Suunto MC-2G and Brunton 8099

Brian Andrews

Brian Andrews

Joined
Dec 11, 2006
Messages
1,659
First, I am a diehard land nav geek, which also means I am way into maps and compasses.

I spent over 4000 words and 42 pictures comparing the strengths and weaknesses of the Suunto MC-2G and the Brunton 8099.

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After all that work, I figured there was a better home for it than a thread that would quickly disappear. So, I contacted Woodsmonkey, and they published it! I am pretty pumped about that.

Check out the article here.

Thoughts on my review are appreciated.

Thanks,
B
 
Man, that is an awesome review. Very detailed, well written, and easy to understand, even if it is 50 pages long. :D

The review makes me even happier to own an MC-2G.
 
Congrats man! Woodsmonkey is good stuff. They've been kind enough to let me get some stuff up there too.

Great writeup by the way, man.
 
Brian,

I just finished that article. WHEW! That was VERY complete. The only thing I would have liked to seen added was a use of the angle finder on the Suunto.

I loved all the pics - I wish I would have seen this before choosing my Suunto - it would have made the choice even easier.

TF
 
As a complete newb at land navigation, I enjoyed the review; I wish you had written it before I bought my Brunton (a cheaper model than the one reviewed here) a few weeks ago. Oh well, I was intending to use it to get my feet wet on this topic and now I have an idea on what to look for in my next compass.

Thanks!!
 
Brian that is a fine review. I have one of the Bruntons and while it is a great compass it does have a few design defects. I will probably replace it with a Silva Ranger or one of the Suunto's soon.
 
Awesome review Brian, thanks for all the time and effort you put into it. You just helped me make my decision on which compass to buy to replace my old Siva. I was seriously thinking about getting a Camenga, but though I like the durability of it....there is the weight issue to consider on long hikes. I'm now thinking I'll be the proud owner of a new Suunto very soon. I really like the looks and functionality, and I really like the illumination set up too. Once again thanks for the review!
 
wow.. awesome review and pics Brian....:thumbup: that was cool..

congrats.. woodsmonkey is a cool site... i frequent it regularly...:)
 
Talfuchre said:
Brian,

I just finished that article. WHEW! That was VERY complete. The only thing I would have liked to seen added was a use of the angle finder on the Suunto.

TF
Click to expand...

Yeah, I thought about the inclinometer AFTER I finished the article :D I decided since both did it very well, I didn't want to go back and tear it up. So, I just listed it as a feature of both. But, they handle that great.

mistwalker said:
Awesome review Brian, thanks for all the time and effort you put into it. You just helped me make my decision on which compass to buy to replace my old Siva. I was seriously thinking about getting a Camenga, but though I like the durability of it....there is the weight issue to consider on long hikes. I'm now thinking I'll be the proud owner of a new Suunto very soon. I really like the looks and functionality, and I really like the illumination set up too. Once again thanks for the review!
Click to expand...

Both these compasses are mine, and I own a Cammenga too. So, I really don't have a reason to be biased other than using a compass with what I believe is the easiest way possible.

With that being said (unless you carry a protractor with you too) I really don't like the "orient the map" style that the cammenga would force you into. It is difficult to do (to say the least) in field conditions, and the reliance on position of the magnetic arrow makes route planning even on a table tough.

B
 
Great review.

I bought the MC2G last year because of the global needle and found out just how good the other features are when using it.
 
Excellent article Brian! Wouldn't happen to want to offer tutorial services would you???
 
kgd said:
Excellent article Brian! Wouldn't happen to want to offer tutorial services would you???
Click to expand...

Absolutely! What are you looking for?

I have thought about trying to write up more on methods, but it would be a huge project. I currently teach a land nav course that consists of 7 hours in the classroom and a full weekend out at the Waterloo cabins. Getting that down into words would be difficult, and there is no replacement for the field time. Actually, IMO it is the most important aspect of the class.

However, if there is something specific you want, I can see what I can do in the meantime.

B
 
Brian - maybe you can e-mail or pm me some of the dates where your formal classes are being held. Would be looking for something towards the end of August. Thanks.
 
Brian, that was an Excellent aticle, very well written and easy to read and understand. I am a navagation noob, but I own 3 good compases; A Brinton Nexus, very simple and easy to operate. An ancient Silva type 19, also simple and easy but with no declination and a very fancy one with no brand name I can see, looks to be a militart style sighting compass with more bells and whistles than I can idintify. If I post a pic think you could idintify it and give a little help in what it does?
 
Hmmm, can't seem to figure out how to get my pics off of the new iPhone. Got to figure that out first
 
Brian Andrews said:
Both these compasses are mine, and I own a Cammenga too. So, I really don't have a reason to be biased other than using a compass with what I believe is the easiest way possible.

With that being said (unless you carry a protractor with you too) I really don't like the "orient the map" style that the cammenga would force you into. It is difficult to do (to say the least) in field conditions, and the reliance on position of the magnetic arrow makes route planning even on a table tough.

B
Click to expand...

I don't want to carry any more than I need to to do the job...not as young as I once was.


SIXFOOTER said:
Hmmm, can't seem to figure out how to get my pics off of the new iPhone. Got to figure that out first
Click to expand...

I can't get a data cable for the Verizon model I have and I have to email myself each picture individually...which sucks.
 
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