Suunto MC-2G Global Compass

by Suunto

Product Features

• 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

Amazon.com Product Description

Hailing from Suunto's MC series, the top-of-the-line MC-2G global compass is an invaluable tool for people who require highly accurate and reliable directional measurements, such as surveyors, miners, architects, rescue patrols, hikers, boaters, and the military. The MC-2G boasts a fixed declination adjustment system--standard throughout the range--that's especially useful when working in areas with large magnetic variation. The tool's additional sighting hole, meanwhile, ensures superior accuracy, as does the jewel bearing. Add in a mirrored lid, a baseplate with a round magnifying lens, a clinometer that measures the ground slope, and a luminous bezel and markings and you have a versatile, practical compass for a variety of applications.

The real star of the MC-2G, however, is its global needle, which works anywhere on the planet. Previously, most compasses functioned well in only one of five geographic zones. That's because the compasses were balanced differently based on the zone's inclination, i.e., the vertical intensity and direction of the Earth's magnetic field. However, as people began to travel more, it became clear that globe-hoppers needed compasses with a greater geographical range. Suunto responded by developing two-zone systems--which work in either the northern or southern hemisphere--and one-zone systems such as the global MC-2G. Now there's no need to purchase several compasses before embarking on your around-the-world eco adventure.

The MC-2G, which also sports a red nylon lanyard for around-the-neck use, measures 2.5 by 0.6 by 3.9 inches (W x H x D) with the lid closed and weighs a mere 2.65 ounces. It's also backed by a lifetime warranty.

Product Description

A high quality compact compass designed with user-friendly features for general use. The M-Series represent durable, reliable, high quality navigational aids, which perform flawlessly in even the most demanding of conditions. Models feature a large liquid filled capsule and adjustable declination correction scale. Another convenient feature of the models in this series is the serrated bezel ring, which is easy to turn even in cold conditions while wearing gloves. Due to their easy-to-read luminous markings and magnifying lenses, the compasses of the M-Series are also ideally suited to navigating in conditions of poor visibility.

Product Details

• Item Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000FEUCRW
• Item model number: SS004252010
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

108 of 114 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 (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suunto MC-2G Global Compass (Sports)

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.

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Aaron Linsdau (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Suunto MC-2G Global Compass (Sports)

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.

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Scubawan (Birmingham, Alabama United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suunto MC-2G Global Compass (Sports)

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.