Suunto

MC 2 Global

Description:

This full-featured compass lets you take accurate bearings with a sighting notch and mirror, plus its patented Global needle works anywhere on earth. There has never been a compass that could function flawlessly in all zones of the world--until now! 

Compass accuracy outside of limited latitudes can be flawed as changes in the magnetic field affect the position of the needle. 

Suunto's Global compass needle solves this problem with a patented structural innovation. The needle and magnet are built as separate units functioning independently from each other, so that the inclination of the magnetic field cannot tilt the needle.

Features:

Base plate features magnifying lens, straight edge and inch markings for accurate map reading

Declination scale is adjustable to account for the difference between magnetic and true North; adjustment key is included on lanyard

Easy-grip bezel reads in 2-degree increments and features luminous outer ring for low-light reading

Snap hook lets you detach compass from the lanyard for use, then re-attach to carry it around your neck

Includes a clinometer to measure slope angles- useful to winter travelers to help estimate danger on avalanche-prone slopes  

.Price: $65.00

Review:

I have been using the Suunto MC2 Global for about three years now. The compass works great in all conditions, even at night. The needle doesn't sway and is quick to read as to keep you on course. The large, easy to read bezel is easy to read (day and night) and the sighting mirror makes it easy to shoot a bearing. The only drawback is that the graphics on the base plate are not deep set into the plastic and will wear off over a period of time. For the money it is a great accurate compass that gives you lots of the features you need, and none you don't.

Where to find it:

Ozark Outdoor (Little Rock)

Online Retailers

Silva

Ranger CL

Description:

This winner of the 2003 Backpacker Magazine 's Editors' Choice Gold Award keeps you moving in the right direction!

This precise azimuth compass has a sighting mirror for taking accurate and quick bearings--great for serious and avid users

Features:

Liquid-filled rotating capsule with anti-static liquid stops needle swing in less than 4 seconds-- sapphire-jeweled needle for friction-free movement

Adjustable declination accounts for difference between true and magnetic north; lanyard key locks adjusted declination into place

Sighting mirror with vee notch allows quick bearing acquisition on landmarks and also folds down to protect compass

Includes a clinometer to measure slope angles- useful to winter travelers to help estimate danger on avalanche-prone slopes

Features luminous points for better viewing, silicon map grippers on base, and meridian lines to help orient compass to map

Uses 0 - 360 degree azimuth scale in 2-degree increments

Includes has a removable 15 inch lanyard (30 inch circumference) with declination adjustment screwdriver

Guaranteed to be accurate -40- +140 degrees Fahrenheit

Meets or exceeds all forest service and military standards

.Price: $55.00 

Review:

Silva has an excellent reputation for making a great compass. This particular compass is one of two compasses you will see a lot within the adventure racing community. The compass has bombproof features and rugged construction. The declination setting is easy to use and keeps you on course. This is a great compass for adventure racing. We haven't had a lot of experience with this compass the only drawback I have seen is that the base plate scales will fade or wear off and there is not a  sighting hole in the base of the mirror.. 

Where to find it:

Ozark Outdoor (Little Rock)

Online Retailers

Brunton

8099 Eclipse

Description:

This advanced compass features a magnetized disk for accurate bearings and comes with helpful reference cards that store inside the compass.

Features:

Magnetized disk is more accurate than conventional needles and settles quickly for fast, accurate bearings

Anti-static, liquid-filled dial with jeweled bearing features 1 degree gradations to ensure accuracy, sighting mirror for improved accuracy

Ergonomic rubber shoe on bottom of compass grips map surface and is comfortable to hold

Declination adjustment scale allows you to account for the difference between magnetic and true north; scale on base is adjustable to your location

Three different clinometers for measuring slope angles -- useful for determining snow slope stability and for surveying

Two of the clinometers scales offer 5-degree increments, 1 offers 1-degree increments

Includes USGS map scale 1:24,000, ft, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) and mile scales for position accuracy

Waterproof field reference cards includes navigational, topographical and survival information that store in the compass

Includes built-in magnifier, protective, flip down cover and lanyard

.Price: $70.00

Review:

This compass has a ton of features and reference material included for navigation and map plotting. The compass is easy to read and has a sighting mirror. Although some of the features you will probably need to refer to the manual for. this is a good compass that can get you through a race, and if you like lots of gadgets this is the compass for you.

Where to find it:

Ozark Outdoor (Little Rock)

Online Retailers