SUUNTO A-30 Compass: Compact, hiking compass with luminous markings in low light

Excellent compass

This was a gift for my wife, who went on a tour of Northern Scotland, where she wanted to measure the directions faced by several portions of the Cairns of Clava, a Bronze Age burial site. The compass was delivered on time, the day before she left. She reports that it functioned well, and she was able to obtain the measurements that she wanted. When I examined the compass before she left, it seemed to function well, and to be straightforward to use.

Suunto has a reputation for quality and this compass does not disappoint, light weight, durable, scale markings and magnifier allow it to be used equally well on the map table and on the trail, very accurate, readings match electronic compass exactly, fluid stabilization keeps the needle steady on the move, dial turns easily and holds in place, the large numbers with glow in the dark make it easy to read night or day, this is my go-to compass

Good:WELL MADE - solid, needle settles almost immediately, glows well when 'charged,' small and light.Not so good:1. The DIAL #'s are small, I have to put on my reading glasses to set a course. This is not so easy dressed for below zero temperatures wearing a face mask, hat, headlamp and mittens.2. There is no adjustment for declination. Yes you can add or subtract the # and in my case thats a two step process (my brain). I could get used to that, but presetting the declination is best.

Suunto has great, reliable field compass. But, as Suunto delivers world wide, they have a product for both North and South hemisphere. Be sure to order the compass for where you plan to use the compass. If your compass points "South", rather than "North", it may be that there was a mistake in shipping or the order. I have seen some concern about the declination feature, but one just needs to know their local declination, and then make a manual east or west correction to get true north, rather that magnetic north bearing. The luminous dots and ring made for easy night use. The compass is liquid damped, and that makes for very good accuracy. With the limited lifetime warranty, this is an excellent buy.

Well made compass. Comes with a good set of instructions to help you use it, if you’re not familiar with how.

Accurate compass to keep with my telescopes to use in polar alignment. Good quality that can be trusted

Arrived on time in good condition exactly as described. This is a good basic compass. Not a lot of frills, but easy to learn and use.