9 best compasses

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Nowadays, when GPS navigation is used everywhere, few tourists think of a map and a compass. This only speaks of inexperience. Every seasoned traveler knows that GPS is unable to completely replace the compass, since a constant satellite signal is needed, which is not available everywhere, and a battery charge, but there is no way to recharge on the way. Even if you are a beginner, we advise you to take an additional compass with you in order to have access to navigation in the area in any situation.

The compass, as you know, helps to determine the location, navigate the map and find the desired objects. It allows you not to get lost, and if this happened, it will quickly lead you on the route if the traveler has the necessary knowledge of operating the device. But it is important not only to have the skill of using a compass, but also to be able to choose the right device for each specific task. There are compasses for athletes, military men, geologists, navigators, pilots, etc.

The experts studied user reviews and expert opinions, compiling a rating that included the 9 best compasses.

How to choose a compass

1. Varieties. First, you need to decide what the devices are. There are three main groups: liquid – uncomplicated devices, characterized by compact dimensions, acceptable cost and accuracy. Such devices do not need to be set up and calibrated. Due to the fact that the reservoir is usually glass, the compass should be handled with care to protect it from jolts and falls; magnetic – devices known to almost everyone, which are considered the good old classics and have a wide range of uses. They are distinguished by high accuracy, ease of use, and small dimensions. However, it should be remembered that in the presence of strong magnetic fields nearby, they may give inaccurate readings; electronic – a modern modification of the magnetic compass with only extended functionality. They differ in accuracy, ease of use, and compactness. True, electronic compasses are quite expensive. It happens that such devices are combined with GPS navigators.
2. For what purposes it is purchased. Basic models are suitable for novice adventurers, as well as people who, due to a little preparation, adhere to the route, do not deviate much, and move mainly during the day. These compasses have critical components without complicating parts such as deflection adjustments and mirrors. Multifunctional devices with a full range of features (equipped with a magnifying glass, mirror, etc.) improve navigation accuracy. They are distinguished by their high cost and complexity of customization, so they are suitable for experienced travelers, military men, geologists and others. Accessory compasses are key rings, watches, etc. Not all such devices are capable of working with high accuracy, so you need to be especially careful when choosing.
3. Case dimensions. It is important that the model is compact. The compass should be small so that it is always at hand and does not cause inconvenience to the tourist during transportation and operation. Prefer devices with a waterproof and shockproof housing.
4. Global arrow. Needed on a compass if the traveler is planning to travel to the Southern Hemisphere. The deviations of the Earth's magnetic fields allow the needle of a classic compass to rotate freely in North America, but it can also malfunction in other parts of the world. The global arrow eliminates deviations, therefore it rotates freely anywhere in the world.
5. Gyroscope. Compasses with a gyroscope are needed only for water and air navigation. They determine not the magnetic, but the true North Pole. This eliminates distortion of the readings due to the influence of the electronics. If you do not plan such trips by water or air, then you should not overpay.
6. Barometer, altimeter and clinometer. Essential in compasses for tourists who prefer climbing mountains. The barometer measures pressure by showing the expected weather changes; the altimeter measures the height above sea level, and the clinometer measures the vertical angle (tilt), allowing you to estimate the height of objects. With a compass that includes a barometer, altimeter and clinometer, it is easy to control the ascent process, avoiding storms, avalanches and other weather disasters.
7. Functionality. Geological and military compasses are usually advanced and are equipped with illumination, magnifying glass, engineering ruler, vizier. When choosing a specific model, start from the tasks with which the device must cope.
8. Strap. A sturdy drawstring that attaches the compass to a convenient location: on your belt, wrist, backpack, etc.

Rating of the best compasses

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best tourist compasses	1	Brunton International Pocket Transit 0-360 Degree	RUB 29,900
	2	Suunto MB-6 Global	RUB 6,990
	3	Silva Compass Expedition	RUB 3,190
Best army compasses	1	Veber DC60-1A	RUB 1,852
	2	Veber DC602A	2 185 RUB
Best wrist compasses	1	Suunto M-9	RUB 3,490
	2	Kromatech 30 mm	370 RUB
The best compasses for athletes	1	Silva race	RUB 5,060
	2	Moscompass 'Fast Arrow'	RUB 1,780

The best tourist compasses

Brunton International Pocket Transit 0-360 Degree

Rating: 4.9

In first place in the category of compass, recognized as the best for use during tourist expeditions. The cost of the device, of course, is rather big, but so far not a single person has been found who, after the purchase, became disillusioned with the model. The die-cast aluminum housing protects all important parts from damage. The level is double, which makes it possible to find the perfect balance at the point. Works properly in the Southern Hemisphere. Includes a waterproof silicon shutter, tripod adapter and leather case for storage and transport.

Advantages

• high accuracy – up to 1/2 degree;
• works equally well on land and water;
• the graduation is broken down into single degrees.

disadvantages

• high cost – from 22 thousand rubles.

Suunto MB-6 Global

Rating: 4.8

The second line is occupied by the multifunctional model with global balancing. The compass has a matchbox form factor. The case is reinforced with additional protection, making it almost impossible to break the device. It will not be damaged when immersed in water, as moisture does not penetrate into the compass. There is a sighting device for accurately determining the direction. Provides accurate readings anywhere in the world, including the Southern Hemisphere. The direction of movement and orientation marks are made of a luminescent material that shines in the dark.

Advantages

• liquid;
• deflection correction adjustment;
• compact;
• sapphire axle bearings.

disadvantages

• relatively expensive – from 6 thousand rubles.

Silva Compass Expedition

Rating: 4.8

The third position goes to the magnetic tablet compass. The device was designed for experienced tourists and travelers, therefore it has advanced features. For those using GPS, there is an additional measurement scale. The model is equipped with a clinometer and a magnifying glass. The marking is illuminated, so you can continue driving even at night. Able to work properly at temperatures from -40 to +60 degrees. Users note high accuracy, the error is no more than 1 degree. The body is made of impact-resistant plastic.

Advantages

• compact size;
• light weight – 50 g;
• acceptable cost – from 2700 r.

disadvantages

• not found.

Best army compasses

Veber DC60-1A

Rating: 4.9

In the first place is a liquid compass in a sturdy aluminum case, protected from splashes and moisture penetration inside. Suitable for orientation both on land and water. The advantages of the model include a high speed of stabilization of the arrow. The main dial has two scales: degrees and mils. The floating disc dial is coated with special phosphorescent paints, so the device can be used even in the dark. A viewing window is installed in the cover so that the compass can be operated even when closed. Case included.

Advantages

• a vizier is provided;
• the ability to mount on a tripod;
• the table of formulas on the back cover;
• there is a clinometer;
• acceptable cost – from 1700 r.

disadvantages

• not found.

Veber DC602A

Rating: 4.8

The second line goes to the compass with liquid damping. The arrow quickly stabilizes, since all oscillations are damped in the liquid. The housing is made of durable but lightweight aluminum, which makes the device protected from damage and has a low weight. The rest of the body is made of brass, plastic and impact resistant glass. As you know, the Veber DC602A is a working replica of the famous Francis Barker M73 military compass. Has the same functionality as the original. The device comes with a nylon cover with Velcro closure.

Advantages

• high accuracy – 1/2 degree;
• belt clip;
• equipped with a prismatic lens;
• two scales;
• acceptable cost – from 1500 r.

disadvantages

• not found.

Best wrist compasses

Suunto M-9

Rating: 4.9

In the first place in the rating category is a compass made in a convenient wristwatch form factor. The model was highly praised for its accuracy and reliability. The advantages of the device include a serrated bezel and an aiming window. The case is waterproof, therefore it is allowed to submerge with a compass. The built-in ratchet adjusts the direction correctly for fast orientation. Users in the reviews indicate that the device is not able to completely replace a full-size compass, so it is not suitable for serious travel.

Advantages

• light weight;
• compact size;
• acceptable cost – from 2500 r.

disadvantages

• does not work in the Southern Hemisphere.

Kromatech 30 mm

Rating: 4.7

The second line is occupied by another model made in the form factor of a wristwatch. Cyclists especially love this compass, since when driving a vehicle, your hands are always busy, and with such a device you will not have to make stops, because you can orient yourself while driving by looking at your wrist. The dial is black and the scale is white, thanks to this contrast, all values ​​are clearly visible. The strap is made of durable plastic. The length is adjustable, so it is always easy to adjust the size to any arm thickness.

Advantages

• magnetic;
• the arrow is visible even in the dark;
• compact size;
• budgetary cost – from 500 rubles.

disadvantages

• does not replace a full-fledged compass.

The best compasses for athletes

Silva race

Rating: 4.9

Orienteering model comes first. The device is equipped with a new design arrow and large transparent glasses for the map to be visible. The support plate has also been changed, due to which the contact between the card and the thumb is improved. The device will prove to be ideal for runners and racers. The compass is equipped with a thin needle, which uses a double magnet made of rare metals. That is why stabilization is carried out much faster in comparison with analogs, even while the athlete is running.

Advantages

• high accuracy;
• supports with two axles;
• instant stabilization of the arrow;
• compact size.

disadvantages

• relatively expensive – from 5 thousand rubles.

Moscompass 'Fast Arrow'

Rating: 4.8

Closes the rating category with a domestic compass. It, like the previous one, is designed for orienteering. This model is the fastest in the Moscompass line. The hand stabilizes instantly in spite of the shaking that can occur, for example, from running, jumping, etc. Features include a graduated scale and a thin hand. Black dial with white scale. The device can be released on the board, attached with a special cord, or put on the finger of any hand, fixed with Velcro.

Advantages

• arrow stabilization time – 0.5-1 sec;
• strong magnet;
• compact size;
• acceptable cost – from 2300 r.

disadvantages

• not found.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.