SUUNTO A-30 Compass: Compact, hiking compass with luminous markings in low light

Suunto has a reputation for quality and this compass does not disappoint, light weight, durable, scale markings and magnifier allow it to be used equally well on the map table and on the trail, very accurate, readings match electronic compass exactly, fluid stabilization keeps the needle steady on the move, dial turns easily and holds in place, the large numbers with glow in the dark make it easy to read night or day, this is my go-to compass

Finnish made quality, accuracy, and durabilty.

Delivered quickly. It is the A30 NH USGS model as described by the seller. At a slightly lower cost than other sellers selling the A-30 model compass. Great basic compass, highly recommended if you don't need or want a compass with a longer base plate. It has all the basics needed. Including a built in fixed mag. declination correction scale, that is quite easy to use. imo, an adjustable mag. declination feature is way overrated. Just measure your azimuth off the map using the compass protractor function, thereby setting the map azimuth on the compass dial. Then if your mag. declination is 9˚ West, turn until the mag needle points at 9˚West on the mag declination scale ( not at the N, that is - not aligned over the orienting arrow), then hold the compass stationary and readjust (turn) the compass ring (bezel) so that the N is at the point of the needle. Which will also move the orienting arrow to be beneath the mag needle. Or if your mag declination is 7˚East, instead turn until the mag needle points at 7˚ East on the east side of the fixed mag declination scale. Then reset the compass bezel as described before. Hint : for West mag declination turn the bezel ccw. for East mag declination, turn the bezel cw. Plus the bezel is high contrast black graduations on a white background, it's easy to read, and it glows quite brightly in the dark, better than most, after being charged with a bright flashlight. The compass is rated as being accurate to 2.5˚. A-30 NH USGS (U.S. Geological Survey). [Suunto no. SS0121 00013], that has an inch ruler, 1:50000 & 1:24000 miles map scales used on USGS maps ;

I picked the Suunto A-30 because it's not made in china, price range and more important the brighter luminous and larger magnifying glass because I don't see well in low light. The Suunto A-30 is especially well made and is accurate as far as I can tell, absolutely NO bubbles, sturdy, and easy to use besides the red print. I like that the markings are on the backside of base for more accurate map measurements. Only 2 stars because the red print is impossible to read esp when it is in your hand, the only way to read the red print is with a piece of white paper behind the base. It would be better printed in black or darker red with thicker print. For me it is unreadable , UPDATE: I am finding the precision and quality of this compass impressive and added 2 more stars though it is very frustrating trying to read this shade of red and the thin print making declination easily mistaken. For a younger person that isn't color blind and has perfect eyesight this is a great compass in this price range.

Best basic compass out there. Sometimes less is more. Great tool.

This was a gift for my wife, who went on a tour of Northern Scotland, where she wanted to measure the directions faced by several portions of the Cairns of Clava, a Bronze Age burial site. The compass was delivered on time, the day before she left. She reports that it functioned well, and she was able to obtain the measurements that she wanted. When I examined the compass before she left, it seemed to function well, and to be straightforward to use.

The compass was purchased as a gift, for someone who wants to get into 'land nav'. The compass is a no frills navigation device but it's a Suunto and should last a very long time. the product is as described and I'm happy with my purchase.

Great price of gear