Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: Stein on August 20, 2020, 05:26:00 PM


Advertise Here
Title: Compass
Post by: Stein on August 20, 2020, 05:26:00 PM
Well, my Suunto M3 finally developed a huge bubble after many years of reliable service and needs to be replaced.  I tried all the tricks to get the bubble out but they didn't work.

I don't remember seeing a thread on compasses, so here we go.  The same compass is $45 on Amazon, any other models I should be taking a look at in the $50 range?

I use the GPS 90% of the time, but in the dark, fog or rain/snow I often pull it out of my orange vest to keep heading in the right direction and it has saved my butt on a couple of occasions so I want something reliable and durable.
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: Buckhunter24 on August 20, 2020, 05:37:09 PM
I've used silva and suunto, I would stick with the Suunto - lot higher quality imo
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: follow maggie on August 20, 2020, 08:12:08 PM
I’ve been using a Brunton tru-arc for a long time and like it a lot.
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: Fl0und3rz on August 20, 2020, 08:14:13 PM
I am a fan of this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Suunto-SS004252010-MC-2G-Global-Compass/dp/B000FEUCRW/
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: Stein on August 20, 2020, 08:36:55 PM
I am a fan of this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Suunto-SS004252010-MC-2G-Global-Compass/dp/B000FEUCRW/

Thanks, I'll check it out.
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: cooltimber on August 20, 2020, 08:52:34 PM
I am a fan of this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Suunto-SS004252010-MC-2G-Global-Compass/dp/B000FEUCRW/
have two one in pack,and on body..haven't had to use the spare but once.fog is not your friend
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: RobinHoodlum on August 20, 2020, 09:12:05 PM
Glad to hear someone still desires to know how to use a map and compass! Silva Ranger. Can't do better in my opinion, which happens to be informed by 30 years of personal and professional experience. Stopped supporting Suunto after one too many failures of their altimeter watches and poor customer service.
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: wadu1 on August 20, 2020, 09:44:04 PM
I’m still using my GI issue lensatic I got in 1972 along with a GPS.
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: Camo on August 20, 2020, 10:46:04 PM
I have always carried Silva because I was told it was less susceptible to magnetic interference. Is that an old myth or has technology circumvented that?
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: TooTallMike on August 21, 2020, 12:59:39 AM
Well, my Suunto M3 finally developed a huge bubble after many years of reliable service and needs to be replaced.  I tried all the tricks to get the bubble out but they didn't work.

I don't remember seeing a thread on compasses, so here we go.  The same compass is $45 on Amazon, any other models I should be taking a look at in the $50 range?

I use the GPS 90% of the time, but in the dark, fog or rain/snow I often pull it out of my orange vest to keep heading in the right direction and it has saved my butt on a couple of occasions so I want something reliable and durable.


I have an extra compass I was issued on active duty. Pm me and I'll send you some pics and if you want it you got it 😉
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: NW SURVEYOR on August 21, 2020, 05:11:06 AM
Too Tall,
I've been using Silva Rangers for 50 years, 35 of those Professionally.
During that time I have gone through a couple of Suuntos which were also good.
As it stands, I have 3 or 4 Silvas in my truck, office, survey vest and hunting day pack.
They are the ticket.
Like you mentioned, GPS is great, but a compass is bulletproof.
I like them in that I can plug in a bearing and get that reading quickly in the field.

Also, in my opinion, the bubble isn't going to cause you a big problem for simple navigation.
I have used them for work with a small bubble and they were consistent.
Save your money if you are just using it for hunting.

Later,
Rob.

Title: Re: Compass
Post by: Fl0und3rz on August 21, 2020, 05:46:57 AM
I am a fan of this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Suunto-SS004252010-MC-2G-Global-Compass/dp/B000FEUCRW/
have two one in pack,and on body..haven't had to use the spare but once.fog is not your friend

Or white out blizzard.  Freaky.
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: Buckhunter24 on August 21, 2020, 06:19:10 AM
Glad to hear someone still desires to know how to use a map and compass! Silva Ranger. Can't do better in my opinion, which happens to be informed by 30 years of personal and professional experience. Stopped supporting Suunto after one too many failures of their altimeter watches and poor customer service.

What are you using the silva ranger for at work? Ive been using a suunto tandem for a while now and have much more confidence in my readings than when I was using a ranger.
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: Ingwe on August 22, 2020, 09:47:13 PM
I always carry my old by scout compass I got about 1963. Still does everything I need it to do
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: JL on August 22, 2020, 10:13:59 PM
+1 on a GI Issue. I was trained on them so am bias. Carry a Cammenga tritium for when all else fails.
Title: Re: Compass
Post by: Stein on August 22, 2020, 10:19:12 PM
Well, my Suunto M3 finally developed a huge bubble after many years of reliable service and needs to be replaced.  I tried all the tricks to get the bubble out but they didn't work.

I don't remember seeing a thread on compasses, so here we go.  The same compass is $45 on Amazon, any other models I should be taking a look at in the $50 range?

I use the GPS 90% of the time, but in the dark, fog or rain/snow I often pull it out of my orange vest to keep heading in the right direction and it has saved my butt on a couple of occasions so I want something reliable and durable.


I have an extra compass I was issued on active duty. Pm me and I'll send you some pics and if you want it you got it 😉

Thanks for the offer, very generous but the pocket I carry it in is tight and won't fit a thick compass, only the basic kind.
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal