Author: Andreas Johansson 

republished from Andreas Johansson's Blog post

Recommended Thumb Compasses

There are only a handful of compass manufacturers on the market, but picking the right one can be a difficult choice. You may start with one, and move on to another. Some stay brand loyal, while others are ambivalent.

Here are a few excellent choices based on the my personal experience, as well as from solicited feedback from orienteers and adventure racers.

Suunto Arrow 6

The Suunto Arrow 6 is a great first thumb compass, and readily available from Amazon or other online retailers. It’s smaller than most of the others, with a clear bezel that rotates for using the 1-2-3 method, and the plate of the compass extends beyond the thumb.

“All complications removed, very fast but still stable, the Suunto Arrow compass is ideal for the competitive orienteer who appreciates not having to stop for the compass needle to settle and not having the compass cluttered with details disturbing superfast work with the map.”

– Suunto.com website

The needle is pretty stable while running, and settles relatively quickly. Depending on your tolerance for needle settling (how long it takes the needle to settle once stable and level), you may find it slower than others, like the Silva Race series.

The Suunto Arrow 6 was the first thumb compass for me, and served for a good two years in the woods of Cuyahoga Valley and Western Pennsylvania.

Silva Race Series

The Silva Race Series (including Race Jet, Race S, and Race Jet 360) are premium level thumb compasses, with fast needles, larger bezels, and with a plate that cuts short of the thumb.

The base plate also houses two rubber nibs, making contact with the map that much more secure, so that the compass stays in place and doesn’t slide around.

“SILVA’s new race thumb compasses are perfect for the orienteer, the adventure race athlete or whoever is in need of a compass with outstanding quality, needle settling time and stability during running.”

– Silva.se Website

The needles are also larger and wider than others, aiding in visual acquisition while running. I currently use the Silva Race Jet 360, and loves it. Getting ahold of one, though, can be difficult. See the next section on purchasing a compass from overseas.

FRENSON Elite Racing Series

The FRENSON Elite Racing compass is the favorite among elite orienteering runners, who consider of high importance thumb plate strength, plate design with capsule protection and almost 4cm target-edge, no superfluous markings and electro-orange, fast and stable needle. Thumb plate layouts for both hands available.

“FRENSON ELITE RACING compass features innovative design combined with extra strong magnet and sophisticated needle stabilization technology - optimized for performance and stability at speed, both for professional athletes and recreational runners. Ergonomically shaped, high-transparency, angled thumb plate with 1 cm markings and the center of capsule being offset gives you a clear view of map details and intuitive natural feel for precise direction.”

– FRENSON.com Website

Purchasing Your Compass

Getting a quality thumb compass can be difficult. Most are not sold in stores in North America, and tend to be specialty items, often sourced overseas in Europe. The exception is the FRENSON Elite Racing, seemingly readily available at outlets like Amazon (amazon.com).

However, there are options. Ebay (ebay.com), the online retailer and auction site, has storefronts for a few European retailers, and Silva, FRENSON compasses can be found there for competitive prices, and sometimes free shipping.

Websites dedicated to orienteering and orienteering supplies often have large assortments, and carry multiple or all models from the brands discussed. One specific example is All For Orienteering (www.all4o.com) out of Riga, Latvia. They carry a large inventory not only of compasses, but also shoes, clothing, and other orienteering gear, all with international shipping.

Orienteering meets, especially national level orienteering events and larger adventure race events, typically feature a vendor or two that deals in either one or more compass models. However, stock is often limited, and sometimes outdated or not available.

A final option may be to find a fellow orienteer in Europe that can purchase from a store, and mail it to the USA. Work out money transfers and other details ahead of time, since these compasses can be close to $100 in some cases.

Final Thoughts

Switching to a thumb compass is worth it. Deciding which model will work for you is a whole different story. Try one, and see what you think. See what others use, and ask them questions. What do they like about their particular model, and why? What did they use before, and what are they thinking about in the future?

“Truthfully, we choose very differently depending on the type of event. 1:50000 maps in Ecuador – really anything that is within 10 degrees of north will work. MicroNav at nationals, or an O course within the godzone race. Thumb compass is ok if the bearings are set, or a Suunto or Brunton higher end one works well. My biggest desires – global needle, and fast tracking rate. And one that can stay fairly stable while running/biking.”

– Jason Magness, from Facebook Adventure Racing Discussion Group

In the end, it’s worth investing your time, money, and effort in selecting the prime tool you trust for navigation in the woods.

And don’t forget to train often with both your compass and map to get better at using them together!

Author: Andreas Johansson 
republished from Andreas Johansson's Blog post ( www.eajohansson.net )