need new compass

I really like the Brunton 8099 but some folks find them a little awkward. Otherwise, it would have to be a Ranger.
 
Suunto MC2G is a great compass. The global needle has its advantages. Personally, I'm not in love with a mirror on my compass. I understand its advantages for sighting, but I think I just prefer a decent base plate compass with good accuracy. The Suunto M-3DL is a nice cheap baseplate model with high end features (not a global needle), but well dampened for fast needle response in Northern Hemisphere, also has great glow marks that take a charge off a flashlight and allow night time navigation.

I've personally heard bad things on the Silva's and their QA. Of course, I have and use a silva polaris - basic baseplate during a course taught by another member here. Its headings were just as his Suunto and Brunton high end compasses.

Here is a really nice review of the Brunton and Suunto global needle models by Brian Andrews, a class act Michigan knife maker:

http://www.woodsmonkey.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=340:navigation-with-brunton-and-suunto&catid=66:navigation-and-signalling-gear&Itemid=79
 
I was looking for a decent compass that wasn't too pricey...Looks like the Suunto M-3DL might be the one. Thanks. :)
 
Get a new Rat Cutlery firestarter. Comes with a small compass already (so you get compass and cool RC product in one pkg!!!)
 
I've been using a Brunton Model 15 lately. Really like it. But that 8099 looks mighty fine too.
 
I recently replaced a Silva base model I think called the starter with a Suunto M-2. I have been very impressed. The Suunto has been my primary compass for the summer so far and I like the declination adjustment feature, thought it was gimmicky at first... but not now. I also don't know if it will happen but my Suunto hasn't developed a bubble inside the needle case. Only time will tell...but all is very well so far

Cheers, Shane
 
Commenga, and if you aren't going to drop 80 dollars on one of the most important pieces of your kit, you can always drop 20 on a Suunto.
 
PayetteRucker said:
Commenga, and if you aren't going to drop 80 dollars on one of the most important pieces of your kit, you can always drop 20 on a Suunto.
Click to expand...

Hmm....Cammenga actually has a Compasses for Scouts program. Drop 10 dollars/compass as a deposit and you can use it for two months. At which point you either send it back or buy it for $45. That's a pretty sweet deal, methinks. Already put it forward to my troop too.

But, I do like the looks of that Ranger AND the 8099
 
I've gone through years and years of silva's. Always gotten home. Looking into GPS's now, mostly for the tracking features. The idea that a map and compass have gone obsolete in our lifetimes is probably the largest impact on the human race besides the microprocessor, and it barely is spoken of. Hell, it was a free app on my phone...they're just giving away miracles these days.
 
GPS signals fade, batteries die, etc. The map and compass is not obsolete and this is from a guy that uses a GPS as primary navigation in a plane, but has had two total electrical failures requiring.....you guessed it, the old whiskey compass, wrist watch and chart.

I like the Suunto MC2G for ground pounding.
 
Pilot1 said:
GPS signals fade, batteries die, etc. The map and compass is not obsolete and this is from a guy that uses a GPS as primary navigation in a plane, but has had two total electrical failures requiring.....you guessed it, the old whiskey compass, wrist watch and chart.
Click to expand...

Amen!
 
Since for the last 20 years I've only used the military lensatic compass and I can only speak to it and it has never let me down.

Jim
 
I have a Silva, can't remember the model. Issued by my scout troop.
It works pretty well. One of the guys got a rubber stopper thing for the corners too.
 
Pilot1 said:
GPS signals fade, batteries die, etc. The map and compass is not obsolete and this is from a guy that uses a GPS as primary navigation in a plane, but has had two total electrical failures requiring.....you guessed it, the old whiskey compass, wrist watch and chart..
Click to expand...


I'd never advocate the removal or abandonment of the map and compass. But Give me the choice of using my set of 1977 USGS topo's, or having a satellite image of where I exactly am, and I'll pack both. I won't deny an element of laziness as far as the tracking features. And to be fair, compasses have their technical flaws as well.

But to be OT: Silva Guide 426 is the most recent compass I've used. Points north, and I kinda like the fold-over top.
 
knotslip said:
I was looking for a decent compass that wasn't too pricey...Looks like the Suunto M-3DL might be the one. Thanks. :)
Click to expand...

If you are concerned about accuracy, make sure whatever you get has adjustable declination. This allows you to perform map corrections for True vs. Magnetic north. (if you already know this disregard :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top