Satellite SOS, 2-Way Texting, Data?

[petrolero]

SPOT vs DeLorme vs Iridium vs XM vs ACR

What specific make and model do you use in flight and what does the device do for you?

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I have: ship's 406 MHz ELT, SPOT Messenger (1-way), Stratus 2 and FF.
I fly: Sometimes mountains, Mostly flatland XCs, usually IFR these days

I don't have 2-way comm with my current SPOT, just SOS, Help (non-emergency), check-ins and the nearly useless pre-typed messages.

What I want is at least SOS and two-way text messaging but perhaps also iPhone connectivity with some kind of data plan ($$ I know). I'd love to be able to access more-detailed aviation wx and weather radar while in flight but it seems like many of these "data" options require you to use specific apps, which are generic.

I have started looking around but with the array of companies and options, I'm not sure which is best from each company for pilots in flight.

I figured I'd just ask my fellow pilots what you use/recommend.

Thanks

 

[SixPapaCharlie]

SPOT Gen 2
I like it so I can see when my parents are flying.
I couple times I have gone to pick my dad up and I can see where he is so I know when to leave

For practicality purposes
I am bad about never having a charged cell phone.
Click a button and it texts my family "Taking off" and "Landed"

One button versus getting out my cell.

Hopefully never have to push the SOS button and I am always on FF anyway but if it should come up, it has that button.

Have never really NEEDED it but it is fun to have.