Is Suunto M9 compass suitable for diving?

sfsusa · Feb 24, 2005

Hi, everybody

Does anyone have any diving experience with Suunto M9 compass? I have seen that compass on a few hardcore divers exploring blue holes on Bahamas. That compass has really small profile and can be easily attached to a wrist computer rubber band.

Everyone input will be highly appreciated.

- Gary

bcsean · Feb 24, 2005

If you want a digital compass, why not just buy the Suunto D9 computer with integrated compass?

sfsusa · Feb 24, 2005

bcsean:
If you want a digital compass, why not just buy the Suunto D9 computer with integrated compass?

:06:
No, I'm talking about a simple old M-9 Wrist compass:
suunto's M-9 is a compact, highly accurate, luminous, sighting, wrist compass.
- sighting window for accurate bearings
- 2.53 ratcheting capsule can be turned to set the desired direction
- grooves on upper edge of capsule for easy turning
- available in black with black polyester adjustable strap
- capsule Dimensions: 1.6" x 1.9 ' x 0.6"
- Weight: 34 g (1.2 oz)

mobstability · Feb 24, 2005

Well, I think I am a bit old school when it comes to compasses. Never heard of a digital one that did not flaw sooner or later. Maybe they have changed, but I would just rather use the tried and true magnetic ones.

bcsean · Feb 24, 2005

My bad, when I searched for Suunto M9 to see what you were talking about, this is what I came up with,

http://navcity.co.uk/catalog/images/SUUNTO-M9.jpg

sfsusa · Feb 24, 2005

bcsean:
My bad, when I searched for Suunto M9 to see what you were talking about, this is what I came up with,

http://navcity.co.uk/catalog/images/SUUNTO-M9.jpg

It looks confusing, but Suunto is selling two different items under the same model #.

I spoke to the guy who used the OLD M-9 magnetic compass during deep dives (>200') for years and did not have any problem with it. However Suunto does not recommend to use that compass for diving.

mobstability · Feb 25, 2005

sfsusa:
It looks confusing, but Suunto is selling two different items under the same model #.

I spoke to the guy who used the OLD M-9 magnetic compass during deep dives (>200') for years and did not have any problem with it. However Suunto does not recommend to use that compass for diving.

They do not want it to be used for diving.....hmmm.....let me look into it. I will get back to you. I think there are some other companies that make digital compasses too.

uttahere

bcsean · Feb 25, 2005

I wonder what angle of float you get in that compass. seems really flat and very likely it'd be difficult to use underwater. The SK7 allows 30 degrees either way, which is great as far as Im' concerned. Good luck sorting this out.

sfsusa · Feb 27, 2005

bcsean:
I wonder what angle of float you get in that compass. seems really flat and very likely it'd be difficult to use underwater. The SK7 allows 30 degrees either way, which is great as far as Im' concerned. Good luck sorting this out.

I installed the Suunto M9 magnetic compass on Tusa IQ-800 computer's rubber band (see attached pic. made right after a dive by my cell phone) The compass is very easy to use underwater despite a tilt is much less compares to the SK7 compass. It's very accurate for a basic underwater navigation. Tested it at the depth below 100' without any problems yesterday.

Dive safe.

deepstops · Feb 28, 2005

This is the compass I use. I used it to 190'. While it doesn't have the tilt axis like the SK7, you can shoot a bearing and rotate your wrist up and the compass stays locked on the bearing you just took. It's small enough that it fits in the slipstream of my Casio watch. This compass takes some getting used to but it does the job well. It glows nicely at night as well.
I bought mine from the Compass Store on Yahoo Shopping for $27.

Is Suunto M9 compass suitable for diving?

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