Brunton Pocket Transit International Compass with 0-90 Degree Quad Scales
- Thread starter tdesanto
- Start date
I use them in my work as a geologist. They are great. What latitudes do you plan on using it at? That becomes important as the needle is balanced.
Keep in mind, the accuracy will be just the same +/- as much less expensive Silva (or the like) if you are using it without a tripod or on some other stable surface.
It is absolute overkill for the average needs for someone using it for navigation IMO.
Keep in mind, the accuracy will be just the same +/- as much less expensive Silva (or the like) if you are using it without a tripod or on some other stable surface.
It is absolute overkill for the average needs for someone using it for navigation IMO.
I've used them a lot. They're great but a lot of overkill for daily use. unless you need a lot of accuracy for retracing survey lines, I wouldn't think you need that good of a compass. The Brunton or Silva orienteering compass' are very good for daily use and work great with Topo maps. - Brad
tdesanto
Expedition Leader
GeoRoss said:
Just North America right now, but that may change in the future.
GeoRoss said:
GeoRoss said:
I know it's overkill. I guess I was starting to get lured in by the durability and ruggedness of the waterproof cast-aluminum body. I already have a good Silva compass, so this would strictly be an extravagance.
DaveM
Explorer
I know I have seen military surplus Lenstatic compasses for much less, that look identical to the one above.
There's this one (not identical but close):
http://www.thecompassstore.com/military3h.html
Not as rugged maybe but I always liked these too:
http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=71
There's this one (not identical but close):
http://www.thecompassstore.com/military3h.html
Not as rugged maybe but I always liked these too:
http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=71
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Jonathan Hanson
Well-known member
I have a Brunton Pocket Transit that I inherited from someone else. It's still in perfect working order.
In my mind a compass is more than a tool. It's an icon of your travels. What could be more romantic than having a compass sturdy enough to accompany you on your journeys for decades, which can then sit on your desk as a reminder of everywhere you've been? A plastic compass just wouldn't cut it in my opinion. Nor will a GPS!
In my mind a compass is more than a tool. It's an icon of your travels. What could be more romantic than having a compass sturdy enough to accompany you on your journeys for decades, which can then sit on your desk as a reminder of everywhere you've been? A plastic compass just wouldn't cut it in my opinion. Nor will a GPS!
paulj
Expedition Leader
I bought one years ago when I aspired to work as a geologist. I occasionally use the inclinometer part, but have never used the compass for hiking. Of course it's not much use in the car either.
A compass of this quality is more useful for adding information to a map, than for finding your way on the map. There may be a few route finding situations when you need to take accurate bearings on a point off in the distance, but they aren't common. It isn't good for taking a quick check.
As for durability, have you ever broken a compass? Which is going to be more vulnerable, one of these in a leather pouch on your belt, or a plastic liquid damped Silva on a cord tucked inside your shirt? The needle on this type of compass is delicately balanced for great accuracy. When closed, a lever locks the needle in place, so it is protected during travel. But when open (in use), the needle is vulnerable. I think a plastic liquid filled compass would survive a drop better than this in the open position.
paulj
A compass of this quality is more useful for adding information to a map, than for finding your way on the map. There may be a few route finding situations when you need to take accurate bearings on a point off in the distance, but they aren't common. It isn't good for taking a quick check.
As for durability, have you ever broken a compass? Which is going to be more vulnerable, one of these in a leather pouch on your belt, or a plastic liquid damped Silva on a cord tucked inside your shirt? The needle on this type of compass is delicately balanced for great accuracy. When closed, a lever locks the needle in place, so it is protected during travel. But when open (in use), the needle is vulnerable. I think a plastic liquid filled compass would survive a drop better than this in the open position.
paulj
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The Brunton is definitely a top of the line compass. As mentioned above, a favorite of geologists for years.
But why would you pick a quad scale (0-90-0-90-0-90-0) rather than the regular model (0 -360)?
For normal orienteering work, the quad scale is going to be hard to deal with.
If you really want a quad scale Brunton, and want to save a little scratch, check military surplus stores. I’ve seen ‘em for about $50.
But why would you pick a quad scale (0-90-0-90-0-90-0) rather than the regular model (0 -360)?
For normal orienteering work, the quad scale is going to be hard to deal with.
If you really want a quad scale Brunton, and want to save a little scratch, check military surplus stores. I’ve seen ‘em for about $50.
Jonathan Hanson
Well-known member
I agree with Lynn on the scale. But I disagree with Paul on durability: I've broken two good plastic compasses. No, I wouldn't want to drop my Brunton with the needle unlocked, but closed I think you could toss the thing off a cliff with no damage.
Another geologist weighing in here. The cool factor on the Bruntons is there, and they are reliable, and relatively bulletproof but also heavy and it gets old to keep pulling it out of its case in the field all day. However, dead accurate, when used correctly, and they wear scratches well, as does the leather case.
<Hijack On>
Any antique compass experts here? I have a K&E compass I, um, saved from being 'surplused', a few years ago that is really cool. It is about 8" in diameter with flip-up sight bars, and has a leather case that also carries the brass gimbal and a little tool for setting the azmuth. I also have the tripod that the gimbal fits on top of.
I'm curious as to what it's worth, but haven't been able to find one like it on the 'net. The only thing I know is that the case looks just like the one hanging around Val Kilmer's neck in the movie "The Ghost and the Darkness".
Anyway, any suggestions on where I can look? I'm not interested in selling it, just curious. Maybe when Antiques Roadshow comes to town...
Thanks,
<Hijack Off>
Any antique compass experts here? I have a K&E compass I, um, saved from being 'surplused', a few years ago that is really cool. It is about 8" in diameter with flip-up sight bars, and has a leather case that also carries the brass gimbal and a little tool for setting the azmuth. I also have the tripod that the gimbal fits on top of.
I'm curious as to what it's worth, but haven't been able to find one like it on the 'net. The only thing I know is that the case looks just like the one hanging around Val Kilmer's neck in the movie "The Ghost and the Darkness".
Anyway, any suggestions on where I can look? I'm not interested in selling it, just curious. Maybe when Antiques Roadshow comes to town...
Thanks,
<Hijack Off>
tdesanto
Expedition Leader
Jonathan Hanson said:
Jonathan,
You summed up the appeal better than I could explain it. The emotional connection to exploration seems to be personified in the compass. Thanks for stating it better than I could. I like the idea of thinking of it as a companion on the journeys with the ability to remind me later of the times we shared.
Now I'm off to find just the right one.