Customer Reviews

Suunto M-3DL Compass

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've gone through a lot of compasses bushwhacking and the Suunto (Finland) is the best. The edges are raised and beveled so with gloves on, you can easily rotate the compass for correct bearings. It's great for use on a map (I laminate all my outdoor maps) as it contains two rubber pads that prevent slippage. It also measures in centimeters, inches and 1"=1 mile on its three sides. The markings show up easily in the dark or low light and the magnifying glass is convenient for very small reading. There are even holes for marking up your maps for orienteering, but I have never used these. I could see how for some hard-core hikers in the back country, it would be helpful. The red lanyard makes it even easier to just hang around your neck.

I ordered the Suunto M-3DL compass and was so impressed, I bought another (as a backup). Then,for a friend's birthday I ordered another compass. I am impressed with the ease of use of this compass. I like the fact that declination can be easily adjusted by flipping the compass over and using the supplied key to change declination (which for around here is about 5 degrees). I like the illuninated (white triangle) degrees indicator and the luminous parts of the rotating bezel (dial).

The compass has nice very helpful markings in inch and mm and also a mileage scale. The base is clear and has rubber non-slip feet for use on a map. The only thing I wish was different is that rather than having TWO direction of travel arrows (red) I wish it had only ONE direction of travel arrow. A similar compass made by a Silva does have ONE arrow, which I prefer.

I do like the Suunto compass so well that I decided I'd like a mirrored version even better; so I ordered one of those too and am learning to use both, along with the book I bought written by the founder of the Silva compass on how to be an expert with map & compass; an excelllent book!

excellant compass. Real adjustments for declination by set screw and tool attached to the lanyard. Feels solid. Rubber buttons to help grip on the map. Highly recommend

I bought this after I got lost in the woods on my property and wound up heading towards the wrong state. I am very easily disoriented and directionally challenged. We have a decent sized lot and more than half of it is wooded - being able to navigate without getting lost was important.

The directions that came with the compass were a little vague but actually using the compass made more sense. One thing I had trouble with was adjusting the declination, which you need to use a web site to adjust correctly for whatever region you're in. Adjustable declination: excellent

The clear plate makes it VERY easy to line everything up on the map when you're trying to figure out where you're going. Excellent.

I am very clumsy. This is just the right size to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand without being too big. The string that came with the compass was MUCH too short - I'd like to have it long enough to go around my neck but I suppose the string that is included could be looped put around your wrist.

The dial that you use to change the face (this is how much I know about compasses, I don't know what it's called) is VERY easy to move to where you need it to go the first time without having to play a lot.

I assume most people know not to have magnetic objects near their compass as it will mess up the N/S position of the needle, but I think pretty much any metal will do that. The needle also moves easily and quickly without being too fast.

This is the first compass I have used in about 20 years or so and I managed to navigate my yard and land within two feet of where I needed to be. Excellent buy for the money. :)

Apparently this compass is good for search and rescue stuff too because of the adjustable declination and the 2 degree markers. Haven't needed to use the glow in the dark. I think if I'm lost in the dark I'm pretty SOL, compass or not. :D

This product does exactly what I need it to. It is simple to use and very accurate. It is also easy to read in the dark.

Reliable and has held together. Only initial comment is that it uses UTM standard sizing (1:24000 and 1:62500) but lists the scale in miles... Since UTM grids are metric, this presented a small issue initially (having to plot waypoints by metric coordinates), but I simply attached an additional small plastic metric tool and now appreciate having the miles listed as well.

I'm no expert, but I'm interested in learning and I do a lot of research. This is the compass that kept being suggested by the people I respect who know what they're talking about. It's an excellent product, and I've found nothing to complain about so far. I may just buy a second one for my wife soon.

This compass includes declination adjustment (accessible on the bottom of the compass) and includes a tool on the string/lanyard (basically a small flat head) . The needle held surprisingly steady during a recent o-walk through the woods. The base plate is a bit larger than I would've hoped for, but it is not distractingly large. Overall, good value.

Seems to be a reliable and easy to read compass. I work with a K-9 Search and Rescue group and we are often called out for night searches...the glow-in-the-dark bezel helps considerably.

The Suunto M-3DL was just what I was looking for. Great product at a competitive price.