SUUNTO M-9 Wrist Compass

If you need a compass, bigger is best, but just how big can big be? Reason is, the aiming accuracy and capability gets better if you have a large stable platform and sight. OTAH, getting a wrist compass to do the same thing is difficult to achieve, and the M-9 meets this role well. With GPS being the principle guide these days to terrestrial navigation, compasses are mostly for backup and rough heading use, so best accuracy is less practical these days in lieu of compactness, ruggedness, and light weight. Underwater, the M-9 is as good as a dedicated SCUBA compass. I've used an M-9 since 2001, and it finally died, the plastic case cracked, some liquid leaked, so a bubble that formed keeps the pointer from spinning freely. This is my 3rd M-9, as I've bought two, keeping one as a spare. I use them both on surface and underwater to as deep as 260' ... although not rated as a diving compass, all fluid filled devices are non-compressible and should take great depths without issue. Diving capacity has been proven for the years I've owned this compass and others who use it similarly. Pros Very free spinning and accurate Light weight Rotating degree bezel sighting capacity transparent case, easy to check for defects Usable underwater to depths at least to 260' Velcro strap binds very well underwater Cons If not leveled during sighting, pointer will lock [fix: flick it with your finger, and a proper direction will not change much with movement] Plastic case, will not last forever Summary: I've seen a number of compasses for field use in the middle of nowhere, and for so simple a device, its amazing so many are unreliable [whatever magnets they use don't hold its magnetism permanently], inaccurate markings, or poor construction. If you get lost because your compass doesn't work when you need it, its not worth any amount of money. Suunto has made a name for itself in compasses, and what seems cheap looking is very well engineered, yet simple. If you need a compass for general use, the watch mounted Clipper works best. I use those underwater too to 260', to backup the M-9.