New Compass
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Topic created by DougW on Mon Sep 12, 2011 at 8:52 pmI'm looking to get a new compass (my first REAL orienteering compass) and have pretty much settled on the Moscow 3 with a thumb baseplate.
My question is about the magnifier which I truely need. I can get the it with Moscow magnifier installed for about $20 but there is another magnifier offered for around $50 which I beleive, is a little bigger and clearer. I have heard talk of some magnifiers that become loose at the pivot point and do not stay in position. Is this true of either of these models and which one would you reccomend.
Thanks! -
Reply by WindWalker on Mon Sep 12, 2011 at 9:58 pm
I know this isn't exactly the info you're looking for...
but I considered the compass mounted option, but I sorta like to crash through the brush and not always have the best route choice, so I was concerned about how well it would hold up. Or get hung up, dang green briars.
I opted for a $3 regular pocket magnifier. Works well for me. I have found I only need it in certain circumstances, like 1:15000 maps, overcast skys, or to look for fine map detail. So I keep it in my pocket just incase or run with it in my right hand when I need it more often.
Not saying this will work for you just throwing it out there as an option.
It sucks to get old and have good eyesight go to heck...
Mike -
Reply by DougW on Mon Sep 12, 2011 at 10:56 pmMike,
Not exactly the info I was looking for but very good point. I use a small pocket magnifier now that seems to work fine when needed. I may just leave that option off for now, I can always add it later. I would most likely be very dissappointed, to put it mildly, if I broke a $50 magnifier on my first time out with it.
Thanks. -
Reply by FredR on Tue Sep 13, 2011 at 8:17 amWhen I bought my Moscow thumb compass a few years back, I had the magnifier added (from Scarborough). From what I remember, its distinguishing feature was that the lens was glass and not plastic. That does make it a bit heavier, but more resistant to scratches. I have "crashed" with it a few times, bending it at the point it connects to the baseplate. But I have found some aluminum screws (non magnetic) that will a little modification can replace the original, restoring the whole thing back to nearly new.That said, I don't use the magnifier that much. Under most conditions with 1:10k maps I rarely need it, and it does kind of get in the way. With proper adjustment of the locking nut on the screw, it can be swung out of the way (and stay there), but that's just one more thing to do.Overall, I think this magnifier is about as good as can be--recognizing that the inherent constraints on weight and design are not going to make it "bullet proof" in the woods. The key, it seems (and I've read this elsewhere) is to use or practice with it often enough to get used to it. Seeing different chunks of the map at different magnifications at the same time makes it harder to see the "big picture".
