Observations - "I don't know"

[cooperscuba]

My answers to questions such as that are usually "Don't know, I use blah! and I know people who speak highly of blah!". We don't sell equipment in our center, so I'm happy to say we've never made a recommendation here because "it was on the shelf".

Suunto I believe originally started as a compass maker so should know how to make them (not saying they're the best though) and out of the different compasses I've used, my Suunto compass has been the best so far (Okay, so I am saying Suunto is the best).

 

[rhwestfall]

I find it best to describe the reasons for my decisions or what I look for in regard to features, and why. Always prefacing it with the statement that it is much about personal preference....

Fortunately, I have no incentive in regard to needing folks to buy as I am not in retail.

 

[TSandM]

The longer I'm at this and the more experience I accumulate, the less dogmatic I am about anything . . . I love the SK-7 compass for its readability and tilt-tolerance. But I've learned that the plastic casing is fragile and seems to have a lifespan. After a couple of years, it seems to get micro-cracking and lose fluid, and then the compass won't spin under pressure. We have replaced quite a few SK-7 modules, and I know my manic diving friends in SoCal have switched to another compass altogether.

The person who does 20 dives or so a year would take a decade to put that much wear and tear on the SK-7, so might never become aware of the issue.

 

[Nemrod]

A magnetic one.

One that always points north?

Suunto.

Best, define best? Best price, best value, best durability. I have found that most people, casual __________ (insert in blank whatever sport, activity, device) mean by best to be the price. Whereas serious ____________ generally define best as durability/usefulness. Perhaps the Pro knew the answer and gave it in reference to his professional perspective.

N

 

[Jill from Phoenix]

I agree with the Tilt. Some compasses you have to hold so level or they won't respond right. Maybe the sk7 you can hold at almost 45 degrees and it still reads right? Anyways, I also look for a big sideview window to sight over the compass and markings for every bearing (some just mark every 5). I have wrist mount, hose mount, retractable, and console (inline and compact), depending on mood - a girl likes to have choices

Maybe a manufacturer could clear this up, but I think there's differences in perhaps the viscosity of the fluid effecting sensitivity and maybe even bubble formation. Some of those darn bubbles won't go away.

 

[Moonglow]

We have replaced quite a few SK-7 modules, and I know my manic diving friends in SoCal have switched to another compass altogether.

Switched to which compass?

 

[TSandM]

I think they went to the FS-1. HERE's the thread where we all talked about it.

 

[HenrikBP]

While I can BS with the best of them , I much prefer admitting that I don't know, over coming across as a BS artist, or by my "definitive" statement revealing I really don't know what I'm talking about. "Better to be thought a fool than to open my mouth and remove any doubt"

If asked I will generally point out that I don't have experience with every piece of equipment, but that my research and use of this particular piece of kit has shown me these advantages, which works well with the way I prefer to dive. If your preferences and the way you dive is any different (they usually are ), then my findings most likely won't directly apply to you.

 

[Moonglow]

I think they went to the FS-1.

It's what we use as well (actually the FS-2).

 

[gcbryan]

I agree with the OP's point but regarding the "best" compass or anything else...there isn't one.

Suunto's are good. They cost more than some and are larger than some. I have a smaller more basic compass and it does what I need it to do. I don't have a problem tilting my arm to bit if it gets stuck.

What's the "best" can opener? Maybe there is one but who cares? They all work.