Anybody into competitive orienteering?

[akula83]

I have been interested in checking these clubs/events out for awhile now, and was wondering if any of you do this and what Compass you would recommend. I am a hiker and occasionally enter ultra distance /endurance events, where my cheapo Suunto A10 gets me by, but I don't think it would be suitable for this kind of stuff. Thanks.

 

[Brian Andrews]

For orienteering type events, the compass is more about speed that precision. You want something that dampens fast, so that you are not wasting time. You generally don’t need to take precision bearings because the maps that are used at orienteering events are enhanced a bit from the maps you use for places that do not have orienteering events.

For example, they will usually be a different scale, have more color coding, exaggerate or include landmarks, etc and prcecision navigation is usually not needed.

With that in mind, most use a thumb style compass like this one:

http://www.thecompassstore.com/51arw1.html

Even though I pointed one out, I would not suggest buying anything. I would show up to an event and see how it goes. There are usually different levels of course, and more than likely your first time will be more of a walking course anyway. You won’t need a special compass for that, and it will give you the opportunity to see what others are using, and more than likely they will even let you play with their toys

B

 

[akula83]

Thanks, Brian.

 

[Giorgos]

mmmaybe I shouldn't be talking coz I 'm an amateur in compass-map orientation at best, but I have had excellent results with my last compass, silva (don't remember model, cheaper than ranger).
Accurate, fast, well-made, easy-to use etc. But it looks like the one you are already using so....
Cost about 30euros.