Suunto SK-7 wrist compass

[WetCell]

I just got my Suuno SK-7 wrist compass in the mail and cannot figure out how the wrist strap is supposed to work. I called Suunto tech support and THEY could not explain it.

Please don't post if you do not own this compass or have owned it. The following will make no sense to you and please, no speculations on how it might work. Also, please no advice on how I should switch to a bungee or clip mount.

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What is the rectangular loop for? Mine is positioned between the spring-like area of the strap and the latch (buckle) part. Only with effort does the tongue end of the strap (with the protrusion) go under it, so I cannot see how that is the way it works--especially if you are suiting up on a boat. I am wondering if it is supposed to go on the other side of the tongue before it goes into the buckle and act as a size keeper to keep it from being pulled too tight?

Finns drive me crazy with their frou-frou minimalist design and the manual doesn't have a single illustration--great compass though.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

The end of the wrist strap (the end that feeds through the buckle) has a small bump. This will "catch" on the rectangular keeper, preventing the strap from coming completely undone if the buckle slips.... is this what you were talking about? But yeah, it takes some work to pass it under the keeper. You'll get used to it... but it is a PITA, and one reason I'm contemplating going the bungee route

Best wishes.

 

[ptyx]

This is from memory, as I sold my SK7 a while ago.

1. Thread strap in buckle (from wrist side to outside, bottom hole)
2. Insert the small plastic tongue in one of the strap holes (with effort, you got that part right - although it becomes easier with time)
3. Continue threading the strap (from outside to wrist side, top hole) on the other side of the buckle

Usually, step 3 causes step 2 to come undone...
The SK7 is a great compass (although bulky), but the strap sucks. I can't figure out why they're not using the same one they use on their computers.

 

[rongoodman]

Let me be the first:

Order the bungee wrist mount for the compass from Deep Sea Supply,
Remove the compass from the wrist strap/mount by soaking in very warm water and prying it out,
Install the compass into the DSS mount,
Throw the wrist strap away.

 

[D_B]

You can convert it like I did mine .. I got tired of the strap thing in a hurry

Explanations of what and how are on the pics

 

[WetCell]

The end of the wrist strap (the end that feeds through the buckle) has a small bump. This will "catch" on the rectangular keeper, preventing the strap from coming completely undone if the buckle slips.... is this what you were talking about? But yeah, it takes some work to pass it under the keeper. You'll get used to it... but it is a PITA, and one reason I'm contemplating going the bungee route

Best wishes.

Thanks, that cleared up the issue. After I played with it a bit I found that if I squeeze the keeper, the strap end with the bump slips right in. The idea (at least what I think so far) is that you keep the tab under the keeper so the strap stays together only loose or snug depending on whether or not you are wearing it.

To put it on, you just slip your hand into the fully open loop. It will easily accommodate a heavy glove, dry suit, wetsuit, etc. After it is on your wrist, you snug it up and snap one of the oval holes over a pin, then press the edge of the strap under the tabs in the buckle.

To remove, you have to get the strap out from under the buckle tabs, then the strap slips open and you can get it off--but the whole thing stays together.

Something of a PITA, but might not be after repeated usage.

That said, the bungie looks uncomfortable and tenuous and this compass replaces an inferior one that I lost in Mammoth Lake because of a questionable (BC) mounting system. I am going to try a few dives now that I have the process down and see. If it turns into more of a PITA than it is now, I may go the bungie route. Once the damn thing is on, it feels very secure and comfortable and really looks, as the young'uns would say, "kewl". I am a member of the 50+ diver club, so comfort and functionality are more important to me than anything else, cool factor aside.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

You can convert it like I did mine .. I got tired of the strap thing in a hurry

Explanations of what and how are on the pics

Thanks for posting that D_B. I'd been thinking of doing something similar, and it helps to see a "finished" DIY mounting. I may give it a shot... at worst, if I really botch it or don't like it I can order one from Tobin at DSS... or if I feel too lazy I may just get the DSS mount

Best wishes.

 

[ONESPEED]

You can convert it like I did mine .. I got tired of the strap thing in a hurry

Explanations of what and how are on the pics

This is a good option but the DSS boot is better, a bit more low profile.

https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=47

 

[Jim Lapenta]

And if you thread it right there's no way short of losing your arm that you'll lose the compass with a DSS boot! And it is much more comfortable than any fixed length strap. I can wear mine with no exposure suit up through my drysuit. Of course I wear mine on the back of my hand since it is easier to use that way so bare hand through dry gloves would be more accurate.

 

[D_B]

This is a good option but the DSS boot is better, a bit more low profile.

https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=47

Oh, I agree completely
... I just had the bungee and decided to try my hand at it