MC-2 Navigator global compass
| Page Type | Gear Review |
|---|---|
| Object Title | MC-2 Navigator global compass |
| Manufacturer | Suunto |
| Page By | warriorpoet |
| Page Type | Nov 9, 2007 / Feb 26, 2008 |
| Object ID | 4237 |
| Hits | 8712 |
| Vote |
Product Description
"The Suunto MC-2G Navigator Compass features a patented global needle that functions flawlessly anywhere in the world. It includes a large mirror, additional sighting hole, luminous bezel ring, and baseplate with magnifying lens, all to increase accuracy. But the crown jewel of the MC-2G is a patented Global Needle that works anywhere on the globe. This truly unique feature is why the MC-2G is standard issue for Military Special Forces." (from backcountry.com)The global version that will work anywhere in the world, regardless of the magnetic dip zone. It can also be used on the move, without stopping to level out the compass. Will work at up to 20 degree angles. The needle itself is not magnetized, but is integrated with a small magnetic disc that turns the needle. The sighting notch at the bottom of the mirror aids in taking clinometer readings. The mirror-image clinometer scale makes it easy for a single climber to take readings off the mirror. This feature also makes setting the declination easier.
Features
• Global Needle.• Liquid filled.
• Mirror image clinometer scale.
• Easy declination adjustment.
• Luminous rotating dial with 2 degree increments.
• Comes with Metric or Standard baseplates.
• Extra sighting notch at bottom of mirror.
• Magnifying glass.
• Metric version has in. and mm, and 1:25k and 1:50k map scales.
• Standard version has 1:24k and 1:62.5k map scales and 3 in. ruler.
• Operates down to -40 degrees Farenheit.
• Self-cleaning capsule bearing.
• Tungsten steel needle.
• 3.75 x 2.5 inch clear plastic base plate.
Images
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Reviews
Viewing: 1-2 of 2 |
eskunu - Oct 5, 2011 9:42 pm - Voted 5/5
great compass
This is a fantastic compass.
The display is easy to read, although the red characters could be a little darker. The letters have also started to show a little wear.
Getting a sighting/bearing is very easy, thanks to the unique design of the sighting window.
I like that the dial is hard to turn; but as the warriorpoet said it could be hard to adjust with winter gloves on. Still, I prefer a tightly seated dial because it leaves little room for error - you're not likely to bump it and turn it while moving, and it's also less like to wear with use.
The housing and enclosure/mirror seem very durable, at least for primarily plastic materials. It would take a fairly big fall to really break this compass. The hinges work well and are snug.
The clinometer is a very useful tool and shouldn't be underestimated. It does seem to stick just a little bit, so you have to tap the window a little to get an accurate read, just like the instructions tell you.
Overall, I give this compass 5 stars, and I would recommend to a friend and would even strongly consider buying again if I needed to.
The display is easy to read, although the red characters could be a little darker. The letters have also started to show a little wear.
Getting a sighting/bearing is very easy, thanks to the unique design of the sighting window.
I like that the dial is hard to turn; but as the warriorpoet said it could be hard to adjust with winter gloves on. Still, I prefer a tightly seated dial because it leaves little room for error - you're not likely to bump it and turn it while moving, and it's also less like to wear with use.
The housing and enclosure/mirror seem very durable, at least for primarily plastic materials. It would take a fairly big fall to really break this compass. The hinges work well and are snug.
The clinometer is a very useful tool and shouldn't be underestimated. It does seem to stick just a little bit, so you have to tap the window a little to get an accurate read, just like the instructions tell you.
Overall, I give this compass 5 stars, and I would recommend to a friend and would even strongly consider buying again if I needed to.
Viewing: 1-2 of 2 |
warriorpoet - Feb 18, 2008 5:35 pm - Voted 3/5
Very good, but not perfect.The luminous dial is pretty useless. You can only read the points for a few seconds before it dims. The cardinal points are not illuminated which would be much more useful.
The lanyard is too short. The slide catches, and is very hard to work. I liked the Ranger better on this point.
It lacks the tapered cover like that on the ranger, which gives you a much better view of the azimuth in the mirror. This makes it hard to take quick bearings using the mirror. However, it does force you to adjust the mirror to to the correct angle.
I got the metric version. I don't really care what's on the baseplate, though, as I usually use a UTM grid card for map work.
The dial has tighter tolerance than the Ranger. This makes it a little harder to turn, but less likely to get sand and debris under the dial. I actually got a chunk of wood stuck under the Ranger dial.
The reverse protractor on the clinometer is great. That combined with the extra sighting notch, make it easy to take clinometer readings in the mirror. It also makes it easier to adjust the declination screw. There's a luminous mark on the baseplate that allows you to use the clinometer marks to set the declination. This gives you a more accurate adjustment, and means that you don't have to keep flipping the compass over to set the screw.
Merging the MC-2G with the Silva Ranger would be just about perfect. They're now made by the same company, so I can't see why they haven't done it. I think the Ranger has better overall design, but lacks the features of the MC-2G. I mainly got this compass for the clinometer and the global needle. Otherwise, I'd prefer the one-handed convenience of the Military lensatic. It's a pain to turn the dial with mittens on.