Hello from Oklahoma! The Old River Rat here. I think If a body gets a compass, learn it's features and how to use them, It doesn't matter what brand it is. Use and familiarize yourself with your equipment, you'll be alright.
Well Dang Dave, i have been looking for an affordable option to the Suunto and BOOM, here you are reviewing one! Thank you for always looking at different products and giving an honest review on them!!! Another reason why you're the BEST!!!
Nice to have another less expensive recommended alternative. It has been my experience that all compasses will form a bubble eventually. I know that Suunto has a lifetime warranty and will warranty your compass once the bubble gets to be an unmanageable size.
FYI - Becareful buying the global compass from suunto. The compass uses a plastic with metal impregnated on it. It hangs like a mofo, at least for me. After missing cattle tags on Dave's nav course I learned real quick the errors of my ways and not keeping that compass completely level. Get the non global version if you don't want to worry about it.
Awesome presentation on the different compasses. I still have my Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass from the Army from many, many years ago. It still works and I used it numerous times on numerous field exercises in Germany. May have to update to one of the "newer" compasses. Always like your "down to the point" videos Dave!
A couple of considerations on the Sun compass. Is the needle on a jeweled bearing? Second, some luminous materials glow longer than others. Initial brightness will not reveal longevity. Thanks for the introduction. I've seen the Sun ads lately and wondered. I have a couple of good compasses so no need to replace.
Received my Sun Company Prosight compass two days ago. I have had a little time to use it in the field. Seems to be very well made and accurate... I like it. I don't think you can go wrong purchasing one. Update: it's been -15 through -20c over the last week. At 3500ft hanging off my neck for 4 to 6 hrs at a time been no issues with the cold.
Thank you David for this comparison. I have been looking for a quality compass for my equipment, but couldn't justify the expense of the mc2. I had seen the pro sight but hadn't heard anything from any experts that said it was a quality tool until now.
I've been looking for quite some time for a good sighting compass to replace my very old Boy Scouts of America compass (I've had it for nearly 30 years). Most compasses I buy end up failing hard within a few weeks, and I find myself going back to my trusty BSA compass. I'll definitely have to pay your online store a visit, and order one of these compasses. The need for an additional tool on the one compass is very off-putting to me. It has been my experience the more loose pieces you have to keep together, the more likely you're gonna lose pieces, especially small pieces like a little tool that could drop and just vanish among the leaves on the forest floor. Sand is even worse, as you can easily kick up a little sand and now your item is buried.
Sunto has been the standard at PS and wilderness outfitters for a very long time. the reason that I take this review so seriously is I think people have forgotten the difference between Dave and other reviewers. Dave has had a career before bushcraft in Mechanical engineering, Quality control and high level manufacturing and is a Sigma Six Black belt. most people do not even know what that is. basically it mean that this man is capable of breaking down and accessing the production, manufacture and quality issues of ANY GIVEN PRODUCT. he has the ability to push a product past its expectations from prototype to a finished product. i trust every single pice of gear with the pathfinder school logo on it. every single one. fo that reason alone.... let alone how cool they are or functional. they are well researched and built and provided for you to buy on hand as readily as possible. amazing. Keep rocking trail boss.... ill be back here in the jeep.
Looks pretty good at first sight. I'd like to hear what others say about using the Sun compass in high/low temperature extremes and also high elevation to see if bubbles develop.
Hey David, if you get a chance to do any serious cold weather stuff I know us Canadian folk up here would be keen to know how well it holds in those conditions. The Suunto doesn't get as brittle as others I've used. It would be interesting to see. May have to pick one up to test. Edit. They don't make them in MILS :( oh well I'll wait to see if they do.
Thanks Dave another great video. Sun compass will be my next compass. My original Silva Ranger was good, but the new ones aren’t so good and made in china I believe
I was just about to get another MC2 so I can have a backup for my get home bag in my Jeep. Ill be looking into this compass and see what the price point is. Thanks for always testing gear, so we don't have to.
Compass are balanced for different zones to my understanding be cautions abbot northern hemisphere compasses out of there intended zones IE southern hemisphere. As the needle may drag suunto global compass will work anywhere or by a compass balanced for your location which will be cheaper The 5 zones are: Zone 1, MN (Magnetic North); Zone 2, NME (North Magnetic Equator); Zone 3, ME (Magnetic Equator); Zone 4, SME (South Magnetic Equator); and Zone 5, MS (Magnetic South). some makes cover these in 3 models but check if you are traveling around the world .
I don't have this Sun, maybe I'll give it a go. One bad thing about Sun (and probably the only bad thing) is the compass needle was unbalanced on the 2 models I have. Holding the compass level, one end of the needle or the other will make contact with the inside of the clear housing. To stop the needle from moving with the rest of the compass, I had to hold them not quite level. Annoying enough that I don't use them. This new one sounds like Sun may have fixed that problem!
I love it. Will it last as long as a Suunto? Probably no. But I am too old to worry about stuff lasting for decades and I am not going to live out some off grid hidden in forest survival fantasy. It's more than "good enough" and the right price.
This is awesome I'm in the market for a compass but wasn't happy with the price point of the MC2. I'll be pulling the trigger on this one for sure! Already got the button compass from SRO!
A big thing for me is the formation of bubles. My most expensive compass became useless. The one you say you used for years, is it the same one you bought, or have you replaced it with the same model? Is the cheaper one filled with the same liquid?
Looks good. I have several different compasses in different bags but my go to is the the mc2 for ease of use but for my go bag that i may need in a REALLY bad potentially life or death situation i have my cammenga... it's less than ideal but its hard to imagine a more bulletproof compass. I've broken, had bubbles, and frozen both a silva ranger and a mc2 but the ole military issue is as reliable as it gets.
Having the parallel orienting lines turn when setting a declination would seem to make taking an accurate bearing from a map much more difficult, so it would be better to never adjust the declination on the Sun and just use the old technique of manually adding/subtracting the appropriate declination with each reading. It also looks like the degree numbers on the dial are upside down, since your current heading would normally be read at the top of the dial near the base of the mirror. These seem like a pretty big points against the Sun. Just my 2¢...
Just priced them both on Amazon. SU to MC-2 $70, the Sun Prosight $40. Dave, would appreciate an update on your Sun Prosight at the six month mark. Thanks for the vid.
Dave…another great review, I like the features that were shown in the video and the comparisons. What I noticed between the MC-2 and the Sun was the bezel ring on the MC-2 is readable, right side up, and the Sun is a reverse view. What are your thoughts on this for new students.
The red marking on the sunto look more readable. It would be nice to see a comparison especially on a map. Other than that the Sun looks like a good compass.
Ive ordered 5 compasses since november 1st. Some of these items were as expected. Made in china... typical garbage. But one actually came and suprised me. Its a prismatic compass. But i really like it. I was expecting another made in china compass. But it actually did not say made in china. And ive been very impressed with it. You never know what you can come across when you bargain shop.
I got a compass that the military uses I like it it doesn't have some of the features that your compasses do not have have not used one in over 20 years I am relearning how to use one again
What about the K&R Alpine compass? No screw to spin the bevel, stronger magnifying glass, great glow that makes things clear in the dark, and the markings allow the same deductions. Also, a metal mirror can be polished with toothpaste or maybe sharpening compound.
I'm a prior service Vet, but never heard compasses being sold on the surplus market in mils. I was an Army Artillery surveyor and was taught mils at Ft Sill.
Tried the Sun company compass and it would not hold declination setting for me. Opening and closing case caused adjustable declination to move. After 15 openings and closings it would be off 6-8 degrees. Maybe I got a bad unit.
Thanks for the review Dave. I have one the Sun Co. watch wrist band compass but wasn't sure of the quality of the baseplate compasses. I'll have to pick one up. What are your thoughts on the Brunton TrueArc 15? It has some interesting features, although I still prefer the MC2.
Dave, you said that the Sun compass doesn't have a cutout for sighting like the Suunto, but what did you mean by that? If you meant for signalling, why can't you just open the compass all the way and sight it thru, say, the dog house? Or were you talking about something else?
Dave I was raised in the woods but I wore my body out working for other people and can't get around any more . What type gear should I get to enjoy living rough in the woods again .
David - Thank you for this quick, clear, and honest review & comparison of the Sun Co. Pro Sight Compass vs. the Suunto. Liking some of the features and general price point for the Pro Sight... thinking it will make a good backup compass for some additional gear/emergency kits. Looking forward to checking it out. Have a Happy & Prosperous New Year! 🇺🇸 🏕 🎆
Dave here in Riverton, Wyoming,we have the Brunton Compasses made Here.US NAVY 5-7 years ago put in an order of around 150 K units.I will probably show up with a Couple at your Class in 24 ,..1 for you to test .
Hey Dave, not sure if you are awayre but do you have youtube monetization on? UA-cam will pay each month based on the number of views your videos get. We know you put the information out because you want to share the knowledge, and so you also have the right to receive compensation for having our attention. Love the videos!
Hey man! I'm so glad you are doing this! I love my suunto but I broke it..(totally my abuse, nothing from manufacturing) I've been looking for a cheaper replacement because I need multiples. I'm 50/50 right now on just spending it and .... buy once... cry once.. but if I can find a comparable option... wish they came with a bigger and higher powered lens and those degree marks are very small for the eyesight challenged people who don't bring their glasses to the woods or break them.. hint hint.. haha
Imagine that somebody showing up to Dave’s class after video after video after video saying specifically to use a specific campus for his class, this is why sometimes he hast to talk to people like their children. You need to get your gratification from your dog or your significant other…..
Hello from Oklahoma! The Old River Rat here. I think If a body gets a compass, learn it's features and how to use them, It doesn't matter what brand it is. Use and familiarize yourself with your equipment, you'll be alright.
Well Dang Dave, i have been looking for an affordable option to the Suunto and BOOM, here you are reviewing one! Thank you for always looking at different products and giving an honest review on them!!! Another reason why you're the BEST!!!
Nice to have another less expensive recommended alternative. It has been my experience that all compasses will form a bubble eventually. I know that Suunto has a lifetime warranty and will warranty your compass once the bubble gets to be an unmanageable size.
FYI - Becareful buying the global compass from suunto. The compass uses a plastic with metal impregnated on it. It hangs like a mofo, at least for me. After missing cattle tags on Dave's nav course I learned real quick the errors of my ways and not keeping that compass completely level. Get the non global version if you don't want to worry about it.
Using navigation skills learned from Dave in my overnighters videos ! I like how you take time before vetting gear.
Awesome presentation on the different compasses. I still have my Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass from the Army from many, many years ago. It still works and I used it numerous times on numerous field exercises in Germany. May have to update to one of the "newer" compasses. Always like your "down to the point" videos Dave!
A couple of considerations on the Sun compass. Is the needle on a jeweled bearing? Second, some luminous materials glow longer than others. Initial brightness will not reveal longevity. Thanks for the introduction. I've seen the Sun ads lately and wondered. I have a couple of good compasses so no need to replace.
Thanks for your truthful reviews and not just endorsing a product as soon as you use it for one day like some other “You Tube “ crafters do!
Looks like a nice compass Dave. Thanks much for sharing!
Received my Sun Company Prosight compass two days ago. I have had a little time to use it in the field. Seems to be very well made and accurate... I like it.
I don't think you can go wrong purchasing one. Update: it's been -15 through -20c over the last week. At 3500ft hanging off my neck for 4 to 6 hrs at a time been no issues with the cold.
Thank you David for this comparison. I have been looking for a quality compass for my equipment, but couldn't justify the expense of the mc2. I had seen the pro sight but hadn't heard anything from any experts that said it was a quality tool until now.
Just started re watching Dual Survival. You guys were by far the best
I've been looking for quite some time for a good sighting compass to replace my very old Boy Scouts of America compass (I've had it for nearly 30 years). Most compasses I buy end up failing hard within a few weeks, and I find myself going back to my trusty BSA compass.
I'll definitely have to pay your online store a visit, and order one of these compasses. The need for an additional tool on the one compass is very off-putting to me. It has been my experience the more loose pieces you have to keep together, the more likely you're gonna lose pieces, especially small pieces like a little tool that could drop and just vanish among the leaves on the forest floor. Sand is even worse, as you can easily kick up a little sand and now your item is buried.
Sunto has been the standard at PS and wilderness outfitters for a very long time. the reason that I take this review so seriously is I think people have forgotten the difference between Dave and other reviewers. Dave has had a career before bushcraft in Mechanical engineering, Quality control and high level manufacturing and is a Sigma Six Black belt. most people do not even know what that is. basically it mean that this man is capable of breaking down and accessing the production, manufacture and quality issues of ANY GIVEN PRODUCT. he has the ability to push a product past its expectations from prototype to a finished product. i trust every single pice of gear with the pathfinder school logo on it. every single one. fo that reason alone.... let alone how cool they are or functional. they are well researched and built and provided for you to buy on hand as readily as possible. amazing. Keep rocking trail boss.... ill be back here in the jeep.
Thanks Dave. I tell you what, for the price point, I really like the Silva Ranger 2.0.
Looks pretty good at first sight. I'd like to hear what others say about using the Sun compass in high/low temperature extremes and also high elevation to see if bubbles develop.
Hey David, if you get a chance to do any serious cold weather stuff I know us Canadian folk up here would be keen to know how well it holds in those conditions. The Suunto doesn't get as brittle as others I've used. It would be interesting to see. May have to pick one up to test. Edit. They don't make them in MILS :( oh well I'll wait to see if they do.
Thanks Dave another great video. Sun compass will be my next compass. My original Silva Ranger was good, but the new ones aren’t so good and made in china I believe
Thank you for all you do for us students 🙏🏼🙌🏼
Thank you for your continuing education courses that are so valuable!
I was just about to get another MC2 so I can have a backup for my get home bag in my Jeep. Ill be looking into this compass and see what the price point is. Thanks for always testing gear, so we don't have to.
Compass are balanced for different zones to my understanding be cautions abbot northern hemisphere compasses out of there intended zones IE southern hemisphere. As the needle may drag suunto global compass will work anywhere or by a compass balanced for your location which will be cheaper The 5 zones are: Zone 1, MN (Magnetic North); Zone 2, NME (North Magnetic Equator); Zone 3, ME (Magnetic Equator); Zone 4, SME (South Magnetic Equator); and Zone 5, MS (Magnetic South). some makes cover these in 3 models but check if you are traveling around the world .
I have been using the MC2 for a long time is my go to for sure, I used to use silvas back in my military days but do prefer the MC2.
I don't have this Sun, maybe I'll give it a go. One bad thing about Sun (and probably the only bad thing) is the compass needle was unbalanced on the 2 models I have. Holding the compass level, one end of the needle or the other will make contact with the inside of the clear housing. To stop the needle from moving with the rest of the compass, I had to hold them not quite level. Annoying enough that I don't use them.
This new one sounds like Sun may have fixed that problem!
Great updates DC. Have a safe New Year. Cheers from Australia.
I love it. Will it last as long as a Suunto? Probably no. But I am too old to worry about stuff lasting for decades and I am not going to live out some off grid hidden in forest survival fantasy. It's more than "good enough" and the right price.
Thanks Dave
I've used an MCB for a few years now, it's always did me well..
This is awesome I'm in the market for a compass but wasn't happy with the price point of the MC2. I'll be pulling the trigger on this one for sure! Already got the button compass from SRO!
A big thing for me is the formation of bubles. My most expensive compass became useless. The one you say you used for years, is it the same one you bought, or have you replaced it with the same model? Is the cheaper one filled with the same liquid?
What are your thoughts on the orienting lines not pointing N/S when adjusted for declination? Seems like it might make an error more likely.
Looks good. I have several different compasses in different bags but my go to is the the mc2 for ease of use but for my go bag that i may need in a REALLY bad potentially life or death situation i have my cammenga... it's less than ideal but its hard to imagine a more bulletproof compass.
I've broken, had bubbles, and frozen both a silva ranger and a mc2 but the ole military issue is as reliable as it gets.
Having the parallel orienting lines turn when setting a declination would seem to make taking an accurate bearing from a map much more difficult, so it would be better to never adjust the declination on the Sun and just use the old technique of manually adding/subtracting the appropriate declination with each reading. It also looks like the degree numbers on the dial are upside down, since your current heading would normally be read at the top of the dial near the base of the mirror. These seem like a pretty big points against the Sun. Just my 2¢...
Nice alternative. Thanks for sharing Dave.
Just priced them both on Amazon. SU to MC-2 $70, the Sun Prosight $40. Dave, would appreciate an update on your Sun Prosight at the six month mark. Thanks for the vid.
My compass is a Walmart whistle compass thermometer combo. Definitely need to pick one of these up!
Thanks for your time and the review.
Dave…another great review, I like the features that were shown in the video and the comparisons. What I noticed between the MC-2 and the Sun was the bezel ring on the MC-2 is readable, right side up, and the Sun is a reverse view. What are your thoughts on this for new students.
Had the mc2 for years. don't travel nights unless you know stars and glow is nice for magnetic north.
The red marking on the sunto look more readable. It would be nice to see a comparison especially on a map.
Other than that the Sun looks like a good compass.
Ive ordered 5 compasses since november 1st. Some of these items were as expected. Made in china... typical garbage. But one actually came and suprised me. Its a prismatic compass. But i really like it. I was expecting another made in china compass. But it actually did not say made in china. And ive been very impressed with it. You never know what you can come across when you bargain shop.
I got a compass that the military uses I like it it doesn't have some of the features that your compasses do not have have not used one in over 20 years I am relearning how to use one again
What about the K&R Alpine compass? No screw to spin the bevel, stronger magnifying glass, great glow that makes things clear in the dark, and the markings allow the same deductions.
Also, a metal mirror can be polished with toothpaste or maybe sharpening compound.
I'm a prior service Vet, but never heard compasses being sold on the surplus market in mils. I was an Army Artillery surveyor and was taught mils at Ft Sill.
Love the Claymore quote on your compass. 😂
Thanks for the video and comparison, as usual a great video
Tried the Sun company compass and it would not hold declination setting for me. Opening and closing case caused adjustable declination to move. After 15 openings and closings it would be off 6-8 degrees. Maybe I got a bad unit.
Dave, has anybody modified similar compasses by drilling an appropriate sighting hole thru the base of the mirror?
Thanks for the review Dave. I have one the Sun Co. watch wrist band compass but wasn't sure of the quality of the baseplate compasses. I'll have to pick one up. What are your thoughts on the Brunton TrueArc 15? It has some interesting features, although I still prefer the MC2.
Dave, you said that the Sun compass doesn't have a cutout for sighting like the Suunto, but what did you mean by that? If you meant for signalling, why can't you just open the compass all the way and sight it thru, say, the dog house? Or were you talking about something else?
Perfect. Thank you, Dave!
Have you had problems with air bubbles on the Taiwan compass so far?
Can’t wait to try one out
I have a alpine k&R, hope I dont get lost
Dave, happy new year! two questions: where can one get a camo jacket like the one you’re wearing? Is there something sub par with Silva compasses?
Nice video. I have used many types of compass. I will get this new one myself. Have you ever used a compass with a peep function? Thank you.
What about comparing accuracy?
Great video Dave
Thanks for the review! How about the lume and the hemisphere (north, south or global) features?
Great compass. Put mine through pure hell and it survives still
Excellent review/comparison video
Dave I got this notification late 6 days ago js
I would prefer for it to be made in USA. Can you do a review of American made products?
Nice compass! What's your thoughts on Silva compass?
All US Silvas are made in China doesn’t mean there junk but most would question. I haven’t had issues but they are expensive as well
great review, thank you sir
Dave I was raised in the woods but I wore my body out working for other people and can't get around any more . What type gear should I get to enjoy living rough in the woods again .
That's a lot of value. Nice.
Great review as always.
I just picked one of these up. How has the Sun held up so far?
David -
Thank you for this quick, clear, and honest review & comparison of the Sun Co. Pro Sight Compass vs. the Suunto.
Liking some of the features and general price point for the Pro Sight... thinking it will make a good backup compass for some additional gear/emergency kits.
Looking forward to checking it out.
Have a Happy & Prosperous New Year!
🇺🇸 🏕 🎆
Considering Suunto and Silva are both made in China I will have to look at the Sun
Looks nice.
Yep
What happend with the K&R compass that you used?
Availability and some accuracy issues within the design of the bezel
Dave 💪💪 mc2 global I have. I like it
Good video, thanks! Do know you know what the liquid is in the compass? Is it useable below 0 F? Thanks!
Yes it’s oil filled
Very cool
Dave here in Riverton, Wyoming,we have the Brunton Compasses made Here.US NAVY 5-7 years ago put in an order of around 150 K units.I will probably show up with a Couple at your Class in 24 ,..1 for you to test .
Hey Dave, not sure if you are awayre but do you have youtube monetization on? UA-cam will pay each month based on the number of views your videos get. We know you put the information out because you want to share the knowledge, and so you also have the right to receive compensation for having our attention. Love the videos!
I’m out. I still use a compass I got as z as Boy Scout. I’m still alive so it works.
Hey man! I'm so glad you are doing this! I love my suunto but I broke it..(totally my abuse, nothing from manufacturing) I've been looking for a cheaper replacement because I need multiples. I'm 50/50 right now on just spending it and .... buy once... cry once.. but if I can find a comparable option... wish they came with a bigger and higher powered lens and those degree marks are very small for the eyesight challenged people who don't bring their glasses to the woods or break them.. hint hint.. haha
I'm very rough on my equipment... use it and abuse it to see what it has.
i like the sun one doasnt have so much plastic hanging out the bottom
Imagine that somebody showing up to Dave’s class after video after video after video saying specifically to use a specific campus for his class, this is why sometimes he hast to talk to people like their children. You need to get your gratification from your dog or your significant other…..
who makes your woobie jacket again, Dave? Thanks!
Perseverance Survival
I have 2 Sylva rangers... Was curious on your thoughts vs the Suunto. Have you had problems with a Sylva in the past?
My 1 jewel compass has no fluid to bubble.
Guess my 1st compass will be the Sun Compass
I have an MC2 and they are overpriced! This video proves it. I still don't use it for deer hunting because the snap when closing it is unexceptable.
Yeah I bought mine in Mil - stupid me.
Hey Dave tell them to cut a hole in the mirror
DAVE,DAVE,DAVE, Run for senator of Ohio, please. Auggie
We all carry phones these days. Is there room for using a phone in bushcraft? Why does bushcraft have to be primitive?
Thanks Dave
Thanks David.