What compass do you carry?

bdcoder said:
Thanks for your post. Value for your money is a concern for me. I was looking for compass around the web. I have found that Liquid Filled Compass is quite handy. Price may be a bit high. But can be an option. Thanks!
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Get a chance check this one out!
Was a GREAT price and I got it promptly and as described!
This is as cheap as you'll ever see one of these....most places they are $80
In 2010 when it was new they were $120!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261083867640?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
 
Graphyfotoz said:
REALLY?? This exact one? (8099 Eclipse Pro)
I did a lotta web searching and it got good reviews everywhere.
4 outta 5 stars about everywhere and few YouTube reviews I found were positive.
I read one or 2 reviews that said something about a air bubble right out of package.
I didn't have that issue so maybe there are a few bad ones got thru?
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I've never seen one. But I just asked Amazon.

The review by Shadow Raven describes one way the Eclipse can show "extreme reading errors".
 
Raymond1000 said:
I've never seen one. But I just asked Amazon.

The review by Shadow Raven describes one way the Eclipse can show "extreme reading errors".
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The reviews for the "PRO" 8099 Version on YouTube are all positive.
I have no issues with mine not working correctly.

I didn't buy it as a Field Surveying tool or a Geologic Measurement tool like the complainers @ Amazon.
Brunton and others make Transits for such Field applications.
I bought it for use as a COMPASS and it's excellent for that!
It was worth the $32 I gave for it....I'd never spend more than that for one.
 
I am a member of SAR and an orienteering club. I use a Suunto M3 and a Brunton pin on ball compass. Knowing how to use a compass is a basic skill every outdoor enthusiast should possess.
 
Suunto M3 leader is the only compass for me. As an archaeologist I navigated through the deserts, forests, and mountains for twelve years and mapped hundreds of archaeological sites using only a Suunto.

Other brands always got bubbles, the numbers wore off, and they didn't track to north as fast. I certainly didn't have the time or spare hand to use a flip-up mirror model; I tried a few that the company would buy for us, but I'd quickly 'modify' the compass by removing the mirror (car door closing on it looked like an accident).

The last Brunton I had was an early Eclipse model. The numbers lasted only a couple of days because they were merely printed on the plastic instead of being cut in (like the Suunto). I was not happy, especially considering the price.
 
This Brunton for work; cheap Silva and a Garmin for play.

000741-Brunton_Pocket_Transit.jpg
 
I was in Germany a few years ago and realized I had left my compass at home! Since I like to have one when walking around unfamiliar places (cities included!), I started looking around for a place to pick up a simple compass. I found this one in a small shop in Bavaria that catered to hikers (a big thing in Germany). It's a Silva Huntsman and it was around 10 or 12 Euros ($14-16). It has since become my favorite. It folds open exposing a safety pin that allows it to be pinned to a shirt or jacket, similar to the excellent Marbles compass. It's very compact and lightweight and resides in my hiking/touring daypack





 
I have 2-3 Sylva's one since my scouting days (nearly 40 yeaars ago). I have also picked up a couple of Bruntons. I stash them in all our bags and vehicles.
 
Good deal! I have compasses stashed in all my outdoor gear, vehicles, etc. I'm "old school". I prefer to use maps and compasses. GPS has gotten me messed up, maps never have. There's something about knowing how to navigate with simple, reliable tools that gives you a level of confidence that GPS never can.
 
I just found myself one of silvas simpler baseplates, I don't have a use for most of the features on the higher end ones like slope gauges and the like. But I needed one for south of the equator. That may be a reason why people are reporting errors from those high end Bruntons. It could also be that there are counterfeits floating around especially one evilbay. a compass isn't something to go looking for a deal on. know what you are buying.
 
As for the Brunton Eclipse Pro......
I researched several reviews before I bought mine.
The only real negative I found was....."Not a good compass for geologic applications"
I only want it for navigating not for geologic reasons.
I was apprehensive about getting it for such a cheap price.....but it looks like there were some defects floating around.
Seems that some had a visible air bubble in em that totally makes em trash.
I was afraid mine was so cheap cuz of that......but it was fine when I got it.
It is covered under life time warranty so if there is a future problem hope they make good.
Brunton has been making compass for quite some time so hope I don't eat my words!

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I have a Suunto MC-2G (global needle) and had a M-3DL. The M-3 developed a bubble and the needle started sticking, which really bugged me because I hadn't been rough with it or anything. So I picked up the MC-2G since it has just as solid a reputation. I confess I don't have enough experience and don't do enough hardcore navigating to need the mirror, sighting hole, and clinometer, but I'd rather have the capability should I need/want it in the future. However, the global needle is nice (one compass, anywhere), the needle hits north much more quickly than it did in my M-3, and the mirror is multi-purpose. I also like that the mirror also protects the compass face in storage.

I do plan on picking up another M-3 later; perhaps the one I got was just a lemon. I want one for the lighter weight (backpacking), simplicity, and more orienteering geared use.
 
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