Need a good small compass

S

Skytorn

Joined
Jan 22, 2010
Messages
110
Not exactly a wilderness skill, but I have a lot of trouble getting around parts of town that I don't know the exact layout of. I also have issues orienting on a map. So...I'm looking for a compass that's small enough to be carried with my keys on a lanyard. I don't want to get one of those cheapo dollar-store button compasses because they don't seem to work too well. (imagine that...)

So...is there a particular brand that you guys would recommend? Thanks!

EDIT: specifically, I'm thinking anything with a face about the size of a digital wrist watch or smaller would be just dandy.
 
Take a look at a Suunto Comet or Clipper.

Suunto-Comet-Compass.jpg
 
tru-nord.com. They have em as pin ons, lanyard types and ones that just go in the pocket.

If you just want it for directionfinding then get the unadjusted models.
 
Skytorn said:
Not exactly a wilderness skill, but I have a lot of trouble getting around parts of town that I don't know the exact layout of. I also have issues orienting on a map. So...I'm looking for a compass that's small enough to be carried with my keys on a lanyard. I don't want to get one of those cheapo dollar-store button compasses because they don't seem to work too well. (imagine that...)

So...is there a particular brand that you guys would recommend? Thanks!

EDIT: specifically, I'm thinking anything with a face about the size of a digital wrist watch or smaller would be just dandy.
Click to expand...


Skytorn, I have a friend who uses a Suunto M-9 wrist compass ($20-$25), & also has a Suunto Clipper ($8-$10). You can also look at Brunton's ball compass ($4-$5) that can either be pinned or put on a key chain. I have personally used the Silva ball compass ($9-$12) several times while being a might bewildered on a few occasions . . . :)
Either one of the above should be good for general directions until you start getting into the lenstatic & mirror type compasses. Hope this helps.
Be safe.
 
Suunto all the way. There are many makes and models that they have, and they are the only ones I've had that don't leak or give off readings. Moose
 
KuRUpTD said:
Take a look at a Suunto Comet or Clipper.

Suunto-Comet-Compass.jpg
Click to expand...

I have the zipper pull model in the middle (with thermometer) by Suunto. I've carried it for 4 years now. Great for general direction finding. Still true after all this time on my key chain.
 
I've also been thinking of getting a small compass, but mine is for a backup in my hunting/survival kit. I have 2 pairs I'm watching on ebay. I'd post links, but thats against the rules.
 
I have two small Suunto's- one is part of my K&M matchsafe, the other is a clipper that rides on my F-1 sheath. Both have been very reliable and going on four years.
 
ss Dragonfly said:
I have one of these United Brass compasses and I love it. Quite durable as well as classy looking. They are very fairly priced and and would fit your needs to a tee. Hope this helps. I am not suggesting or condemning this seller, only using this as an example.

http://www.bonanza.com/booths/hurricanedeckcutlery/items/United_Cutlery_Brass_Pocket_Compass

Cheers,
Shane
Click to expand...

From your recommendation, I *just* bought 3 of these!!! One for each of my kids and one for me!!! Comparing the prices to other similar brass compasses these are a HUGE bargain. The company only registers 7 remaining in stock so if anyone wants one they prolly should get on it.

The only thing that sucks is the shipping is per item and they didn't combine to give a break for higher quantities.

From their description, @ "...1" in diameter and 1 3/8" high (top to bottom)", are they really taller than they are wide?

How long do the points remain illuminated?

Thanks!
 
It's a good thing that the plastic watchband compasses are cheap. I wear one every day and they last about a year before leaking or failing to do their job (pointing North). The compass in the top of my K&N match safe has developed that problem.

I have an old Marbles pocket compass and a button compass that have to be at least 20 years old and they both still work. If I ever have to replace it, it'll be with a TruNord.
 
VA27 said:
It's a good thing that the plastic watchband compasses are cheap. I wear one every day and they last about a year before leaking or failing to do their job (pointing North). The compass in the top of my K&N match safe has developed that problem.

I have an old Marbles pocket compass and a button compass that have to be at least 20 years old and they both still work. If I ever have to replace it, it'll be with a TruNord.
Click to expand...

the K&M has an unlimited lifetime warranty- if the compass has gone t1ts up I'm sure Keith would replace it. I know he had some troubles getting quality compasses for awhile, but think he has it worked out now (of course there are going to be a few failures along the way I would think)
 
I have one of these Marbles/United cutlery brass compasses. At first i was really happy with it. It looks nice and feels like a substantial piece of kit, though it's just a brass covered cheap plastic 25mm button compass. But after about 6 month in my pocket it switched its polarity (unfortunately not exactly 180°) and became useless. I cannot recommend these if you depend on them... The good thing is you can replace the compass with any other 25mm button compass. I ordered some of these and they work just fine: http://firesteel.com/products/25mm-Button-Compass.html

Silva offers some nice 20mm compasses as well. I have one on my paracord bracelett. So far i have it for about half a year and it works just fine for rough navigation. Here you go: http://www.patrolstore.com/Silva-Compass-40-NL-Escape-and-Evasion-p-202-1577.html

For the next bracelett i'm eying on a recta/suunto clipper, i've read somewhere (i think over at bcuk), that they are the most dependable and precise ones....
 
^ I can vouch for that compass (mine is a black version)- a lot of features packed into a small compass, doesn't have a permanent declination adjustment (does allow manual adj however), but other than that it's got everything
 
@heyoka xVx - Oh man..... I'm so bummed by your findings. I copied the advertisement from the site:

"BRAND NEW United Cutlery Brass Compass. Measures 1" in diameter and 1 3/8" high (top to bottom). The solid brass casing is strong, durable, waterproof and will not rust. The solid brass stock construction is CNC machines. The movement is rubber on an ultra smooth agate bearing and cut crystal is virtually shatter proof. on your zipper."

It *says* 'solid brass stock', but i suspect this could be easily construed like this *solid* (as solid construction) brass (coating?!?) stock....

When did you buy yours? Are you sure they're the same? (hopefully not for my sanity!!!). Otherwise, i'll be looking long and hard at the tru-nord.com offerings. I love the idea of a brass compass - as i've probably ~25 compasses ATM.
 
fmajor007 said:
@heyoka xVx - Oh man..... I'm so bummed by your findings. I copied the advertisement from the site:

"BRAND NEW United Cutlery Brass Compass. Measures 1" in diameter and 1 3/8" high (top to bottom). The solid brass casing is strong, durable, waterproof and will not rust. The solid brass stock construction is CNC machines. The movement is rubber on an ultra smooth agate bearing and cut crystal is virtually shatter proof. on your zipper."

It *says* 'solid brass stock', but i suspect this could be easily construed like this *solid* (as solid construction) brass (coating?!?) stock....

When did you buy yours? Are you sure they're the same? (hopefully not for my sanity!!!). Otherwise, i'll be looking long and hard at the tru-nord.com offerings. I love the idea of a brass compass - as i've probably ~25 compasses ATM.
Click to expand...

Sorry for my imprecise expression, the housing of the compass is of course nice n solid brass! What i wanted to say is, that the compass is a simple one and the only difference to other cheap ones is the "nice packaging" it comes in. The only advantage is that it's tougher and looks nicer, but that's about it.

I got this one about a year ago: http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/brass-marbles-1-compass-769-p.asp
 
Tru-Nord brass encase button compass. I have one strapped to a backpack that's been with me on 3 continents, much more reliable than plastic. I've never needed it for any survival situations, but that's why I have it.
 
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