MC-2 Compass: Top-of-The-line Compass for Professionals & serious Hikers

The Suunto MC-2 is easily one of the best compasses I’ve used. It’s built like a serious navigation tool, not a cheap backup piece. Everything about it feels precise and dependable, from the smooth needle movement to the solid construction. The mirror sighting feature is a game changer for accuracy. It lets you line up bearings with real confidence, especially when navigating longer distances. The adjustable declination is another huge plus it makes it easy to dial things in correctly without constantly doing mental math.

I was a little worried after seeing some of the reviews here, but the SUUNTO MC-2G USGS (360 degrees and global needle variant) I received is very nice. The numbers and directions are printed clearly and precisely, and there are no manufacturing defects nor structural integrity issues. A very well made compass. I only have a couple minor nitpicks. The first is that setting the magnetic declination is a little challenging to get precise, but once you have it where it needs to be it's reliably accurate - double check it by lining up the "shed"/"doghouse" directly ahead and view from the mirror line. For me the local magnetic declination is about 3 degrees west, which is one and a half marks counterclockwise from true north. The second nitpick is that the hands of the compass can get held up with the pitch angle plumb line arm. This seems to only be an issue when using the pitch angle function of the compass, but not when holding it flat and using it as a compass. For that it spins freely and accurately. I attached my own lanyard with pace counting beads - to stow the compass in a breast pocket or chest plate carrier admin pouch and let the lanyard hang out from there to use. So, based on the one I received at least, I can highly recommend this compass. Thanks.

I was looking for another quality hiking Compass, similar to my circa 1972 Silva Ranger. The hunt to find it's equal was difficult, but lead me here; to the Suunto "MC-2/LIN" Compass. To begin with, let me say I am VERY pleased with it. It has the features and Quality that I was looking for. It's just that even when I ordered it, I was uncertain exactly which variation of the Suunto Line, I was getting. What this actually is, is a Suunto "MC-2/360/IN/D/L/NH", also known as p/n: SS004239001. Here's the breakdown of the features: -Baseplate Compass with sighting Mirror -360° graduations on the dial -Ruler on base is in Inches, but includes scales in Miles for 1:24,000 and 1:625,000 scale maps -Has adjustable Declination Setting. comes with tool to adjust this. -Has Luminous Dial & Sighting Points. -Has 2-Zone needle, designed to work anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. -Has Magnifier built into the baseplate. -Has Inclinometer needle to to measure angles of Elevation -Comes with Lanyard that's both detachable and has wrist loop adjustment feature. You have to admit that's a lot of good features for the price. (I got mine for just under $40). So how well does it do all these things? Amazingly well. The declination tool is Stainless Steel, so it's both Strong and yet it won't affect the magnetic needle on the compass. If you aren't familiar with Declination adjustment, Google/Bing "declination calculator", and you should find the "noaa.gov" website that will tell you what to set the compass too (pay attention to if it's East or West!). You'll find that if you only travel a few hundred miles in any direction, the declination should be within 2° what you set it too. The needle balance is great here at the North edge of the US. And it turns freely even when off of level slightly. The dial turns freely, but not so much that I'd worry about bumping it off from my setting. And the cut-out in the sighting mirror makes it easier to sight on something at the same elevation as you. The Lanyard has a large plastic piece that if you squeeze it, you can slide it, making the loop near the compass smaller or larger. I think it's so you can keep it from coming off your wrist. I use it on my neck, so it's not that important to me. The Magnifying Patch is about 0.5" diameter, and is very nice. I can imagine using it on fine print on maps or even to see a splinter in a finger. So what didn't I like about it? The luminous points seem to dim very fast once you turn off whatever light source you are using to illuminate them. And I used a 300 Lumen flashlight to do this. But that's pretty much standard for anything that's not Tritium (I don't know of any compasses that have Tritium). The Inclinometer is nice to have. But the graduations are too small for me to read through the mirror, unless I have a piece of white paper behind the base of the compass, and the lighting is really good. And sometimes the magnetic needle hangs in the way of the indicator. It's important to set the compass to 270° True, when doing an inclinometer reading. Don't expect to measure angles of Elevation better than +/- 2°. The clasp to swing the Mirror open is very tight. you might have trouble opening it with wool gloves on. But perhaps my single biggest gripe with this compass is the joke of an instruction manual that comes with it. Here you have some outstanding features on this device. But unless you have a lot of experience with other quality instruments, you won't even know what it's capable of. And yes, I am picky about such things. I spent several years involved in Search and Rescue as a teenager. I've Orienteered a few times. And I've been Hiking for over 40 years. So if you get a good quality compass like this, invest in a good book on using it. Or attend a clinic on compass use. Stay safe out there...

Very nice compass

Simple Good and not Too expensive. Bought a 2nd one for a friend. For those not familiar, the ability to adjust for declination is quite important in the Northeast where I live, 14° here in VT, up to 20° in Northeast Maine. I use mine at least once a week bushwhacking through the woods of VT/NH.

Great compass overall! This compass is overkill with nice luxury features, but most importantly, it is a Suunto, which means you can bet your life on it. Suunto is one of few compasses that I trust. The MC-2G is nicer and more expensive than you really need to go in regards to a well-designed, functional compass you can trust. If you don't care about all the bells and whistles and the need for a Global needle (needle that is designed for both Northern and Southern hemispheres), you would do just fine with the Suunto M-3 for about half the price of the MC-2G, or perhaps the MC-2D/LIN coming in at under $50. But if you're ok dropping around $65-$70 on a base plate compass, you will not be disappointed with the MC-2G. I would like to note that I did not receive the MC-2GIn/USGS version with the 1:24k Romer scale, which was the version advertised in the listing. What I received was the metric version with the 1:25k and 1:50k Romer scales. If you're looking to purchase this compass, please be aware that there are three versions of this compass. It's helpful to know what you are purchasing, even though in my case I still received the "wrong" compass than what was advertised in the listing.The three versions of the MC-2G are as follows: 1) The metric version (SS004252010) with Romer scales are 1:25k and 1:50k. Centimeters listed along the left side of the compass, and inches broken down into 1/20th on the right side. This is the compass I received. 2) The USGS/Inch version (SS014891000.) with 1:24k Romer scale for use with 7.5 minute/1:24k USGS topo maps. This is the one I thought I was purchasing based on the listing. 3) The mils scale version (SS016326000). I haven't frequently used 1:50k maps since my military days, but even though I received the wrong model of the MC-2G with 1:25k and 1:50k Romer scales, I'm well-versed in land nav/using a map and compass, including MGRS, so the metric version is just fine and in no way impacts the overall functionality of the compass when using a 7.5 topo. Having the 1:25k and 1:50 Romers referenced vs. not having 1:24k Romer referenced on this particular model is not a huge issue and definitely not as important as knowing how to properly use a compass and map together. And since this metric version does have an inch ruler broken down into 1/20ths (nice feature) along the right side of the compass, you can still deal quite easily with a 7.5 minute topos based on 1-inch = 2,000 feet, which is the scale of a 1:24k/7.5 minute Topo map. There are a few cons I'd like to point out based on initial use: 1) One of the rubber feet on the back of the base plate does not protrude like the other two. This must be a manufacturer defect. 2) Too much force is required to snap the lid shut, so much that I thought I would damage the the compass snapping the lid. I'll just close the compass when not in use, but will not snap the lid shut. 3) The plastic lanyard attachment is concerning. The design is flawed and doesn't give me warm fuzzies that the lanyard attachment will keep the compass attached to the lanyard in the long run. I've decided not to use the lanyard attachment and instead have attached the lanyard directly to the compass with a larks head knot. Now I don't need to worry about the lanyard detaching from the compass. All in all, this compass was a great buy and I like it. Having the 1:24k Romer scale referenced would have been nice given I primarily use 7.5 topos for back country excursions, but the 1:24k scale is definitely not essential if you're familiar with land nav and using a map and compass. And for me, it's not a big enough deal breaker and worth the hassle to return it for the USGS version. I still use an MGRS Coordinate Grid reader/plotter, which references several map scales, including 1:24k. So, receiving the metric vs. the USGS version of this compass isn't a deal breaker for me, but may be for a buyer who really just wants a compass designed for 7.5minute/1:24k USGS topo maps. If you're looking for a great compass with all the bells, whistles, and luxuries you'll ever need, look no further than the MC-2G. However, be prepared to potentially deal with a few flaws like those I've pointed out.

Second one I have purchased. This was a gift for my son. Excellent compass.

This is most likely the best compass on the market (currently), aside from a GPS / Compass device (which may or may not be effective depending on batteries and satellite positions). If you understand map / land navigation, and being able to set magnetic declination (on the back of the compass), this device will get you where you want to go. If you’re lost and using the four directions distance variations to find some evidence of your original trail or a way out, again, accuracy and being able to walk a straight line (with pace beads or other distancing method) this is the tool you would want. A compass is only a tool, one has to know how to use it properly. Just like a Dremel or sewing machine, it can frustrate you or really help you if you have the basic skill set. I have tried a few other brands and types of compasses, I always find myself grabbing the MC-2 or MC-2G to really get a bearing on where I’m at or where I’m going, or how to get back to where I started. Cons: It’s not cheap!! The lettering can wear after years of use (I ended up getting a perfect fitting neoprene zip pouch for mine, no more rubbing or bouncing around in my backpack. I wish it were a little more rugged, although I have never broken one or had an air bubble occur. Pro’s Declination setting (and tool on the lanyard), Accuracy, Mirror for seeing the needle when using the sight notch. Overall; preferred by most Bushcraft instructors and serious wilderness travelers, that’s a solid endorsement. Simple enough for anyone to use with minimal navigation skills (a YouTube video or two, and you can effectively navigate, no math required with this compass!).

excellent

It's good product, very light weight. Overall this is right choice.

Ordered took a week or so, to come from the States but worth it.Good solid bit of kit,even ordered the case to keep it in.Fits lovely in your pocket.The thing I like is you can set the compass variation and don't unless you go to a dirrent area need to compensate.

I know they have a few other models... but this is the official compass for countless nations militaries, used by even more outdoors professional and veterans... and Suunto's best selling model for unknown number of years. Direct competition for this is the Silva Ranger. In recent years the Canadian Forces have moved from Silva to Suunto, several units within the US military are using the Suunto over the excellent Lensatic Compass (Cammenga), so it shows how well known and received the Suunto is just in North America. I own this model, as well as a Cammenga Lensatic, a Silva Ranger (older model) and a Brunton OSS. My 2 main compasses I use regularly are the Cammenga and Suunto. The Suunto has an ease of use that makes it a pleasure to work with. Comapred to the Cammenga, it does have several advantages, mostly the baseplate and markings on it. The clinometer is also a great feature to have, especially when on hilly/mountainous terrain. In my opinion, and after many years using Silva Rangers, this is by far the perfect compass to use with a topo map. As well, Suunto MC-2 is one of the rare compasses that can readily be used in extreme cold, due to it's liquid formulation that keeps from forming bubbles, which can be a pain during land nav. All in all, you won't regret picking up a Suunto MC-2, and more so now that some of the newer Silva Ranger models have gone down in quality over the older ones. This is honestly worth the money you'll pay for it.

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