Question and Tru-Nord Compasses

[TheViking]

1) Are they good?:http://www.walshbrothers.co.uk/watch_jewelry/AKZ2.html
Or should I get one of those Tru-Nord compasses and keep my lens? :shock:

2) Has anybody here tried a Tru Nord compass?? I'm looking to buy one after christmas from the States.

All help much appreciated.

 

[Hoodoo]

I've relied on mine many many times. I have most of the models and never had one fail. I've talked to the owner of the company and he's a great guy and a real craftsman. I keep one pinned to my hunting vest. Sometimes I wear one around my neck in a small leather pouch and when I'm backpacking, I often wear the wrist model. Others I keep in minikits or packs. It's a rare occasion that I go into the bush without one somewhere on me or in my pack.

 

[tomtom]

hoodoo how does it compare to the marbles one?

 

[Danceswithhelicopters]

Try tadgear.com for them-fantastic site of shiny things as well.

 

[Hoodoo]

I would not buy a Marbles. I've had good luck with the older ones but I've heard LOTS of complaints about the newer ones going back several years. Definitely go with TruNord.

 

[tomtom]

Just the Answer i was looking for.. Thanks hoodoo!

 

[maddave]

Are there any Tru-Nord stockists in the UK. After Hoodoo's post I've visited a few forums that have threads about Marbles compasses, and the word round the bonfire seems to be, if you can get a really old 'dry' marbles they are OK but the new ones are brass outer with a plastic wet compass inside and they tend to have a bubble inside more often than not that makes em nigh on useless. :?:

I think Tru Nord is the way to go IMO :biggthump

 

[Hoodoo]

Even some of the newer ones without the liquid module inside can be crappy. Also keep in mind that as these types of compasses age, the pivot eventually wears out so if you buy them really old, you may or may not get a good one. Get a new TruNord and it will last you many years.

 

[tomtom]

i'v been looking in to getting one in the UK too! ODS says he doesnt stock them at the moment.. maybe people would be interested in getting a bunch from the US and sharing the shipping cost??

by the way mighty oak why is a wet compass with a bubble in it useless?

 

[Danceswithhelicopters]

I always end up with a bubble after a few years and it interferes with the needle swing. A Silva mini compass I have solves this by having a domed capaule and the bubble ends up being useful as a bubble level.

 

[maddave]

i'v been looking in to getting one in the UK too! ODS says he doesnt stock them at the moment.. maybe people would be interested in getting a bunch from the US and sharing the shipping cost??

by the way mighty oak why is a wet compass with a bubble in it useless?

Same as what DWH says above. If your compass has a flat faceplate and you get a bubble in it, the surface tension of the liquid can interfere with the needle swing and give false readings. Not good if your're in the mist or a whiteout and relying on it not to send you off the side of a mountain. :yikes: