Analog Compass Price Range?

[Dubious]

Greetings All,

I tried to do a search on this topic in this section and in the computer and gauges section, but I couldn't find what I was looking for.

I wanted to know if anyone could give me some insight into the broad price range of analog compasses? They seem to run from about $50.00 to $100.00 USD. When I look at the features, I don't see many differences.

I was planning on ordering the aqualung i300c (maybe i200c because of form factor) from my LDS today which does not have a compass. Even if I would buy a computer with a digital compass, it seems many on this site recommend both digital and analog.

Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[arcticat99]

i use the aqualung 1300 and a suunto analog compass .both work nice but thinking of switching to an led computer for the most part my dives are in low vis lakes and i find the i300 harder to read than an led screen in dark waters as for the sunnto compass glows really nice if you leave out in the sun for a while before your dive

 

[grf88]

I have the Dive Gear Express Deluxe one that provides up to 30 degree tilt. Good quality and good value.

 

[Dubious]

i use the aqualung 1300 and a suunto analog compass .both work nice but thinking of switching to an led computer for the most part my dives are in low vis lakes and i find the i300 harder to read than an led screen in dark waters as for the sunnto compass glows really nice if you leave out in the sun for a while before your dive

Thank you for your reply. That is a good point about reading the screen of the dive computer. My rental was not led but I can see where that would help.

I think the Suunto sk-8 is one of the compasses my LDS offers.

 

[Dubious]

I have the Dive Gear Express Deluxe one that provides up to 30 degree tilt. Good quality and good value.

Thank you for your reply. So the amount of tilt changes the price. I see that the DGX states liquid filled. Is that liquid oil like the SK8 or is there different liquids used in different compasses?

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

Thank you for your reply. That is a good point about reading the screen of the dive computer. My rental was not led but I can see where that would help.

I think the Suunto sk-8 is one of the compasses my LDS offers.

I received a Suunto SK-8 as a gift. It's a nice compass, but I didn't like how mine is mounted (it came mounted on a retractable reel).

I've got one that's identical to this one...it just doesn't say Dive Rite on the box. I removed the wrist strap and use bungee cord to wrist mount it.
Dive Rite Compass Wrist Model And Hose Mount

My dive computer (Mares Matrix) has an electronic compass, but I'm not a fan of it.

 

[grf88]

Thank you for your reply. So the amount of tilt changes the price. I see that the DGX states liquid filled. Is that liquid oil like the SK8 or is there different liquids used in different compasses?

I would imagine it is some kind of oil or maybe alcohol. It does not freeze if left in the car at sub-zero temperatures. It certainly performs better and is easier to use than the basic compass I had previously.

 

[michael-fisch]

The best compasses are filled with proof strength Ardbeg Corryvrecken at 57.7%. If they ever break you will drink the fluid, and probably buy another dozen compasses.

Michael

 

[JackD342]

Mounting options are a personal preference and certainly one component of the price equation. (wrist, retractor, slate, etc.)
And then there is the actual compass - no they are not all created equally. You want one that does not easily "lock up" when slightly tilted from level, and also "settles in" to the reading fairly quickly instead of oscillating back and forth for a while. In general, Suunto and Pelagic (sold as Aqualung, Oceanic, Sherwood, & other brands) perform very well. Lower priced compasses do tend to be more difficult to use accurately, especially when doing any more precise navigation.

 

[TMHeimer]

I bought a new compass for my console for $50 U.S. in New York a few years ago.