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maxmfs

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I use watch strap compasses from time to time, and am curious to get folks’ thoughts. I’ve used suunto, and the ones from CountyComm, and just ordered a brushed titanium one from Black Scout Survival.

So, do you rock a watch strap compass? If so, what brand, with what watch, on what kind of strap?

I’ll start here:
(1) CountyComm on Casio DW-6600 on stock plastic strap; and
(2) CountyComm on Seiko SRP777 on, NATO Strap Co. Z5.

Looking forward to folks’ responses. Thanks.
 
#2 ·
I did when I was a kid, haven’t in a couple decades - but I would rock one with a field watch or SKX when camping.

Serious question, aren’t those small compasses notoriously inaccurate? I’d imagine being swung around on your wrist all day probably isn’t all that good for them either. 🤷🏻‍♂️
 
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Discussion starter · #3 ·
I think it depends on the build quality. A decent one, from a decent manufacturer, should give general directional info such a as.”Am I still heading North?” I wouldn’t use one for land nav, but I find them useful for back up and a quick glance. So for me: GPS, map and lensatic compass, then wrist compass.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Those watches are a trip! What’s their vintage? The design motifs remind me of the old yellow, blue, and red water resistant Sony Sport Walkman cassette players. (Remember those?) I would have loved to have seen the look on folks’ faces as I pulled up the sleeve on my woodland camos back in the 90”s and had one of those on. Thanks for sharing.
 
#8 ·
I don't "rock" (or "run") anything, but I tried a Suunto Clipper on one of my DW6900 G-Shocks and never could get used to the clip's points against my wrist. I didn't bother with the melting hack to round 'em off either though.
 
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#9 ·
I have both of the compasses you mentioned. Personally I prefer the Suuntos. I'm on my third after breaking one and getting a bubble on the second. I tried a black scout survival but honestly I'm not a huge fan of how much taller in wears than the Suunto. It also has a slight rattle due to the design. If neither of those things bother you it's a great compass and much better built than the plastic Suunto, but personally I'd rather buy three Suuntos for the price.
Image
View attachment 17244887
View attachment 17244901
 
#10 ·
How reliable are the attachment systems on the Suunto versions, is there any chance it will slide off if bumped, etc. I'm looking for a "good" to attach to some watches that have a secure attachment and work reliably, especially at night and under Gen3 NVG if possible, Thank you
 
#11 ·
Wasty said:
The only Suunto devices I have are the Suunto Clippers, as they are quite good and not so pricey.

I have them strapped to my backpacks for a quick reference.
The one pictured is already 4 years old, and will be replaced due to the bubble that already formed.
View attachment 17205570
Click to expand...
Can you guys share any buying advice? Anything with a NSN must be good enough, right?

I've never had this version before. Do these Suunto Clipper have a date of manufacture on them, to double check before buying some, to make sure you get a new one?

The prices are all over the ballpark, from $20+ so I'm assuming, higher price equals new production and when they get old, they are dumped on the auction sites.


Bubbles developing in yours? I guess that is the "limited" part in the Suunto limited lifetime warranty. Be nice if they replaced, without it costing us $20 in shipping both ways.


Measurements 30 x 24 x 11 mm / 1.18 x 0.94 x 0.43 "
Weight 5 g / 0.18 oz
What's in the box?
Suunto Clipper L/B NH Compass

Liquid filled jewel bearing compass
Balanced for northern hemisphere
Cardinal directions in luminous prints on card
Direction on rotating bezel in 10 degrees increments
Clips to watch strap, sleeve, strap of backpack, side of map etc.
A fun, supercompact aid for underwater navigation
Suunto limited lifetime warranty
Made in Finland
NSN: 6605-58-000-1592
 
#12 ·
comeandseek said:
How reliable are the attachment systems on the Suunto versions, is there any chance it will slide off if bumped, etc. I'm looking for a "good" to attach to some watches that have a secure attachment and work reliably, especially at night and under Gen3 NVG if possible, Thank you
Click to expand...
I can't speak on night vision because my department doesn't have that kind of dough, but the clipper has not failed in years of patrol work, door breaching, violent arrests and lots of force on force training. The Suuntos are $20 on Amazon, and if you're interested I have the BSS up for grabs on here.
 
#13 ·
filthyj24 said:
I can't speak on night vision because my department doesn't have that kind of dough, but the clipper has not failed in years of patrol work, door breaching, violent arrests and lots of force on force training. The Suuntos are $20 on Amazon, and if you're interested I have the BSS up for grabs on here.
Click to expand...
Thank you. REI has it for $20 + sales tax + shipping, also.

Reading all the bad reviews on REI, some people made complaints about the clip coming loose, compass popping out of the base and the clip sliding off the strap or not fitting over plastic straps. So I had to double check with you guys.

I was wondering if it would fit my old cheap Casio Pro Trek PRW2500-1A and Suunto Core All Black plastic straps.

You can't have that cheap compas popping out or falling off in a self-defense situation. I guess we can glue it.

I saw made in German military compasses somewhere, that may be a better choice for attaching to watch strap, but can't find the links now.


Re NVG
The company SiOnyx has a digital "night vision" that's "cheap" and popular with LE FBI and public. Hope the BNVD version comes out soon.

Digital Night Vision | SIONYX



With your Federal Aid assistance packages, you should be able to have them! For some reason, Agencies seem to like the 31A w/o adjustable diopters, but L3 Harris has the Gen 3 1531 BNVD @ about $10,000-/+ with LE discount (retail MSRP is $10,400 IIRC). All plastic. The fused versions would be a dream to own.

Binocular Night Vision Device – 1531

Binocular Night Vision Device (BNVD) - Fused

L3Harris Begins Production of Next Generation Panoramic Night Vision System for USSOCOM
 
#15 ·
The problem with many of these, including the PDW one, I think, is that the actual compass is the same cheap Chinesium that you can buy in eBay for pennies. They pop it into a housing and charge 100X the price. I once bought a bag of 50 of them and checked them against a "real" compass and about 20% of them were accurate. If you are just doing it for the 'gram I guess that's OK.
 
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