Best pin on compass...your opinion

yukon chuck · January 27, 2012, 01:55:00 PM

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

Smithhammer · January 27, 2012, 02:09:00 PM

Check out Tru-Nord.

lpcjon2 · January 27, 2012, 02:11:00 PM

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.

monkeyball · January 27, 2012, 02:13:00 PM

Go with what Tim says,Tru-Nord is a well built piece and you can pin it right where you want it.

hvyhitter · January 27, 2012, 04:49:00 PM

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........

yukon chuck · January 27, 2012, 04:50:00 PM

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

SCATTERSHOT · January 27, 2012, 05:50:00 PM

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.

Lost Arra · January 27, 2012, 06:05:00 PM

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.

ErikT · January 27, 2012, 06:39:00 PM

Tru-nord x 2.

Troutfisher13111 · January 27, 2012, 07:15:00 PM

I have used the bruntons for years without any problems, but the tru-nord now has my attention thanks to you guys.

Covey · January 27, 2012, 09:35:00 PM

Tru-nord without a doubt!

Jason

ron w · January 27, 2012, 10:07:00 PM

Buy the best compass you can afford, the pin on bubble type I use for just a quick look. I like Brunton.

Hopewell Tom · January 28, 2012, 05:51:00 AM

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.

Pat B. · January 28, 2012, 09:58:00 AM

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 ?

Duncan · January 28, 2012, 10:19:00 AM

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.

Covey · February 02, 2012, 07:10:00 PM

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

Kris · February 02, 2012, 07:11:00 PM

Silva.

Kris

yukon chuck · February 02, 2012, 08:06:00 PM

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

Jason Hansen · February 02, 2012, 08:11:00 PM

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

58WINTERS · February 06, 2012, 05:12:00 PM

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.