Suunto MC-2 Compass Overview

[@davisbd23]

No problem! The mirror is there so you can take very accurate bearing measurements. It allows this because you are able to look at two things at once. The first thing you are lining up is the object or landmark you are using to orientate yourself on a map. While looking through the peep hole at your landmark you are able to adjust the bezel and line up the orienting arrow with N. Less error because your eyes don't leave the landmark while messing with the compass.

[@brianmaier7529]

Great review. I take part in search and rescue in the mid-Atlantic part of the country. I love my Suunto MC-2. It's my third land nav compass. I had a Silva Ranger, it, over time, got a bubble in it that made it hard to use. My next compass is a Brunton Eclipse. It works great for shooting a bearing in the field but with no lines on the base plate, it was near impossible to measure a bearing on a map. I still keep it as a back up. But Suunto has been my best compass yet. Third times a charm I guess.

[@spiderman1900]

Excellent review John! Thanks for keeping it just the right length. I grew up in northern California and I recognize the route on the map under your copmpass. I think I still have a copy of the map your are using. Thanks again.

[@davisbd23]

I didn't know what strike and dip referred to until I read your comment. I learned something new today. Thanks!

[@stevestanley5183]

Good review, what shocked me about other reviews is most would talk about it but not show the compass.

[@r.mercado9737]

The review was fine. The Suunto Compass is truly an excellent compass of which I used in the battlefield! Great product. Keep pressing forward young man.

[@Gashy42]

helpful video. I hadn't even thought to bother with the adjustable declination arrow until now

[@erikacasasola1283]

Excellent review~ Thank you David, I have been looking for how to use the clinometer!! Thank you for that!!

[@markw4382]

As you said,... Too much, to little, miss things etc,.. or RAMBLING ON & ON....... This Video Was great for what you meant to teach, Thanks. Travel Safe!...Travel Well!...LIVE, to share the Memories.

[@marybaker8582]

I just got this compass in the global version. I would love to see a demo of how to use the inclinometer. I like the way you addressed each comment others have mentioned. This is a great compass

[@jeffwilcox9649]

John, I just bought one and I can't figure out how to attach the rope. I know it sounds funny but I don't see how it's done. please help

[@mcole1987]

help!

[@rachelsmith2923]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5yWlqyBjp18hLs

[@Skypilot617]

Liked the review and confirmed a purchase decision! You don't mention that the primary use of a clinometer on a compass is to enable a field geologist to record the strike and dip of rock strata - though your suggested use would be very useful for checking distances to an object of know height (eg a mountain peak).

[@davisbd23]

I don't have any affiliation with Suunto. I just use their compass and dive computer. But, after a google search, I came up with the Suunto MC‑2G Mil Scale Compass (Part # 5023-143). I found several online outdoor retailers that had it in stock. Also, just some FYI I came across that you may find useful, to convert degrees ---> MIL, the formula is degrees / 5.625 = MIL or invert the operation to go from MIL ---> degrees. Hope this all helps.

[@spikejones1349]

Really liked your video learned a lot. I am new to using a compass you helped me make my choice for one.

[@Rottboy8]

Thanks for the review. Now I can use the declination function on my Suunto which I've had for years. I agree, it does deliver more bang for the buck!!!

[@modygonzales8255]

Im a beginner in camping and compass user.I just purchased 6 months ago a SUUNTO MC-2 G/CM.My question is how does it differ with your Suunto MC2?I live in the PHILIPPINES[ASIA FAR EAST] .My declination from where i live[LOS BANOS,LAGUNA is [ -2 degrees] west.

[@ruis1982]

What is the magnification power of the magnification lens on this compass? UPDATE: I found the answer below, its a 5X lens.

[@LSTSPERU]

is this same to the Suunto MC-2 Global Compass?... thank for help me

[@igsaturation]

Yes, except the needle has a Suunto patented gimble that balances the needle for any hemisphere, hence "global". Even in the Northern hemisphere alone, this needle almost never locks up in extreme angles. For a price difference of ~ $10 it makes it a far more accurate and robust compass particularly say, taking bearings while walking.

[@davisbd23]

I don't have any affiliation with Suunto. I just use their compass and dive computer. But, after a google search, I came up with the Suunto MC‑2G Mil Scale Compass (Part # 5023-143). I found several online outdoor retailers that had it in stock.

[@Tenbears2022]

What are the degree numbers on the sides of the black fold over cover for. How do you use them

[@TX_TANK]

Great video, definitely picking one up this weekend for Search and Rescue.Thanks!

[@imaginehydreigons5377]

Hows your compass holding up all these years? Do bubbles start to form?

[@npn25311]

It would be nice if you walked us through the process of adjusting the declination, or at least the taking a sighting. No explanation of why you would use a global model (better ability of needle to point correctly when not held level). You could also set the compass down on a map and demonstrate how you can use markings on the compass to measure distance.

[@dojonim9758]

There are dozens of you tube videos on this subject

[@mohamedjama4810]

very informative topic thanks for sharing with us. what is the name of this product, I wanna buy it? how much it will cost. your answer will be appreciated.

[@nutmegger1957]

I bought this same compass. Is it fair to say in general with ANY compass, that if you are not using a map, the AOD is not worth worrying about, since you (I) would do "line of sight leap frogging" and the AOD doesn't come into play?

[@TyJee28]

John, I think you accomplished your goal for the video. Just long enough to cover the key features of the compass. Good job. I have the MC-3 and MC-3G DL IN and A-10 models. And like them a lot. I can answer some of the questions asked. One person asked what MC-2 DLIN meant. I believe the full model designation of the compass in the video is MC-2 D/L/IN/NH ( model ref # SS004239001) which would mean: MC-2 - model D - declination adjustment capability L - Luminous markings IN - Inch scale, * NH - Northern hemisphere * IN = inch scale, they also make a CM = centimeter scale model. But that is a little misleading as it isn't the whole story about differences between the IN and CM models. The IN model will also have map scales for standard USA scale maps, the CM model will also have scales for standard European scale maps. The best place to go is the Suunto webpage, if the answer isn't there already under the model, just click Support and you can ask the Suunto staff. You can also see accurate pictures there of each model, and you can download a pdf of the User Manual under the Support tab. And yes I agree, if you're not using the compass with a map, there is no need to know or care about what the local magnetic declination is. Other than it would be a good idea to check that the declination adjustment is set to Zero.

[@CompTechMike]

Good video. I wish you would have shown how the lanyard fits together though.

[@HighFlyer61488]

Do you have a video on how to use this compass?

[@johngo6283]

also, I believe clinometer is pronounced with the accent on the second syllable, as in "thermometer". However, that is a minor quibble on otherwise nice review of one of my favorite compasses.

[@nutmegger1957]

I was torn between the Brunton 8099 and this compass. Because of a "comparison" article that I read, by a fella named "Brian Davis," AND because of your KZbin video, I chose the Suunto MC-2. Thanks for the time you took to produce this review. One question: when I ordered this Compass from Amazon.com, I found it on its individual description page, and noted it showed it as the "MC-2." Once I put the item in the "Cart" it CHANGED the designation (description) to an "MC-2DLIN." I couldn't find any info on the "DLIN" description. Doesn't look like a show stopper, but I wondered if YOU knew what the DLIN callout means? You paid a tad more than I did for this compass. My price: $36.00 (plus shipping and tax).

[@gary3353]

Great review does rain and grit (Dirt ) get in the bezel easy?

[@Sikorsky67]

Hi Thank you for your video. I would like to know if it's in mils or degrees or both? Thank you in advance Sikorsky

[@modygonzales8255]

I want to know if this compass is applicable to where live!TNX in advance

[@mansonlaney6987]

I just ordered one of these Suunto MC-2 Pro compass from Amazon. In the discretion it said it would work in both Northern and Southern Hemisphere. Is this true of this model?

[@RobbieCaptMilkboneBaxter]

Can you tell me the power of the mag glass. 2x 5x or other?

[@TyJee28]

I don't know the answer. But I can tell you how to measure it yourself. First determine the Diopter number of the lens. Measure the maximum distance X (in inches) above some text where it is still in focus, with your eye 10 inches above the lens. Diopter = 39.37 inches/ X. Second, calculate Magnification Power = (Diopter/4) + 1. Example: if X= 2.5 inches. Diopter = 39.37/2.5 = 15.748 , approx 15.75d MP = (15.75d/4) + 1 = 3.94 + 1 = 4.94x Which is approximately 5x, where the image viewed would appear 400% larger, and the focal length of the lens would be 2.5 inches. More information is found here: www.howardelectronics.com/HEIScope/illumination/diopter.html just an FYI - I have looked at compasses on German websites where they listed the magnification of the lens on the compasses as so many Diopter. Not knowing what that was or what it meant in terms of magnification power, I had to search and find out how to convert Diopter to Mag x power. That is the only reason I already knew about this topic.

[@TyJee28]

I posted that question to Suunto Customer Support. After a long delay they emailed me the answer today. This is their reply: "Thank you for contacting Suunto Customer Support. We apologize for the delay in our answer. The magnification for the MC-2 is 5."

[@SevenRavens007]

Great compass although o find the romer scale hard to use because of its placing on the housing

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I'm a begginer to compass use. For general navigation such as hiking is it good to have the mirror or is it not necessary? You didn't say anything about that.

[@ertraccia]

Hi, I just got mine, but I have a question because I want to understand if I'm having a problem with my compass. If I keep the plastic transparent body stopeed in one hand and I try to move the capsule left-right-up-down without rotating...it moves a bit, about 1 degree. Is that normal? Could you please try with your? Thank you.

[@danielculpepper9258]

ertraccia It seems that this is an issue with the Suunto protractor compasses in general. It certainly isn’t normal as it is a matter of accuracy and taking a precise azimuths (bearings). However if you read the Suunto specifications (as given on their website), you would find out, that their compasses are advertised as accurate to +/-2 degrees. Assuming the leeway is less then that then your Suunto is not an exception or could not be thought as faulty! I personally, would not be thrilled to find out such a major miss from Suunto! Especially because their MC-2’s are claimed to be “professional” etc.

[@billbertrand7751]

Well were do you pick one up?

[@windex7]

thanks for the information. im looking forward to see the detailed review later on

[@MrSolzin]

Can you explain what for and or how the mirror is used. Mine does not have a mirror and never understood the use. Hate to admit.....thanks,

[@CompTechMike]

Signaling in an emergency? Or just checking your makeup on the trail, I suppose. ;) My wife got me one for Valentine's Day, she had an engraving done on the mirror at our local "Things Remembered" store. A great gift idea! :)

[@daner919]

The mirror allows you to hold the compass at eye level and still see the compass and also look at a physical landmark in the distance all at once. Once you try it you will understand. The mirror is the best feature.

[@Tank35]

How do you determine what the magnetic variation is wherever a person lives?

[@TyJee28]

To find the magnetic declination where you live the best place to go is to the ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag-web/ website. Enter your zip code, then just follow the instructions to find your lat/long. and current magnetic declination. Or just google " find my local magnetic declination" to find other websites where it can be found. Or just have someone find it for you on their GPS receiver.

[@ItalysBadBoy]

Good video! I searched for the MC-2 cause I just got one. One thing I'm really not impressed with so far is that little black thing between the compass body and the cord. If you Google images for MC-2, you'll see some people just omitted this black thing, sorry I don't know the name of this black thing. I'm looking to do this too as I don't want the possibility of losing my compass. Examine it and you'll see what I'm talking about. Yeah possibility is slim, but why not just eliminate it?

[@davisbd23]

Mine moves a bit depending on how far/fast I move it, but corrects itself once I hold it steady in my hand.

[@ReevesLynch]

Very good review. Thanks so much for posting!

[@makenchips]

John, overall you did a good job - but I do not think you did all the fearturre - do a follow up to complete all the feaures of this compass. I like your delivery and it would be nice to so it in action the field. The inclimeter woudl be nice if you direct or did an example. If you can on discrimante with the naked eye - so if I you have use a glass to check well it does not matter. I had micrometer from starrett that was off one ten thousand - but I could read the tumbscrew marking directley - Starret fixed it for free and put a new barrell on it. I woudl think accuracy is key in a tool like this, because a little erro can create a huge miss on your desired location - and when you are tired or out of water - could mean something. Looking forward to your next video follow up, - what about the mirror issue?

[@kavchokm]

Very informative and to the point! Thanks so much! Mike K Swedesboro NJ

[@bdcochran01]

Great review. Rather than buying the factory case, I use an eye glass case to carry the compass.

[@olechuga2]

Sir, thank you for your information, and great video.

[@AriellaKK]

I just got this compass too. They should have a video on this from Suunto. I am not sure if you should push down the mirror attachment to the plastic base. I am afraid if I do, that it will break. Anyone know? Their website does not offer enough info, for potential buyers, or new buyers. I think the mirror is glass, but I am not sure. I also don't know what magnification the magnifier is either. It may be 4x or 5x. You would never know from their website.

[@AriellaKK]

I called Suunto. That is indeed a real mirror in the MC-2 compass. The magnifier is a little more than 5x according to Suunto. (so it should be able to start fires in an emergency) Also, you can push the black top down, without worrying about it breaking. He said a few times of opening and closing it, and it should be easier to do it. In other words, firmly closing the lid, will not break it, according to Suunto. I tried it, and it does get easier, after you open and close it, a few times.

[@nutmegger1957]

Kelly L I noticed on mine, that it seemed as if the top cover was slightly mis-aligned with the base, because it didn't seem to want ot push down all the way, and I didn't want ot break it. Thanks for the info..

[@kam2057]

Good stuff! Thanks for the equation too. I been huntin for a good compass this helped alot.

[@johngo6283]

most recreational users do not need a clinometer nor a mirror. I would recommend getting the base model Suunto M2 for $19 instead.

[@lyndonlondon]

Great review, I just bought one...

[@sasktactical]

Looks like a spitting image of the silva ranger.

[@MrSolzin]

thanks,

[@johngo6283]

Nice video!

[@HARDYSFISHINGADVENTURES]

I just got this compass at a yard sale for a dollar I just need to know how to use it now lol

[@Xolette]

I don't see how this compass is better than my glow in the dark $10 compass. Whatever. :P J/k. Love the review.

[@jkrjhn8]

The Suunto MC 2G suffers from quality control issues. Mine developed a large bubble after 4 years. Suunto charged me $25 to replace it, plus I had to pay for shipping to send in the bad one. The replacement also failed in under 5 years!!! This is unacceptable and their customer service is useless. I do not abuse my compasses. I have a Suunto M-3 that is 25 years old and is in perfect condition. Think twice before you buy Suunto.

[@Jereisalem]

It was helpful, but as a total noob I still have to idea how to use this thing...

[@harleyhawk7959]

look up Columbia river orienteering club. uTube. they have some nice teaching vids.

[@Роман-т8ф4й]

Ни хуя не понял но очень интересно 😄

[@fgorr]

Product not bad but customer / warranty service is VERY BAD suunto has the absolutely the worst customer service of any company that I've ever run across. If anything goes wrong with their products you cannot get in touch with anyone from the company that is willing and or has the abiltiy to help you.

[@aelijah490]

R u xolettes husband