I'm familiar with the Brunton bubble style pin on compass, as well as the Brass Marbles pin on compass, but I'm wondering if anyone out there has a favorite pin on style compass and can give their opinion. Even something vintage, and perhaps not currently made, would be cool to know about. I had an experience earlier this year in the woods, when my bubble style pin on compass was no longer functioning. Somehow must have knocked it on something and the fluid drained. Got me to thinking what else might be available in this basic compass style.
Thanks,
Chuck
Check out Tru-Nord.
I dont use a pin on ,but I would recommend a lensatic style for all the features. you can shoot azimuth and do a lot mor with it,and if you have a map you are never getten lost.
Go with what Tim says,Tru-Nord is a well built piece and you can pin it right where you want it.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/0102121529.jpg)
I have several pin ons and always pin them inside a pocket or inside the jacket near the neck to protect it. I only need to use them every once in a while to get the general direction back to the truck........
lpcjon2...I have a lensatic compass, several of them actually. I use a pin on for general reference on orientation while on the move and still hunting. I pin it to the should strap on my pack or haversack and its always there for reference. No denying the the advantages of utilizing a lensatic compass for specific tasks though. Thanks for the input so far to those who have responded.
Chuck
I would second the advice above, and get a lensatic compass. I could be wrong, of course, but I always considered the pin on type compasses to be toys more than anything else.
In addition to the lensmatic in my pack I use a Brunton slide-on watch band compass for just a quick check while on the move.
But if the Tru Nord wrist band model will slide on my existing watchband I may have to try one. It looks like a rugged compass.
Tru-nord x 2.
I have used the bruntons for years without any problems, but the tru-nord now has my attention thanks to you guys.
Tru-nord without a doubt!
Jason
Buy the best compass you can afford, the pin on bubble type I use for just a quick look. I like Brunton.
I use a bubble type pin on for a quick look for general direction only. I keep a good (Silva, Brunton, Suunto) compass on a flat base with sighting mirror safely stowed in an interior pocket. There's even one on the cap of my waterproof match case. That's three on board! Don't want any directional trouble when it's time to get out of the woods.
In the Tru Nord line is the pin on or the keychain model prefered? It appears as if the pinon has a 2" post/pin ?
Don't know if it is the best but I like my old Normark folding compass. The top swivels back to a right angle and has saftey pins to pin it to a pocket flap. It is probably larger than most would like and when pinned it sticks out like alittle shelf you can just glance at now and then. I seldom use it that way preferring to keep it safe in my pocket or butt pack. That Tru-Nord looks like the ticket for a pin on though.
The tru-nord pin on works great for pac straps. If I dont use a pack I just pin it on my shirt. They are sturdy built and are great for what they made them for...quick reference.
Jason
Silva.
Kris
Thanks to everyone who gave input. I have put a Tru Nord on my list of birthday goodies I am wishing for.
Straight shafts,
Chuck
Check out the Suunto line of compasses...I've got the Suunto MC-2G. Forestry Suppliers is a great place to deal with too.
http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=1292&title=Suunto+Navigator+Compass+With+Built%2DIn+Clinometer
I used to be a Silva Ranger guy and I still have one of the old ones. Brunton bought Silva and they are made in Singapore now. I bought one from REI last year as a backup and it was bad. I took it back and that is when I discovered they were being made in Singapore when I grabbed the replacement off the rack. I never gave it a thought when I first purchased it. It's a Silva gotta be good. Replaced it with a Suunto made in Finland.
I had a Silva Ranger Type 15...back when they were U.S. made. I sold it and bought the Suunto. I liked the Global Needle, just in case I travel the world some day. :) I had no clue Silva are now made in Singapore...wow.
I quit using a pin on compass because I kept losing them and went to a wrist watch type and put it on my shooting glove strap. So it is always there when I go hunting.