in: Orienteering; Gear & Toys;
| # Posted 2007-04-27 03:50:31 | |
| toddp: | I am going to buy a thumb compass and I am looking for some recommendations. I am a slow orienteer because I only walk and jog the courses. I hope to be a stronger runner soon. My budget is tight.
1. Should I buy Brunton or Moscompass? 2. What kind of bezel should I buy: multi-colored, numerical degree gradient, or unadorned? Perhaps someone has a used thumb compass that they would sell to me? Thanks. Todd |
| # Posted 2007-04-27 04:21:59 | |
| Boojums: | I recommend trying out some thumb compasses to see which one you like. I'm sure people at local meets would be willing to show you theirs... you might have to wait for a big meet to find a vendor selling compasses, but definitely try them on and try reading a map while walking/jogging. You might find that you aren't that picky - anything with a needle that points north might do the trick. |
| # Posted 2007-04-27 04:48:44 | |
| ccsteve: | Purchased two last weekend:
- Moscow XR+ with the model 5 compass - for me. - Moscow XR with the model 22 compass - for my daughter. I need and enjoyed the magnifier, and she was well suited with hers. In that line, I'd suggest the 22 compass because you say you have a budget and it does fine for a less hectic pace that you say you have. Pick the base you like best - either thumb with or without the tip. (I preferred the XR over the R, and found it natural to use) And if you hate the Left thumb plate you can always remove the compass and install it upside down - and everything will be the same except the base markings will be on the other side. |
| # Posted 2007-04-27 04:51:12 | |
| jjcote: | My feelings: all you need is a simple needle that points north. Anything else is irrelevant decoration. The needle should have the properties that allow it to point north quickly and stay there, which all of the top-end compasses do. I've been very pleased with the Moscow products except that they tend to develop bubbles, especially if you take them to altitude. Nevertheless, they're what I use. I initially bought one because they were the only ones made to wear on the right hand, which is where I want mine, but I think right-hand thumb compasses are now available from the other manufacturers as well.
Do not use a compass that comes mounted in a little tire, that you won at the ring-toss booth at the church fair. |
| # Posted 2007-04-27 05:45:52 | |
| Ghost: | I bought my first Moscow compass back about 92-94, when I believe they hit the US market. Other than a slight dull appearance due use, and a few little scratches it works great and has been virtually indestructible. I have rogained with it, adventured raced, not to mention a lot of orienteering. Although there is nothing wrong with it I recently bought another one as a backup. I recommend the Model 3 it comes with ether right or left base plate. |
| # Posted 2007-04-27 20:03:34 | |
| Ratlaf: | I agree with Ghost, I've had Moscows since they appeared and they're awesome! Especially the right hand ones, that is not to say the left hand ones don't work equally as well... :-) Also, I've never had a bubble form in mine, and I've had it in Adventure Races at over 10,000 feet. |
| # Posted 2007-04-27 22:51:56 | |
| vyc: | I've got Moscow because it's cheap.
If you say you are slow I think it's more than enough.. Would buy Silva if money wouldn't be a problem.. |
| # Posted 2007-04-28 00:39:27 | |
| toddp: | Thanks for the recommendations. I am now leaning towards the Moscompass Model 5R with no colors or numbers on the bezel.
Does any one strongly recommend the Spectra-style Rainbow coloration of the bezel? If not, I'll go with the simple, clear model. |
| # Posted 2007-04-28 01:11:59 | |
| cedarcreek: | JanetT pointed out this old thread about a week or so ago, and I'll mention it again, particularly the section about deciding whether you want a right- or left-handed compass. I want the compass in the hand I use to thumb the map. All the newer Moscow compasses can be changed to the other hand by removing the capsule and inserting it from the other side of the plate, although the paint will be on the wrong side of the plastic. |
| # Posted 2007-04-28 13:10:45 | |
| Oxoman: | Make sure you get a compass with a damped needle. My preference is for the Spectra Jet and I use the Spectra graduations. |
| # Posted 2007-04-29 10:01:00 | |
| creamer: | I really like the spectra system, if you take any long bearings, and not just use the compass to orient your map it is very handy. You take the first bearing, and remember the section, when you need to check it you just make sure the needle is still pointing to the section, I used to used a compass with the degree markings in a similar fashion, but i don't think it would be as easy with no markings at all as I see on some compasses. Any thoughts? |
| # Posted 2007-04-29 22:40:09 | |
| toddp: | I think the colors seem like a good idea. But the less expensive Moscompass version of the Spectra coloration does not have the colors all the way around the bezel. I wonder why that is? I suppose sometimes the capsule must be rotated in order get a color section aligned with the northern end of the needle. With the Spectra, I assume that you never have to rotate the capsule, is that correct? |
| # Posted 2007-04-30 02:50:20 | |
| creamer: | Thats right, actually the capsule on my compass is fixed and won't allow you to rotate it if you wanted. I think, with only half coloured, you could just remember which section the south end is pointing to, I dont know though, I have not used these compasses myself although I have seen them. My compass actually has east, west north and south markings on it, but the east and west are switched, so that when you align the north end of the need with the E you are heading east, but if north is on N, and you move in the direction of the E you would be going west, so if you want to go West you point north to W and go, i thought this was clever.
N E W S instead of N WE S |
| # Posted 2007-04-30 18:49:35 | |
| toddp: | Perhaps I'll save my money for a Spectra.
Thanks everyone for your advice. |
| # Posted 2007-05-02 14:10:59 | |
| Aaron: | i gotta spectra the other day and it hasnt let me down yet :D |
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