Compass recommendation

[fjpatrum]

I used to have a compass that came with my Oceanic console. I liked it. I put it on a wrist mount (well, converted the console to multiple wrist mounts, actually) and it worked. Somewhere along the way I lost it. On my last trip to Florida I bought a new compass. I hate it. I can't read the numbers at all when actually in my diving position. I paid $40 because I needed something and that's what was available for something vaguely resembling cheap (the next cheapest compass was $79 or something)

So now I'm looking for compass recommendations. Preferably cheaper than $80, which is unreasonable for a compass in my opinion.

I will be wrist mounting this thing so I have to be able to read it that way. Anyone have definite recommendations or definite "anti-recommendations"?

Put here for more exposure than just the "accessories" subforum.

 

[JohnN]

I used to have a compass that came with my Oceanic console. I liked it. I put it on a wrist mount (well, converted the console to multiple wrist mounts, actually) and it worked. Somewhere along the way I lost it. On my last trip to Florida I bought a new compass. I hate it. I can't read the numbers at all when actually in my diving position. I paid $40 because I needed something and that's what was available for something vaguely resembling cheap (the next cheapest compass was $79 or something)

So now I'm looking for compass recommendations. Preferably cheaper than $80, which is unreasonable for a compass in my opinion.

I will be wrist mounting this thing so I have to be able to read it that way. Anyone have definite recommendations or definite "anti-recommendations"?

Put here for more exposure than just the "accessories" subforum.

Everybody I know ends up with the Suunto SK7

 

[chrpai]

My generic compass is OK but I hear a lot of good regarding the Suuntos. It's probably worth spending a few extra dollars on. Get the wrist bungee mount.

 

[BVickery]

If you look you can sometimes get the Suunto SK7 for about $35-50 used.

 

[acteg]

suunto SK7, I've had enough oceanic/aeris, generic compasses develop huge bubbles

Liesurepro had it new for $70 recently. Not sure if that pricing is still in effect.

 

[James R]

Suunto Sk7 in DSS mount. No question.

 

[rhwestfall]

As James R said, SK7 W/ DSS. Next might be a DR/DGE "Tech Compass".

 

[Mustard Dave]

Another vote for the SK7 on the Deep Sea Supply bungee mount. It's a good clear compass with a very good tilt angle.

 

[Malpaso]

SK7 in a bungee mount

 

[Doc]

I have examined my needs for compass accuracy doing the kind of diving that I get into.

I prefer to navigate by the Sun or Moon when it is visible through the water.

Mechanically, I use a compass that I bought at REI, it was $4.95 and it's a zipper-pull gadget. Works fine, down to 2.5° or so.



I have an electronic on my Suunto but I have yet to need it.