SK-7 Compass - DSS or Retractor?

[galvanni]

I'm having some anxiety trying to choose between the DSS mount or retractor mount version of Sunnto's SK-7 compass. Throwing this out there to maybe feel out some input from others in order to evaluate pros and cons.

 

[Peter Guy]

Get the DSS boot and get rid of "danglies." OTOH, it may be easier for you, as a new diver, to hold your compass straight in front of you if it is on a retractor.

 

[terrylowe]

I vote for the retractor. Nice to have it out of the way until I need it.

 

[Outlaw13]

The retractor is easier to use when you want to do proper navigation.
The DSS boot is easier to just have a quick glance at to see roughly which direction you are going. So I guess it depends how much proper navigation you do.

 

[weaponeer]

What's wrong with the good old-fashioned wrist mount? With side window it works fine or bring it in closer for top view.

 

[galvanni]

One note I forgot to mention I will have a Mares Nemo Wide wrist computer on my right arm. I would ideally like to see both at the same time - which it looks like if I DSS mount in front of the computer closest to my wrist that I can effectively see both at the same time with elbow bent. What I'm concerned with (although I've barely done any navigation aside from cert) is of what I'm reading that it is generally more difficult to keep a correct position with a wrist mount. I'm guessing because of the tendency to wander unless you're locking your palm onto your other arm.

 

[ligersandtions]

The first compass I used was a wrist mounted one....I hated it, so I got a retractor for the compass instead. Not too long after that, I realized that I actually preferred the wrist mounted version better, so after losing my compass, I bought a new one and got a DSS boot for it.

I also wear my computer on my right wrist, so my compass goes on my left wrist. I could look at both at the same time if I needed, but I generally don't see any reason to do so.

 

[wrybosome]

I mount an sk7 on my left wrist, and the comp on the inner aspect of my right wrist. Clasping my hands in front of me it's simple to control depth and heading simultaneously this way. View the compass through the side window, and the comp is face on.

 

[Thalassamania]

The function of a compass is navigation. It is critical, for accurate navigation, to have the lubber line of the compass perfectly aligned with your direction of travel. The best way to do this is with an attack board, but that is somewhat cumbersome. Keeping the lubber line lined up with your direction of travel is much, much easier to do with a wrist mounted compass that it is with a retractor.

 

[kathydee]

+1 for the DSS wrist mount!!