Hand bearing compass recommendations

[fjweaver]

I'm looking for a new hand bearing compass and would like some recommendations please.

At the moment the favourite is the Plastimo Iris 50

I was sure that either PBO or ST did a gear test not so long ago but I can't find it

thanks
Frank

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[Strathglass]

I purchased one of the Plastimo Iris 50's recently from Gael Force at a very good price. Certainly much better than the electronic Hand Held one I have used in the past on a friends yacht.

Iain

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[chippie]

When I bought my boat about 6 years ago I went shopping for a digital handheld compass and then found a handheld GPS was not a lot dearer, so I bought that instead and stuck with the old handbearing compass. I've hardly used the handbearing compass since.

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[sailorman]

if you can get hold of the "autohelm personal compass" (digital) there fantasiic.
i also have the "offshore" mini & suunto Hand bearing.
use the a/helm most

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[Evadne]

PBO did do a test but I think it was at least a year or two ago. If you have anything other than perfect eyesight, they suggestsed you try a few types, they found that ease of use varied radically from person to person.
I use the Iris 50, and like it, its small, clear to read and it bounces. My wife's eyesight is not particularly good, she wears quite strong contact lenses, but she too finds it easy to use. They've been about £35 from most cheap chandlers for a few years now, and you can get a nice little teak holder for them as well.

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[ianwright]

Try before you buy, but,,,,,,

The best, the very best, is the Sestral Radiant. Still made but Very expensive new. Keep a look out at boat jumbles.
I just found a good one at Classic Marine (thank you), at a very decent price, to replace one that a crew lost ob nearly twenty years ago. I'd (nearly) forgotten quite how good they are. Now I suffer from old mans eyes the Radiant is perfect for me. It's dead beat and readable to a single degree. I recommend them.
IanW


<hr width=100% size=1>Vertue 203, Patience

 

[graham]

As a specs wearer I get on fine with the Iris 50.I find it easier to use in bad weather than the Suntto Commander I once had which is a hold at arms length type.

I have also got a set of Compass binoculars which are excellent most of the time but when the boat is pitching about in a seaway I allways go for the Iris.

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[Guest]

I use a SUUNTO Commander ...... as my HBC ... and it also backs up my steering compass.
Had it for years, and still in good nick. Sits on the cabin bulkhead without troubling anyone ..... gives me a quick reference when sitting at table etc. etc. Lifts off bracket for use.......


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.qqbaltic.com/index.html>http://www.qqbaltic.com/index.html</A> For all those disbelievers ! /forums/images/icons/cool.gif

 

[AndrewB]

Disagree!

I have an Autohelm fluxgate compass and really dislike it! The big problem is you cannot read the scale while taking sights. I really miss the feedback on accuracy that gives. What's more, it is difficult to use for some of the other purposes of a handbearing compass apart from fixing position - e.g. working to clearing bearings, doubling the angle, running down using back-bearings.

OK so maybe those aren't strictly essential in the days of GPS - but the same is true of all functions a handbearing compass once performed.


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[snowleopard]

i've had a few in my time. the sestrel one that used to sit on top of the seafix rdf set was pretty good. you often find those for sale at jumbles- the radio part is only any use for shipping forecasts but the compass is excellent.

the mini with the black rubber tyre around the bowl is pretty good, easy to take the sight but the compass is a bit slow to settle.

the really outstanding one is in my steiner binoculars, it's almost perfectly damped.

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[webcraft]

If you are thinking of a new pair of binocs at some point then scrap the HB compass and just get a decent pair of compass binocs . . . (note small c, not big C)

Fujinon are excellent quality for the price. Easy to use, especially at night for checking bearings of maurauding ships for collision danger. I haven't felt the need for a separate hand bearing compass since I got these.

- Nick

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[bpscmarine]

We offer the new version of the old 'mini' hand bearing if you contact us i will talk you through the options
Regards
Barry www.bpsc-marine.co.uk

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[fjweaver]

thanks Barry and everyone for your replies. I ordered the Iris 50 at lunchtime from Windward Marine

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[Trevethan]

I also have a suunto.. good piece of kit and excellent backup. mine stows above chart table for quick checks of heading when at the table and can be seen from the aft berth too

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

Well worth buying the teak holder too, and mount in the light as it is phosperous lit at night, so good to charge during daylight.

I use mine all the time,

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk>Top Cat Homepage</A>

 

[kds]

Nick,
I was just about to get a "Compass" pair of binos at £100 - they seem good value, but your email suggests not ?
I suppose all I want is good value for money - can't afford top of the range.
Ken


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[webcraft]

Re: Compass v. Fujinon

Hi Ken,

I've used the Compass binocs with compass and didn't find them as easy to use as the Fujinon - I thought the Fujinon compass was better damped and that the Fujinons were better in low light conditions and at night.

Really the answer is to try before you buy if at all possible - and try in different light conditions and from a moving platform if possible.

I bought the Fujinons from a company that sent me two different pairs to try out . . . Compass won't let you do that. The Fujinon is £40 more than the Compass.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.monkoptics.co.uk/marinecompass.html>Monk Optics</A>

You pays your money and you takes your choice . . .

- Nick




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[graham]

Re: Compass Binos

I have had a pair of Compass Binos for a year or so now.They are good value for money at £100 approx.



The only criticism I have is with the damping.Long rolling swell is ok but if going to windward against short steep seas its difficult to get them to settle down.In those conditions I use the Iris.

In good conditions you can get amazing results with Compass Binos .I regularily get a very small cocked hat.Also found them good at night.

A camera battery powers the red backlight for the compass .

 

[Benbow]

Re: Disagree Disagree!

I have a an autohelm electronic compass and I love it for taking a fast accurate 3-point fix. I click 3 times on each object in rapid sucession, go below and plot with replicates of each bearing stored. Great feedback on accuracy.

However for clearing bearings or approach lines it is horrible because you can't see the bearing you want - just the one you have got. For that I use a plastimo, then rather than look at the bearing an object is on, I look at the bearing I want the object to be on, then its obvious which way I need to go to turn.

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>

<font color=red>OK so maybe those aren't strictly essential in the days of GPS</font color=red>

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Don't get me started on that !


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[peterb]

A tip on what not to buy

If you are buying one of the prismatic types, make sure that the prism looks down on the far side of the compass card, i.e. the side remote from your eye. The old army type prismatic and some of the cheaper orienteering compasses have the prism close up to your eye and looking down at the near side. Perfectly OK if you are standing on steady ground, but on a moving boat you'll find it almost impossible to get a good reading because when the compass is moved the card appears to move in the opposite direction to the object being sighted.