Compass Opinions Navigation Help

TOMBSTONE

TOMBSTONE

Joined
Oct 31, 1998
Messages
3,036
I haven't used a compass for navigation since the Military in the early nineties, totally forgot the compass training. I'm thinking about getting back into learning that navigating skill. Looking to get Suunto MC2 Global. What do you experienced compass users prefer to use Metric or Imperial and why? If I get Metric can you navigate maps utilizing different scale and Imperial measure? I'd like to have one compass for any situation or map use. Thanks!
 
You can get a USA made compass w/ a global needle made from a rare earth magnet, 1 degree resolution and tool-less declination adjustment cheaper. It has base protractors scaled to 1:24K, 1:25K, 1:50K, 1:62.5K, and 1:63:36K. The Brunton TruArc 10. You can find them for $30.
 
Last edited:
I'm more looking for the Pro's and cons between purchasing metric or inches measurements and scale differences when purchasing a compass. I was looking to purchase a Suunto in metric and want to make sure that is a wise choice
 
TOMBSTONE said:
I'm more looking for the Pro's and cons between purchasing metric or inches measurements and scale differences when purchasing a compass. I was looking to purchase a Suunto in metric and want to make sure that is a wise choice
Click to expand...

I have had a MC2G for four years. It's a good compass, but it develops a bubble every winter...I am going to get a K&R Sherpa before winter gets here and check out their thermo-elastic bezel.
 
mistwalker said:
I have had a MC2G for four years. It's a good compass, but it develops a bubble every winter...I am going to get a K&R Sherpa before winter gets here and check out their thermo-elastic bezel.
Click to expand...

And what's your opinion on metric or inches?
 
She said " the mirror on the compass ?? That's so you can look good when you get rescued " !!
 
mistwalker said:
I'm using old school nav, so inches, but the one I am getting has both scales
Click to expand...

I was reading up on those compasses they were saying they had sticker markings that wore off really quickly andnthat was on their $160.00 pro version and had no declination. One guy said his kept falling apart.Seems every compass I look into has some sort of major flaws that are reported.
 
I recommend the Suunto M3 every time that someone asks about compasses, and continue to use one myself.

Smooth action
Declination.
Inches and cm scales
No mirror!
Much less likely to get bubbles than Brunton or Silva.
The markings are deeply cut into the plastic base and never rub off.
 
TOMBSTONE said:
I was reading up on those compasses they were saying they had sticker markings that wore off really quickly andnthat was on their $160.00 pro version and had no declination. One guy said his kept falling apart.Seems every compass I look into has some sort of major flaws that are reported.
Click to expand...

I may just spent the money on a Brunton pocket transit and deal with the weight...
 
mete said:
She said " the mirror on the compass ?? That's so you can look good when you get rescued " !!
Click to expand...

I found the big mirror on the MC2G invaluable in the smokies for getting all the suicidal gnats out of my eyes :)
 
TOMBSTONE said:
And what's your opinion on metric or inches?
Click to expand...
Are you mostly using metric scale or standard scale maps? That's what matters when deciding on rulers. The TruArc 10 can be had with either a mm ruler or inch ruler but both have metric and standard protractors. I use so many different map scales I really don't care what the ruler uses for graduations.
brunton_truarc_10__adventure_racing_compass_1394202_2.jpg

TRUARC10.jpg


The TruArc 3, which is the compass I carry more than any other, has both inches and mm rulers. Also a global needle and tool-less declination adjustment. I've meet people who have stated they've used this compass in Alaska and in Antarctica without needle drag. They agree that of the several compasses of different levels of gadgetry they own, their simple one is the one that gets the most use.
1318592_000_main.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have different compasses for different purposes. Today my son and I will hike a well established trail in the Shenandoah National Park. I'll have this in my shirt pocket but probably won't even pull it out and refer only to the topo sheet.

Brunton%2520TruArc%25203.JPG


I've heard the TruArc 3 and similar compasses referred to as a training compass, a starter compass, or beginner's compass. I take exception to that because there really is no such thing. Yes, there are basic base plate compasses and more advanced base plate compasses, but that does not relegate a compass to use by either beginners or experienced land navigators.

Land navigation is first and foremost a mind game little improved with gadgetry beyond the basics needed — a good topo sheet in a useable scale, an accurate compass, and knowing the magnetic declination for the area you are in. The TruArc 3 might be basic, but it does everything it should with some features only much more expensive compasses have, namely the ability to set the declination and a global needle. All that for $10.

I’ve been using compasses and topo sheets for four decades starting with a Silva Type 5 as a teenager and a SandY (Stoker and Yale) lensatic and Silva Ranger 15 for a couple of decades in the Army. A couple of years ago I couldn’t find my old Silva Ranger so I shopped around thinking I’d get another Silva Ranger. That's when I came across Brunton’s TruArc line of compasses. I was floored to find a compass with a global needle and adjustable declination for only $10. TEN BUCKS!

I last traveled to the Southern Hemisphere 18 years ago so I’ve not used this compass in multiple magnetic zones, but with the needle’s pivot and the depth of the housing I have to assume the compass can handle the magnetic dip of other magnetic zones without dragging the needle. I have met others who have used this compass near the Arctic circle and in Antarctica without the needle dragging due to magnetic dip. The needle is also rapidly responsive and quickly dampens. This is a fast compass to use. And for you gram and ounce counters — 31 grams, just a hair over one ounce.

If you are intrigued but want more features, the TruArc 10 has all the pros of the TruArc 3, but with a larger base plate which includes scaled protractors for 1:10K, 1:24K, 1:50K, 1:62.5K, and 1:63.36K, and a rare earth magnet needle at the attractive price of $30-$35. It weights 48 grams (1.7 oz).
 
Last edited:
mistwalker said:
I have had a MC2G for four years. It's a good compass, but it develops a bubble every winter...I am going to get a K&R Sherpa before winter gets here and check out their thermo-elastic bezel.
Click to expand...

Mistwalker here is an update on the K&R Sherpa with that thermo-elastic capsule that is "supposed" to not get bubbles. On a recent backpacking trip into some fine wilderness, a trip that didn't take me over 7000', and temps that were mild at night, not colder than 45 degrees, my K&R Sherpa did this;

_MG_1409acr750BB.jpg


Notice the rather large bubble at the place where you read the bearing. Here is a clear view of that bubble;

_MG_1404acr750BB.jpg


It stayed like that for the whole trip no matter how warm the day became. When I got back home it went away completely. I contacted K&R support and they said since it went away that is was not a warranty issue (as long as the bubble is bouncing around when you really need the compass doesn't count! ...as long as it goes away when you are sitting at home and don't need it.)

My Brunton developed a permanent bubble that is huge and never goes away. My Suunto gets a bubble that interferes with needle action every time I go near 7000' and Silvas these days get bubbles if you look sideways at them. My Cammenga can 't get a bubble but it is way heavier than it needs to be and if you drop it you can hook the bearing needle and affect the accuracy since it is dry and does not take impacts like a drop. Run over it with a tank and it will be fine though.

Hundreds of years of compass use and we still can't get one that does not have major issues...and now I doubt there is much R&D with all the Smartphone GPS new wave tech, even if it does die on you when the batteries run down...
 
Induction damped vs liquid damped means no bubble (but also not as fast).

SILVA%2520Type%25206%2520Vintage.JPG

Silva%2520Type%25206%2520Vintage%2520Bottom.JPG


A Norwegian military "marching compass" made under license from Silva ~70+ years ago. Mils and Grads.
 
John A. Larsen said:
Leghog, Nice compass! John
Click to expand...
Bought it last year for $20 bucks from a guy on a trails forum. He found it for $2 in a thrift shop outside of Jackson Hole, WY. I offered to pay him ten times his purchase price, and he agreed to it. I threw in an extra $6 so he'd mail it to me USPS Priority in a small flat rate box.

Apparently the guy is as poor as a church mouse which he prefers as he basically lives on hiking and biking trails and holes up different places working at restaurants or motels, etc. He's independent, Only works to eat, lives very cheaply, and is living his dream. Has been at it for a few decades now. Has traveled all over the USA and has seen it from the everyman/average American POV. He's a bit older now. I assume he'll be planted in a pauper's grave when the time comes whenever and wherever that is.

I had to mail him the USPS money order to a specific Post Office as General Delivery since he has no mailing address or P.O. Box.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top