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Showing 1 of 113 conversations about:
Desastor
336
May 8, 2016
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What is the accuracy of this compass? Google reviews repeatedly mentioned a 2 degree error in accuracy and I am told that this would get me in trouble where I am going because I need to find water and petrol dumps.
May 8, 2016
GalAngel
51
May 9, 2016
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Desastorthis Compass is as accurate as it gets ( when in good condition ) also you can set your magnetic north on it. I believe you seen these posts because the marking on the dial are on for every 2 deg. so I don't see any reason for error.
May 9, 2016
DuxDawg
107
May 9, 2016
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DesastorThese compasses are accurate beyond what you are capable of achieving. They are professional grade. Geologists, foresters, archaeologists, survey teams, mountaineering schools, expert land navigation classes, etc use them. I have easily found geodetic survey markers (3" squares covered in vegetation) in 3 square mile areas with one of these. Both the global needle and the mirror are very useful and worth having.
Don't know what reviews you've been reading. You might want to work on your discernment and critical thinking skills since those reviewers are obviously clueless.
May 9, 2016
Desastor
336
May 9, 2016
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GalAngelI'll pass on replying to Dux'O'****as there is apparently is an ad hominem agenda by making statements and passing judgement w/out knowing the issues. My concern is based on multiple comments across time and sources (who all claim professional background) that all make note of the quality of assembly. Although everybody very much agrees that the MC-2 is a very good compass, various buyers noted the same issue, rendering problems in the field. For example one user noted "Overall the compass is a well made example of a classic design and first impressions are very good. However, on close examination of the compass needle capsule it is clear that the alignment arrow in the base of the compass capsule and the parallel alignment marks/declination scale indicator are slightly offset. This indicates that the two scales are not concentric. To get them properly aligned you must set the declination scale at approximately 2 degrees east declination. This means that the compass capsule (which carries the needle and alignment arrow) is not set on the same center as the movable declination scale! This offset is easy to see if you place the compass on a piece of graph paper to check the alignment of all the scales."
If it is just a quality control issue, affecting only a small subset of units in the past, then I would imagine I'll pull the trigger assuming that MD would provide a replacement if units are defective. If it is however a more systemic issue that folks don't necessarily notice as the error is below the sensitivity of their application, than that gives rise to concern at least for me because I won't have the luxury of landmarks where I am heading and have to have a unit that is put together right to provide exact measurement.
Thanks for any thoughtful advise you may have.
May 9, 2016
GalAngel
51
May 9, 2016
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DesastorLink sources? I would reconsider purchase upon reviewing such.
May 9, 2016
Desastor
336
May 10, 2016
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GalAngelGalAngel, this link is from some dated Amazon reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-SS004239001-MC-2DLIN-Compass/dp/B00009V2YO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462852317&sr=8-1&keywords=suunto+mc-2. I have come across similar concerns on several outdoor-like blogs, a bit more recently, but it's been a while since I had researched the compass and I really cannot remember and have not kept track of sources as I simply did not see ahead that someone else may be interested in those sources. I'll see if I can dig up concrete references.
But from the sounds of it, these are legitimate concerns that in fact could affect accuracy beyond just a level of annoyance?
May 10, 2016
GalAngel
51
May 10, 2016
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DesastorYou are right, there are bound to be negative reviews to every product but to see non replied by the suppliers is very worrying. I'm giving these post 2 days to bubble up ,absent replay from massdrop I will cancel.
May 10, 2016
FluffyBunny
10
May 11, 2016
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DesastorDoes this apply to the global version as well?
May 11, 2016
Desastor
336
May 11, 2016
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FluffyBunnyI do not know. From what I have read, there appears to be, or may have been, a quality control glitch. I do not know how extensive it was or is. The only thing I know is that quality control issues have been raised across time and sources, which may suggest a more systemic issue. I would hope that somehow this got addressed but would feel more comfortable if I could hear that from a representative as I do not want to get into a hassle about having to return stuff. I tried to check a compass in a store but unfortunately the packaging is done in such way that I could not check the alignment. Craps.....
May 11, 2016
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