Discussion: Compass - Stability vs. Speed
in: Orienteering; Gear & Toys
May 13, 2010 4:11 PM
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Hi all,
The Moscow compass in particular includes a lot of detail regarding speed and stability of the needle.
Is it just a matter of preference?
Could one style be better for sports other than strictly orienteering?
The Moscow compass in particular includes a lot of detail regarding speed and stability of the needle.
Is it just a matter of preference?
Could one style be better for sports other than strictly orienteering?
May 13, 2010 9:05 PM
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On Moscow compasses...
If you are running fast and precision is not so important as knowing the general direction of travel then you might lean towards their fastest needle: "fast". This one finds north very quickly but is easily jostled by arm movement. Some people find the needle bounces around too much.
If you are moving slow and following a precise bearing is critical, then the most stable needle would be most appropriate: "super stable".
The middle of the road compass is the best needle for most orienteers: "stable". It has a good combination of speed and stability appropriate for running orienteers.
Personal preference? Maybe. Depends How much your arm moves while you are running and how much you rely on compass bearings as opposed to reading the map, etc.
If you are running fast and precision is not so important as knowing the general direction of travel then you might lean towards their fastest needle: "fast". This one finds north very quickly but is easily jostled by arm movement. Some people find the needle bounces around too much.
If you are moving slow and following a precise bearing is critical, then the most stable needle would be most appropriate: "super stable".
The middle of the road compass is the best needle for most orienteers: "stable". It has a good combination of speed and stability appropriate for running orienteers.
Personal preference? Maybe. Depends How much your arm moves while you are running and how much you rely on compass bearings as opposed to reading the map, etc.
May 13, 2010 9:21 PM
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I prefer the super stable needle. You just have to level the compass a few seconds before you look at it.
May 14, 2010 3:22 PM
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Learn to hold your arm perfectly stable for a few strides. Do this before looking at the compass and the needle should be steady by the time you're seeing it. Personally, I find this easier to do with a plate held in the opposite hand I hold the map, but you can do it either way.
FWIW, I think the needle on the Brunton 1S-Jet (plate) and 6 Spectra (thumb) are worth the extra money.
FWIW, I think the needle on the Brunton 1S-Jet (plate) and 6 Spectra (thumb) are worth the extra money.
May 14, 2010 7:26 PM
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On one compass (Suunto), I noticed that the needle wobbled severely, but only when I ran in specific directions. That's something that's worth checking for in a test drive. Haven't had this issue with my Moscow Model 3.
May 15, 2010 3:48 AM
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I use and like the Moscow Compass Model 9 (Super Stable). It is noticeably slower than the Model 3, which I previously used and still use sometimes and like, but it is remarkably stable while running.
I agree that the Brunton Jet/Spectra needles perform well, but the plastic of the capsule is simply too thin for clumsy people like me, who fall down and hit their compasses on the ground once in a while. I have broken two of the fragile Silva/Brunton capsules this way, and this is an expensive problem.
I agree that the Brunton Jet/Spectra needles perform well, but the plastic of the capsule is simply too thin for clumsy people like me, who fall down and hit their compasses on the ground once in a while. I have broken two of the fragile Silva/Brunton capsules this way, and this is an expensive problem.
This discussion thread is closed.