Suunto MC-2G Mirror Sighting Global Compass

by Suunto

• Compact mirrored compass for taking highly accurate and reliable directional measurements
• Global needle works anywhere on the planet; base plate with magnifying lens
• Fixed declination adjustment system is ideal for areas with large magnetic variation
• Extra sighting hole for added precision; luminous bezel and markings for nighttime viewing
• This item is not for sale in Catalina Island

Product Description

Accurate and Reliable Mirror CompassesThe MC range of mirror compasses provides an invaluable tool for those who place a particular premium on accurate and reliable directional measurements; for example surveyors, miners, architects, rescue patrols, hikers, boaters and the military. The declination adjustment system, standard throughout the range, is especially useful when working in areas of large magnetic variation, while the sighting notch provides superior accuracy. The MC-2 model is also available with the Global Balancing System.Field compasses in generalMechanical compasses have been working as the navigator since several thousands of years.Still today magnetic compass is environmentally friendly, cheap and the most reliable tool when choosing the course. The oldest Suunto field compasses, which are still in use, are manufactured in 1938. A high quality field compass hardly needs any other service than washing in fresh water from time to time. The compass works without any external power supply. The compass gets its power from nature from the magnetic north pole.

Product Details

• Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
• ASIN: B00A00O60U
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,471 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

138 of 144 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A little better than the Silva Ranger July 16, 2007

By Dr. Filthy McNasty

Color Name:45235901166|Amazon Verified Purchase

The Suunto MC-2G and the Silva Ranger are the two high end (read: expensive) compasses out there. I'm not sure why they are worth the money, but I own both and here's my take on the head-to-head comparison. Both compasses are about the same, but the Suunto has the edge for three or four reasons:

1) The housing turns more smoothly on the Suunto than the Silva. Not a big deal either way, but the Silva turns smooth for a bit and then hangs up a bit. Suunto is smooth the whole way around.

2) The Suunto has half-moon window in the mirror for easier sighting whereas the Silva does not for some reason. Again, no big deal, but I like having the window.

3) The Suunto needle doesn't get hung up if you aren't holding it perfectly level, whereas the Silva can hang a bit. The reason the Suunto doesn't get hung up is because it has these two tiny pins attached to the needle that rest against the top of the housing and keep the needle level. I held both compasses side by side and moved them around a bit. The Suunto consistentlly found north a little more quickly and didn't get hung up. This is a somewhat signficant difference.

4) This is really insignificant, but the Suunto declination markings are printed so that you are looking at the markings on the same side you are turning the declination screw. With the Silva, you turn the screw on the backside and look at the markings on the other side. It's such a minor point that it is almost not worth mentioning, but once again, a small edge for Suunto.

4.5) And now for perhaps the most significant difference of all...the Suunto looks a little cooler.

I rate both products four stars instead of five because of price.... I can't see that there is any significant difference in the manufacturing costs of a compass like these two and something in the $15-$30 range. But I like sighting with a mirror and I'm inclined to buy what appears to be "the best" even if it is more expensive. I'm not sure the price is justified in this case, but when all is said and done both are excellent compasses. Read more ›

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great compass. February 24, 2007

By Scubawan

Color Name:45235901166

I have used my MC-2G for about a year and am very impressed, I can not think of any improvements that I would make. To adjust the magnetic declination, the compass is flipped upside down for access to the adjustment screw and for direct reading of the declination scale. The fine green index line was a little difficult to see until I started the adjustment and the line moved away from the red declination marks. Now that I know what it looks like - it is easy to spot. Two of the scales read directly in miles, one scale for maps using 1:24000 (1 inch=24000 map inches) and one scale for maps using 1:62500 (1 inch=62500 map inches). I believe the scales do not go to the corners of the compass because the corners are rounded, plus the three scales would then overlap. This is my favorite compass.

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Spec Ops issued February 6, 2007

By Mule

Color Name:45235901166

US Special Ops forces use this compass. This is pretty indicative of its reliability.

I own this compass as well as the Silva Ranger. They're both great compasses, but I prefer the Suunto (in spite of the fact that Suunto now makes the Silva compasses as well). The housing is indeed easier to turn on the Suunto, which is handy when you're shooting by sight. The Romer scales on the base are nice, although if you're serious you're probably already carrying a transparent Romer scale card (that's the plastic Graphic Training Aid thingy you take coordinates with, for all of you Lt.'s out there).

When I backpack, I take this Suunto as well as the Suunto GPS plotter compass, for working with (surprise) my map and GPS. If the Romer scales on the baseplate are really, really important to you, you might look into that compass as well/or instead of, as it features more scales and is just as accurate a compass.

All in all, this is the ultimate baseplate compass, in my opinion. I have miles and miles of rifle-piloting in the US Army behind me and now hump the hills for pleasure; land-navigation is a passion for me. Suunto makes the tools that I find most useful in that pursuit.

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice mirror sighting compass August 31, 2006

By Aaron Linsdau

Color Name:45235901166

The compass handles very nicely. The housing is more comfortable to turn than the Silva Ranger CL. This started to become significant after a few minutes of handling. The Suunto can be used with one hand whereas it was difficult for me to operate the Silva due to the small knurls on the housing.

The bottom part of the mirror has a half-moon hole in it allowing a midpoint view of your map. Very nice.

The global gimbal system on the needle is pretty handy as you don't have to hold the compass totally flat for it to operate correctly. Or I could learn to hold the base level, too. Presumably in the southern hemisphere the magnetic field causes the compass needle to roll a bit.

The one very strange thing about this model is that the declination markers inside the housing are printed upside down. It appears that Suunto went with the declination readable from the opposing side while making the declination adjustment since the compass must be turned upside down to do this. It's an interesting way to differentiate.

The inclinometer is probably pretty handy for snow travel among other things.

The base is a little wide for my hand, as is the Silva. The mirror appears replaceable. Good thing since it's glass. The map markings don't start on the edge of compass. I prefer this since I never feel comfortable with that, but it's a personal preference. It has a 1:24000 and 1:62500 (?) scale for map measurements.

The sighting notch seems to work well. The lid snaps on to the base tightly and due to the thickness of the lid, you can't quite twist your thumb to pop it. It's a practice problem, I'm guessing....

The key on the lanyard is for adjusting the declination, though I don't think I'd do it because I'd forget to realign it.

The compass is very heavy compared to a baseplate design but that's due to the lid. It's a consideration if you're an ultralighter. Those ounces really do add up. There are lighter mirror compasses available.

The base does not have a centimeter scale whereas the Silva does. Read more ›