Looking for first compass, is the SK-8 worth getting over the SK-7?
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I opted for neither and got a DGX Tech Compass for $39.
Tech Compass w/Bungee Mount and Cord | Dive Gear Express®
It's nice and low profile, and it comes with a bungee mount which is very ease to use mounted on the back of my right hand.
If I ever find some reason why I need something "better", I won't have any complaints about having spent $39 on something that becomes my backup.
Tech Compass w/Bungee Mount and Cord | Dive Gear Express®
It's nice and low profile, and it comes with a bungee mount which is very ease to use mounted on the back of my right hand.
If I ever find some reason why I need something "better", I won't have any complaints about having spent $39 on something that becomes my backup.
wetrocksrock
Registered
Love my SK-7! Never had a problem with it and very reliable 
Lock up? You mean settle on a heading? I haven't had any trouble with that.
I haven't had any trouble reading mine. I have old eyes and wear reading glasses on the surface. My masks all have gauge reader lenses (+2) in them.
But, to be clear, I have not been diving THAT long and I have rarely needed a compass. Usually, when I have bothered to use a compass it has been when I get down to a wreck and I take a heading from the anchor line in the direction of the wreck (the anchor line usually being at one end or the other). That is just to make sure if I get turned around, I can figure out which direction to go to get back to the anchor line. For something like that, I don't need super precision. I just need to know "right or left" more or less. Plus, wrecks can, supposedly, have their own magnetic signature that will throw a compass off. So, I think it's best to not be dependent on that except as a last resort.
In other words, for the use I've had so far, the Tech compass may not have that few percentage points of performance that the Suuntos do. But, I have yet to need that extra performance.
One of my computers (a SeaBear H3) has a built-in electronic compass. I always have that. I don't usually even take the Tech compass in the water, since I got the H3. And the H3 is more readable than any physical compass, and works over a bigger range of tilt.
If the Suuntos weren't so tall, I might have anted up for one. But, I just don't like something that tall sticking up off my hand or arm. That and the cheaper price are why I went with the Tech. And the nice bungee mount. A bungee loop around my first two fingers and another loop around my wrist holds the compass very comfortably on the back of my hand and it's much easier to use/read/orient than a compass on a wrist strap on my arm.
I haven't had any trouble reading mine. I have old eyes and wear reading glasses on the surface. My masks all have gauge reader lenses (+2) in them.
But, to be clear, I have not been diving THAT long and I have rarely needed a compass. Usually, when I have bothered to use a compass it has been when I get down to a wreck and I take a heading from the anchor line in the direction of the wreck (the anchor line usually being at one end or the other). That is just to make sure if I get turned around, I can figure out which direction to go to get back to the anchor line. For something like that, I don't need super precision. I just need to know "right or left" more or less. Plus, wrecks can, supposedly, have their own magnetic signature that will throw a compass off. So, I think it's best to not be dependent on that except as a last resort.
In other words, for the use I've had so far, the Tech compass may not have that few percentage points of performance that the Suuntos do. But, I have yet to need that extra performance.
One of my computers (a SeaBear H3) has a built-in electronic compass. I always have that. I don't usually even take the Tech compass in the water, since I got the H3. And the H3 is more readable than any physical compass, and works over a bigger range of tilt.
If the Suuntos weren't so tall, I might have anted up for one. But, I just don't like something that tall sticking up off my hand or arm. That and the cheaper price are why I went with the Tech. And the nice bungee mount. A bungee loop around my first two fingers and another loop around my wrist holds the compass very comfortably on the back of my hand and it's much easier to use/read/orient than a compass on a wrist strap on my arm.
sbijou
Contributor
I've got both and honestly can't tell the difference. Both are reliable, easy to use; especially in a low profile bungee mount.
Good compass is also Scubapro FS-2.
FS-2 provides a unique tilt angle of at least up to 35 degrees, making it easier to read and operate in most any position. With a floating magnet separate from the compass rose, the FS-2 has a greater angle of operating freedom than conventional compasses. This means you can use the same compass for both Northern and Southern hemispheres, so perfect for travelling divers.
FS-2 provides a unique tilt angle of at least up to 35 degrees, making it easier to read and operate in most any position. With a floating magnet separate from the compass rose, the FS-2 has a greater angle of operating freedom than conventional compasses. This means you can use the same compass for both Northern and Southern hemispheres, so perfect for travelling divers.
DiverDownD3
Contributor
I have the SK-8. Got it on eBay for $50. I have no complaints. I also recommend getting the bungee mount that Tobin has a Deep Sea Supply. Just put the compass in hot water for about a minute and it pops right out. Takes like 2 minutes to change out
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