Discussion: Best Thumb Compass

What is the best and the fastest thumb compass money can buy these days?

Those Moscow Compasses are really good.

I heard yesterday that the newest, most sensitive magnetometer technologies are using nitrogen-doped diamonds. The optimal response time is supposed to be order of milliseconds. Supposed to be capable of measuring the magnetic field from a single atom. I don't think anyone's made a finger mounted version yet, but I suppose a golden band might do the trick.

I know that Moscow compasses are really good but are they the best?

Moscows are the best value for the money.
Silva Spectra might be a slightly higher quality, but much more expensive.

I like the Silva 6 Jet Spectra better than the Moscow that I used to have. The angle between the thumb and straight ahead is narrower, and this work better for me. The rubber thumb pad also works better for me than the thumb hole in the Moscow.

Thank you, all!

The main Moscow Compass site shows 3 different "speeds" for their sport compasses:

Model 2: Fast 0.5-1.0 seconds ("needle settling time")
Model 3 and 8: Stable 1.0-1.5 seconds
Model 9: Super Stable: 1.5-2.0 seconds

I use a model 3, and it is great for reading the needle while running. I noticed a long time ago that I need to level it a second or two before reading it, though. This is because the compasses that work best for running fast actually have highly damped needles.

I saw a model 2 last weekend that had way faster needle movement than my 3, and I felt it was not stable enough. It might be better for sprints with a lot of changes of direction, but I really like the 3.

I've never tried a 9. I'd propose that the needle action needs to balance the speed of the needle for quick turns against the dampening necessary to steady the needle while running. I would like to try one of these.

I'm only mentioning this because you wanted a fast compass. It struck me a few years ago that I really prefer a slow compass, but most marketing literature uses "fast" or "quick" for high-end competition compasses.

I notice a lot of people using the small Arrow (now Suunto) thumb compass. It has a turning bezel like the Moscow, and *unlike* the new Silvas. I like to set mine for long bearings in green---otherwise, I rarely bother.

For a Moscow purchase, most orienteers would prefer the model 3, which is a good compromise between speed and stability.

I have a Moscow 3 and a Suunto Arrow 5. I'll have them both at the Icebreaker on Sunday, you can try them out on a course.

At some places, you can get the Silva Jet Spectra without the distracting colours on the side. Then that would be the optimal one.

What they are also good at is that the housing isn't turn-able like the Moscow, and the needle is thick. Only problem is that the thumb handle is so damn tiny, you need an amputated thumb to fit in. Personally, i feel Moscow did a better job on that.

I think i use a fairly fast needle from Moscow (the black one). I probably would buy a more stable one like the model 9 if i could do it again.

@jmnipen: The "black one" is the Model 3.

I like the super narrow needles on the moscows. I think it is visually easier to line them up with northing lines on the map.

Silva 6 Jet Spectra is very high quality gear. I run with mine 10 years. My wife has Suunto Arrow 6 which also seems quite decent. She had Moscow compass model 3 before Suunto. It felt good but after 2 seasons needle stuck permanently in the middle of race. That was probably very bad luck with particular sample. I can' t recommend one but there are many happy Moscompass users out there who think otherwise. If you have rocky terrain and risk to break compass is high look in price/performance department for sure.

I've been using Moscow for the past 20 years, the only real downside I've experienced is that they have a real tendency to develop bubbles, especially if you take them up to altitude. My main motivation was that at the time, they were the only ones making a thumb compass for the right hand.