Multifunctional Compass for Hiking, Outdoor Survival,Camping with Distance Calculator,Mirror, Lensatic Sighting,Surveyors Foresters,Lightweight and Durable - Black

Always wanted a barebones option to a functional Brunton compass and I’m glad I found this. It’s everything you want with any other standard Brunton but made out of cheaper material on the outside. Even comes with a thread case that attaches to your belt (it’s cheaply made too but super convenient). I haven’t used it in the field yet, but it seems like one that might not hold up for long against rough handling and wear-n-tear. But for ~$20, this is a STEAL and it’s the only option that’s less than $300-400.

I bought this compass to use on the job rather than risking the loss of my antique D.W. Brunton Pocket Transit. My antique is cast aluminum and brass though this one is molded plastic and quite lightweight. The plastic is no issue at all for me. Calculating that I could get another of these on short notice and at a reasonable price takes the worry out of losing it.Comparing its function to the c.1895 Brunton, it is basically the same. For my purposes, I use the clineometer for calculating hill and rooftop slope. I can calculate the height and slope of a roof without climbing up on it. The compass is free-wheeling and doesn't bind unlike some liquid filled compasses do. However, it is not as free-wheeling as the Brunton, which takes a while for the needle to settle down.Compass accuracy is sufficient that, in a wooded setting and given a set of field notes, I could navigate from point of beginning to final destination, and find all landmarks along the way.The mirror on my new unit is highly polished...something...not glass, with no possibility of breaking.The vernier/dial graduation marks and numbers are neatly etched into the backplates by some method and not painted on. Over time, paint deteriorates, but the etching will not.***For those who are familiar with a standard compass******Please note: On this unit, the East and West markings are reversed for correct reading through the integral mirror.***Adjustment for magnetic declination is the same as for the Brunton, again the exception is the antique has metal adjusters, whereas the new unit adjusters are plastic.My antique Brunton has a level bubble on the clineometer but not for the compass unit. This Amazon unit has levels for both functions.If your needs require a very, very high precision whatever, this unit may not be what you want. But for someone who wants a lightweight pocket transit that, in the event it is lost in the woods it wont break your heart or pocketbook, it's worth the money.The pocket transit requires a bit of schooling to use all the functions properly, but out of the box it will point to magnetic North, which is a good starting point from which to learn.

The Funtalker compass is a nice little compass but compared to other similar compasses in that price range, it has a couple of short comings. The transparent lens over the needle is plastic which is not as scratch resistant as the glass faces on other units. The accuracy is very good and the induction dampened needle is settles down very quickly after movement. A top notch unit. One of the hinge pins is slightly loose and I can see that I will need to use a little crazy glue on the end to keep it from falling out as time goes by.Note about my use of the deviceI am using the compass to assist in surveying property. As with all compasses, it is important to calibrate with a known azimuth. Just setting the compass to the reported magnetic deviation value for your geographic area is not enough. There is a very small "instrument" error which requires comparison with a known azimuth. For my unit, the instrument error was not quite 1 degree. Once you have proper calibration, the unit is very accurate. You have to make sure that you do not have any ferrous metal close by, and you have to have good near vision to accurately read the angle. If you learn to carefully sight with the foldable sights, you can get within a half degree which means about +/- 1.7 feet at 200 feet.

This is really cheaply made. Mirror is metal and you cannot see the dial. Cheap plastic body.

This is a $20 knock-off of a $60 knock-off of a $400 product. This compass, like its two more-expensive parents are worth every penny in their respective price tiers. Case is sturdy plastic. Fabric holster is a made well. The snap on the holster is probably stronger than the fabric in the long run. Excellent value for the money.

I have used K&E, Brunton, and other Mil Spec transits over the years. When I ordered this one I did not expect much... WOW... it really works... Its light weight due to its composite body... its got a strong magnet... it is reasonably accurate (at least the one I got was)... And when I drop it off a cliff face into the rocks and mud... I'm not going to cry.I might just order another one as a back up.Never take anything in the field you can't afford to loose.

Otherwise as expected.

They spent the money making this were it matters. All plastic. Super cheap. Polished plastic mirror. But the needle heads straight to N/S and it locks in place when you close the lid so the needle isn't over worked or damaged. If you want a great compass that works like an expensive one this is it. Just note they cheaped out on everything else about it to focus on what matter. Don't drop it. Don't put it in water. Protect the compass.