Compasses. Are they all alike?

[rat314]

I'm looking to make a purchase on a compass. Can't decide if I should go with a module or perhaps a wrist mounted? Or Maybe a clip on with a retractable cord? And then there is always a hose mounted. It seems that there are many posibilities available.
I know that I want high precision, ability to read from the side and if I do go with a module then it must fit my console. Would appreciate any feedback from those with some hands on experience.
Thanks

Dave

[wedivebc]

Suunto sk7 is the most readable compass I've ever seen. It can be mounted in a suunto console or a wrist boot (my preference)

[desert camel]

Got the wrist mount first. After a few uses then went for console mount. Like the idea of having everything in one place: you can check all data at once and one less thing to worry about forgetting to bring.

never use read on-the-side feature even both of mine have it. Guess it is for cave diving only, when space is limited.

[reefraff]

The SK-7 is my choice, it has the ability to withstand a high degree of tilt and still provide an accurate reading - an important feature. I put mine on my wrist where it's easier to find and use, YRMV.

[RICoder]

I'm looking to make a purchase on a compass. Can't decide if I should go with a module or perhaps a wrist mounted? Or Maybe a clip on with a retractable cord? And then there is always a hose mounted. It seems that there are many posibilities available.
I know that I want high precision, ability to read from the side and if I do go with a module then it must fit my console. Would appreciate any feedback from those with some hands on experience.
Thanks

Dave
First question is, have you taken a Nav specialty yet? Reading a compass underwater, not knowing the basics of underwater navigation, is kinda pointless.

If you read the Adventures in Diving: Navigation Specialty (PADI), you get some basic ideas about different configurations and specifications of different compasses, and what they mean to you.

I agree about the Suunto, since that is what I have, but I would recomend a console mount. Here is the logic.

On both land and in the water, the most effective and accurate method to read a compass is to look "accross" it on your bearing, holding it directly in front of you centered on your body. There is no real argument here, though everyone has a preference.

You will find, especially if you have land-based navigation experience, that driffting from your bearing is VERY VERY easy at depth.

So, my recomendation is a console mount, liquid filled compass with a floating disc (vs. a needle). I'd also say grab a course in underwater navigation, it is pretty useful stuff.

[mwpowell]

Another vote for the SK7.

[opiniongirl]

I love the Suunto...

I like the retractor as it's gadgety...wrist mounts, I tend to forget and have lost a few...hose mounts are great, as they're always where you left 'em. It's a bit of personal choice - but the more extra pieces, the more pieces to forget!!

[Tavi]

I started out with mine on a retractor. It was okay 'til the retractor stuck all the way out. Now I have it set up with 2 bungies and wear it on my wrist.

[Quarrior]

I vote for the SK7. Here's why. It has the highest tilt angle in the industry so far as I've seen. What this means is that you can tilt it steeper than any other compass and still have it work rather than lock up on you. This is important in diving. You may think you are flat and level, the truth may be otherwise.

[skeet]

SUUNTO - the best - console because you can monitor depth easily as you go along.

[The Kraken]

Skeet,
That's a good point you make.

I've been with new divers doing navigation runs and watched them ascend or descend from the planned depth because they were concentrating so intensely upon their azimuths that they weren't aware of any of the other dive parameters.

It gives the unexperienced diver a quick cross check of their dive conditions along with their heading.

[archman]

Uwatec has a digital compass out, similar if not the same to a model they no longer have in production.
http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=ItemDisplay&ProductID=UTCDC&ItemIndex=15&CategoryID=957&Context=954&Filter=2%3d48

I've always been curious about these things, but haven't had a desire to pony up the requisite cash.

[RICoder]

of course we could recomend the Suunto D9 when it comes out...wireless AI, computer and digital compass that is captured in the samples...pretty sweet.

[Quarrior]

SUUNTO - the best - console because you can monitor depth easily as you go along. Not trying to start something here, but, every console mounted compass I've seen was on the back of the console, thereby eliminating the ability to see depth and compass at the same time. However, if you have a wrist mount compass and computer you can have right next to each and see both all the time.

Just my .02 worth.

[RICoder]

Not trying to start something here, but, every console mounted compass I've seen was on the back of the console, thereby eliminating the ability to see depth and compass at the same time. However, if you have a wrist mount compass and computer you can have right next to each and see both all the time.

Just my .02 worth.The SUUNTO is on top of the console, in the front...see it here (http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/product_short.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=101341986739 39208&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=9852723697223379&bmUID=1102290057663).

[Quarrior]

The SUUNTO is on top of the console, in the front...see it here (http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/product_short.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=101341986739 39208&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=9852723697223379&bmUID=1102290057663).
Thanks, I hadn't seen that one.

[Fly N Dive]

another vote for the sk7 mounted right above my cobra

[archman]

Not trying to start something here, but, every console mounted compass I've seen was on the back of the console, thereby eliminating the ability to see depth and compass at the same time.

Yeah, that's just one of the two common console housing designs that fit three modules. The other generic housing type has the compartments all on one side.

I had the former type originally, but quickly switched to the latter. I recommend the same whenever I see the other type in use. No real advantage to it as far as I can tell.

[simbrooks]

I have an Oceanic compass, it seems to take tilt pretty well - but i keep it rock solid flat anyway. I have it on a retractor, but am thinking of wrist mount (w/bungees) in the future.

As for the whole console thing (i dont use a console anymore, but have handled adn dived quite a few) - a quick flick over to see the depth is all you need. If you have some viz and reference points you dont need to stare at the compass all the time, aim at a point on the bearing you are after - swim to it, you can check depth on the way as well as air and time if you like. Staring at the compass can distract from the dive itself, or at least seeing stuff around you. I have my depth guage in my computer on my wrist, so no harm seeing that anytime i want it ;)

As for the smartalec comment, all compasses point north, so yes they are pretty much the same ;)

[scubadoguk]

Uwatec has a digital compass out, similar if not the same to a model they no longer have in production.
http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=ItemDisplay&ProductID=UTCDC&ItemIndex=15&CategoryID=957&Context=954&Filter=2%3d48

I've always been curious about these things, but haven't had a desire to pony up the requisite cash.
I had one sold it soon after, to make a simple task harder use one! its a royal pain the guy I sold it to had it for sale soon too. By the way after many years of hose mounting a compass I now have come full circle and wear it wrist mounted.

[archman]

With the "one sided" consoles, they're flatter and you can see everything at once. This is nice when you're streamlining; you can clip the console quite close against your body. It also saves time and confusion flipping back and forth. My console is clipped off so I can read everything with no more than a slight tug and a downward glance. I'd have to unclip it with a two-sided model in order to see both sides.

The "two-side" types are much chunkier, and you'll notice a difference during "nap-of-the-earth" dives where you hug the bottom. This is assuming you have the thing clipped off in front of you, of course.

Also, the two-sided console is less favored for compass orienteering. My student divers that compare both forms overwhelmingly prefer the longer and flatter one-sided console. Easier to hold and point, or so they tell me. It's not intuitive to them however until after they actually DIVE with both types.

[simbrooks]

With the "one sided" consoles, they're flatter and you can see everything at once.
You forgot that they can be used as an additional propulsion tool - giant paddle ;)

[miketsp]

One thing that nobody mentioned so far - just be careful to buy the right region. I think the SUUNTO SK7 has about half a dozen. They are counter-balanced according to the dip of the lines of force in each region.
As most people pointed out you look for good readability.
Also check for the presence of the little window to be able to use it at eye-level for more precise use (pointing).
You should be able to incline it well without locking.
It should settle fast if you lock it, rotate 90degrees and then release the card.
I have found problems with the console mounted type in that I have found it is easy to move the cursor and lose the setting when it rubs against my wet-suit.
I now prefer a wrist mounted one next to my computer.
Just do a test to make sure your computer doesn't cause any deviation. Do a test on dry land, at all 4 cardinal points, with and without the computer.

[rat314]

I haven't taken the Navigation course yet but intend to soon. That is why I want to purchase a compass now as I prefer to use my own for the course. We did a very short compass reading introduction during Open Water, but only touched upon the basics. However, I have used a comapss quite frequently while hiking and hunting. I have been practicing "Blind Reading." On land. Out in an open field near my home, I place my jacket over my head and follow my chosen heading by counting paces and navigating back to my original point of origin in this manner. 3-point and 4-point nav in this manner usually gets me within a few feet of my original start off point.
I have been leaning a little more toward a compass that I can wrist mount as well as possible console mount. That way the compass could do double duty on land with me as well. I am going to research the Suunto SK-7. Thanks for the pointers and feedback.

[bcsean]

SK7 bungeed to wrist. If you're worried about depth control, get a decent wrist mount computer (Vyper) and mount to other wrist. This way all criticals can still be measured, and wrist mount is extremely easy to use and read.

[cancun mark]

I have used all three of the Suunto full size compasses, the SK5, SK6 and the SK7, and found that the SK6 to be perfectly adequate for the most detailed and accurate underwater nav. The advantage it has over the SK7 is the size. I usually keep the compass in a thigh pocket or pouch.

I also have a tiny little Suunto watchstrap mounted compass that I use for cave diving. It just clips onto my computer strap and is really all I need. I couldnt find it on their website though.

[UWSojourner]

SK7 bungeed to wrist. If you're worried about depth control, get a decent wrist mount computer (Vyper) and mount to other wrist. This way all criticals can still be measured, and wrist mount is extremely easy to use and read.

Yes. SK7 bungeed.