Suunto MC-2G Global Compass
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Description of Suunto MC-2G Global Compass
A high quality compact compass designed with user-friendly features for general use. The M-Series represent durable, reliable, high quality navigational aids, which perform flawlessly in even the most demanding of conditions. Models feature a large liquid filled capsule and adjustable declination correction scale. Another convenient feature of the models in this series is the serrated bezel ring, which is easy to turn even in cold conditions while wearing gloves. Due to their easy-to-read luminous markings and magnifying lenses, the compasses of the M-Series are also ideally suited to navigating in conditions of poor visibility.Hailing from Suunto's MC series, the top-of-the-line MC-2G global compass is an invaluable tool for people who require highly accurate and reliable directional measurements, such as surveyors, miners, architects, rescue patrols, hikers, boaters, and the military. The MC-2G boasts a fixed declination adjustment system--standard throughout the range--that's especially useful when working in areas with large magnetic variation. The tool's additional sighting hole, meanwhile, ensures superior accuracy, as does the jewel bearing. Add in a mirrored lid, a baseplate with a round magnifying lens, a clinometer that measures the ground slope, and a luminous bezel and markings and you have a versatile, practical compass for a variety of applications.
The real star of the MC-2G, however, is its global needle, which works anywhere on the planet. Previously, most compasses functioned well in only one of five geographic zones. That's because the compasses were balanced differently based on the zone's inclination, i.e., the vertical intensity and direction of the Earth's magnetic field. However, as people began to travel more, it became clear that globe-hoppers needed compasses with a greater geographical range. Suunto responded by developing two-zone systems--which work in either the northern or southern hemisphere--and one-zone systems such as the global MC-2G. Now there's no need to purchase several compasses before embarking on your around-the-world eco adventure.
The MC-2G, which also sports a red nylon lanyard for around-the-neck use, measures 2.5 by 0.6 by 3.9 inches (W x H x D) with the lid closed and weighs a mere 2.65 ounces. It's also backed by a lifetime warranty.
Sports reviews of Suunto MC-2G Global Compass
Customer Review: Compass
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I guess I actually learned how to use one. Between the instructions and the internet...this one actually works!!!Customer Review: Nice mirror sighting compass
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
The compass handles very nicely. The housing is more comfortable to turn than the Silva Ranger CL. This started to become significant after a few minutes of handling. The Suunto can be used with one hand whereas it was difficult for me to operate the Silva due to the small knurls on the housing.
The bottom part of the mirror has a half-moon hole in it allowing a midpoint view of your map. Very nice.
The global gimbal system on the needle is pretty handy as you don't have to hold the compass totally flat for it to operate correctly. Or I could learn to hold the base level, too. Presumably in the southern hemisphere the magnetic field causes the compass needle to roll a bit.
The one very strange thing about this model is that the declination markers inside the housing are printed upside down. It appears that Suunto went with the declination readable from the opposing side while making the declination adjustment since the compass must be turned upside down to do this. It's an interesting way to differentiate.
The inclinometer is probably pretty handy for snow travel among other things.
The base is a little wide for my hand, as is the Silva. The mirror appears replaceable. Good thing since it's glass. The map markings don't start on the edge of compass. I prefer this since I never feel comfortable with that, but it's a personal preference. It has a 1:24000 and 1:62500 (?) scale for map measurements.
The sighting notch seems to work well. The lid snaps on to the base tightly and due to the thickness of the lid, you can't quite twist your thumb to pop it. It's a practice problem, I'm guessing.
The key on the lanyard is for adjusting the declination, though I don't think I'd do it because I'd forget to realign it.
The compass is very heavy compared to a baseplate design but that's due to the lid. It's a consideration if you're an ultralighter. Those ounces really do add up. There are lighter mirror compasses available.
The base does not have a centimeter scale whereas the Silva does.
Customer Review: A little better than the Silva Ranger
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
The Suunto MC-2G and the Silva Ranger are the two high end (read: expensive) compasses out there. I'm not sure why they are worth the money, but I own both and here's my take on the head-to-head comparison. Both compasses are about the same, but the Suunto has the edge for three or four reasons:
1) The housing turns more smoothly on the Suunto than the Silva. Not a big deal either way, but the Silva turns smooth for a bit and then hangs up a bit. Suunto is smooth the whole way around.
2) The Suunto has half-moon window in the mirror for easier sighting whereas the Silva does not for some reason. Again, no big deal, but I like having the window.
3) The Suunto needle doesn't get hung up if you aren't holding it perfectly level, whereas the Silva can hang a bit. The reason the Suunto doesn't get hung up is because it has these two tiny pins attached to the needle that rest against the top of the housing and keep the needle level. I held both compasses side by side and moved them around a bit. The Suunto consistentlly found north a little more quickly and didn't get hung up. This is a somewhat signficant difference.
4) This is really insignificant, but the Suunto declination markings are printed so that you are looking at the markings on the same side you are turning the declination screw. With the Silva, you turn the screw on the backside and look at the markings on the other side. It's such a minor point that it is almost not worth mentioning, but once again, a small edge for Suunto.
4.5) And now for perhaps the most significant difference of all...the Suunto looks a little cooler.
I rate both products four stars instead of five because of price. I can't see that there is any significant difference in the manufacturing costs of a compass like these two and something in the $15-$30 range. But I like sighting with a mirror and I'm inclined to buy what appears to be "the best" even if it is more expensive. I'm not sure the price is justified in this case, but when all is said and done both are excellent compasses.
Customer Review: Great, but could be perfect!
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
The main reason I chose this compass over the much cheaper and equally as accurate Brunton 15TDCL is the global needle. Otherwise, the Brunton has everything else I want at half the cost at my local REI or $25 less on Amazon.
Global needle:
Great considering I will be traveling to the southern hemisphere, saving me from buying another compass just for that. The tracks really quickly and settles just as fast.
Other positives include:
1) The black lettering on white-glow background is easier to read
2) The mirror has a larger sighting hole at the base if that's how you sight.
3) Lower profile when closed
4) The reverse declination scale is intuitive and "out of the way" when viewing from above, yet works really well when using the clinometer and reading with the mirror and reversing the numbers again for easy reading.
5) Strong glow in the dark material.
6) This is big: made in Europe and not China.
Negatives (not necessarily compared to the Brunton):
1) Big square cover. Larger foot print because of the squared corners than the Brunton. The squared edges of the mirror cover are also less comfortable.
2) The scales on the baseplate either have inches and no centimeters, or 1:24000/1:62500, or 1:25000/1:50000. One could easily get rid of the 1:25000 or 1:50000 and replace it with 1:240000 since it is half.
3) The etching isn't very deep making it easy to chip off the paint from the baseplate. The logo and model number aren't even etched in.
4) Although this is extra, the snap release isn't very secure. The lanyard just barely hangs inside making it likely to come off when putting in a bag. Better to just loop the lanyard directly to the baseplate.
5) The magnifying glass could be larger to be useful as a firestarter too.
6) Price.
Customer Review: Recommended improvements.
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
A very nice, usable compass. But I do recommend some improvements to the manufacturer: 1. Add the 1:100,000 UTM scale and 1:24,000 UTM scale map markings to the baseplate. 2. Make the magnifying glass stronger so it could be used to start a fire in emergencies. 3. Add a sighting hole to the back of the mirror cover so the mirror could be used for signalling in an emergency. 4. Add a good, positive snap latch to the baseplate to open/close the mirror cover. Make those simple improvements and this compass would be nearly perfect! Then I will have a couple more suggestions, to make it completely perfect!