SUUNTO M-3 Compass: Quality, Precision Compass for demanding Conditions

The Suunto M-3G Global Baseplate Compass is "the" item for anyone who hikes and explores the wilderness. The art of navigation using a paper map and a mechanical (but reliable) device like compass, is fast disappearing, thanks to the ubiquitous GPS systems, which everyone seems to be carrying around these days. While, the modern digital technology does give us far more accurate and far too much information than needed, it has made us totally dependent upon it, that we just take what it tells us. Now, consider a situation, where you have run out of battery or you not catching GPS signals because of the inclement weather has made it difficult to zero down on your position or a solar storm has disrupted satellites and you are still not out of the woods (literally!). Here is where your map reading skills and compass skills come in handy and it is no exaggeration to say that, this is what may make a difference between a hard and easy situation. That being said, this is a well made, aesthetically designed handy instrument. The M-3 Global compass can be used in both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere, though chances of me going for a hike in a southern hemisphere country is quite remote, still this compass can work in both parts of the world. The compass bearing has illuminated dial and the bearing can be read in the dark. The compass can be adjusted for local magnetic declination for more accurate determination of the directions as well as the direction of travel. The compass also has various scales of 1:50000, 1:25000 and 1:24000. It has a magnifying glass to aid read finer print in the maps and it comes with a lanyard that can be tied to the compass and you can either hand it around your neck or your wrist. The compass also has a clinometer to gauge the altitude, height of tall objects or land marks. This product is worth the money spent on it.

This compass has a declination adjustment (with a supplied tool--a tiny screwdriver), luminescent markings, an inch- and centimeter ruler, a scale for using 1:50,000 topographic maps, a lanyard and a global needle that is very forgiving as to how level you hold the compass. It lacks a "sighting aperture" and mirror---but as you get older, you discover it's really hard to read the small numbers reflected from the compass dial to the mirror. You can take surprisingly accurate bearings by just holding the compass at waist level and pointing it at the desired terrain feature. In fact, this is how the Army teaches soldiers to use the lensatic compass. This one is easier to use in conjunction with a map. You can measure distances with it on a map, and then quickly orient your map with the terrain. There's a magnifying lens built in so you can see certain map details better. There is also a lanyard for wearing the compass around your neck or securing it to your belt or other piece of gear. Once you determine the grid-magnetic angle for your particular locality, you can use the supplied declination tool to adjust your compass for your local magnetic declination---once set, you can forget having to convert magnetic azimuths to grid azimuths and vice-versa. If you want to travel at night, just charge up the luminescent markings with a light source, and you're good for about four hours. You can rotate the bezel to line up the compass needle with the "dog house" and you will stay on track (I don't particularly recommend traveling at night--due to snakes in summer and holes you can fall into year 'round!). I'd recommend carrying this compass in a pouch, or compass case so it doesn't get banged up. This is a precision instrument which should last you many years with just a little bit of care. GPS devices are great, but they can fail and their batteries can drain. This compass will always point north, and if you know how to use a map and compass, you should not get lost. Suunto offers a limited lifetime guarantee, which is better than any of the other compass makers out there. That means Suunto will repair or replace the compass over its normal life. It's made in Finland, a country which still cares about quality and it shows in the way this compass is made. Highly recommended!

This is a very high quality compass that sadly, has been discontinued. The needle moves smoothly and settles quickly. The markings are clear and sharp. The bezel moves with just the perfect amount of resistance--not too loose and not too tight. The night time illumation is very strong. The declinaation is pretty easy to adjust (but the markings are a bit small). I do wish it had romer scales, but I can live without them. I considered the MC-2 Global, but this is a lot less bulky and otherwise pretty much the same plus, this was less expensive. I am unhappy to see that it has been discontinued. This looks like it leaves a gap in their compass line as there is nothing between the A-30 and the MC-2. I looked at the Bruntons which have a lot of very nice features, but the quality is iffy (and they are expensive for what you get) and some parts are cheap (like the declination adjustment markings being just a sticker). I was tempted by the Silva, but their reviews were not as high as the Suuntos.

Solid compass providing worldwide orienteering / map usage. Has adjustable declination and all map measurements generally used. Night illumination is sufficient, baseplate is long enough to use for marking routes on maps. The only weak point to me, is the provided plastic string attachment. I don’t trust it staying attached, do directly attach lanyard to the baseplate. One of the best compass companion the market with a solid guarantee / warranty which is important .

Solid gift purchase.

Well built, scales are handy for my use. For a base plate device this has been ( lost one awhile back during a move) my go to for plotting my course. Size: I taught my two daughters how to use a compass and map, and the size seems about perfect for smaller hands. The bezel has the right amount of tension/friction to keep your setting correct while it’s in your pocket. The needle settles quickly and it appears to me that it functions perfectly with a 15-20° tilt angle. Weight is good to feel solid but not weigh much as well. This compass has traveled with me from Alaska to Maine as well as South America….. never had a bubble form in the one I lost. I don’t think you would regret getting this model.

I was amazed that the needle moved as fast as I did. When I first tried it, it was so smooth and fast that I was very surprised and it took me a bit to get used to the fast, excellent response, which I am very happy with. It is actually made in Finland, which I think is really cool. The declination adjustment was easy and intelligent. I really want to go out on walkabout or something with this. I'm actually using it to compare electronic magnets. It looks like Suunto took user input and added the glow-in-the-dark spots where they are most helpful and placed the markings where they can work best and let you see the map underneath. I researched my compass purchase for weeks, and am very happy with my Suunto M-3 global compass.

An excellent compass overall. Very rapid needle settling. Easy turning bezel with just the right amount of friction. It's very forgiving of level. I prefer the centered direction of travel arrow to other models' two arrows (one on each side). Accurate. My only complaint is that the declination adjustment, while it holds firmly, is hard to adjust because it's SO hard to see the scale. TINY and RED. Both of which make it a real eye buster. Bright daylight with a white background works best.

Super Qualität

Superbe instrument.

Brilliant Compass that eliminates all the troubles that you have ever had with a cheap compass. Global needle can be used anywhere in the world. You can set declination which means not having to faff around adding or subtracting a few degrees for each bearing. Easy view clear to see degrees. Dial has raised points so you can turn the bezel easily and accurately even with thick gloves on and the whole thing lights up like a christmas tree in the dark after shining your torch on the illuminous markings. Stays glowing for hours. Good tilt angle on the needle doesnt get jammed easy and the liquid inside prevents the needle from wobblying in inclimate and freezing weather. I was a bit weary about paying more than what I thought for a compass but this is well worth the money. Well thought out piece of kit.

ほぼ同じのシルバとどちらにしようかと思いましたが、 中国製とフィンランド製で、あっさりスントに決めました。 それ以外は甲乙つけがたいと思います。

Eu adorei chegou direitinho e rápido