options would change. If you primarily ride solo, well, then there's your answer.

[FJRfarrier]

I just had velcro attachment straps, and a velcro pad sewn to my pants...

Glad to see you were able to get that to work. Looks good.

[FJRfarrier]

I like the looks of that Giant Loop arm band.
And I will support the claim to keep it on your body. good.

For my spot- I've got it in a zippered pouch on my sleeve of my 'Stich suits. This one here.
What I like about the pouch is that it keeps it more weather resistant, facing upward almost all the time, clear plastic to see the flashing lights, and also able to push the buttons through the plastic.
Could probably be fitted to other jackets with a bit of ingenuity and velcro.

[bill lumberg]

My gen 3 came with a carabiner and a Velcro strap, but it rides almost all the time in a ram holster on the dash. i ordered the pricey sleeve window to go with my new aerostich. I'll try keeping it in that once it gets cooler and that jacket becomes primary.

[extrememarine]

I have other Giant Loop products - top quality stuff - the only reason I do not have their tracker packer is because it won't work with my Gen 2 SPOT.

On your body is a must in my opinion, from first hand experience.

[bigjohnsd]

I had a brass grommet put into the flap of my left breast pocket of my jacket. I clip the carabiner through that grommet. Worked great going to Alaska.

[Uncle Hud]

I am a great believer in emptying all my pockets before riding. An emergency device and emergency information (phone numbers, allergies, insurance carrier info) are the only exceptions for me.

[bill lumberg]

Heck. I had to tackle a guy a few days ago and landed on my knife. My thigh is still purple. If you go down, you’re going to get banged up. As for spot, it’s a trade off. On body is definitely better. My stitch has a carabiner on the chest, and I bought the clear pocket that attaches to the arm. But the straps on the pocket aren’t long enough. Constricts the forearm. So I leave it in the dash mount most of the time.

[FJRfarrier]

.... My stitch has a carabiner on the chest, and I bought the clear pocket that attaches to the arm. But the straps on the pocket aren’t long enough. Constricts the forearm. So I leave it in the dash mount most of the time.

A little piece of double sided Velcro will work wonders. I did that to both of my suit pouches. Blends in and holds tight. Even though I have never actually needed the straps- considering the underside Velcro has held well enough.
Get that spot on you. Lol. No more excuses!!

[El Toro Joe]

I just had velcro attachment straps, and a velcro pad sewn to my pants...

Glad to see you were able to get that to work. Looks good.

It worked great for my Motoport pants...But since I bought the Klim Badlands pants, I don't have the same option (not sewing a velcro patch through the gore-tex pants) so I bought the Tracker Packer, from Giant Loop...it will fit over my jacket, on the forearm.