Eh dude, Where's North again?

I got myself a replacement compass! haha..

It's a Suunto sk7 dive compass, and i must say it feels sturdy and well built in my hands. I had another cheaper compass (less than half the price of the sk7) that works decently, but I was irritated by some issues. So much so that I gave it away to Charlene. =p I received my old compass in a brandless box, but i've seen sites only selling the Diverite compass that looks exactly like what I had. (see below)

My first compass

So, what i didn't like most about the first compass is that the bezel clicks are not on the mark. While cardinal bearings like 0, 90, 180, etc lines up perfectly, bearings like 30, 210 etc are either to the left or to the right of the center line. Each click is like 6.25 degress or something. The other issues were considered minor, for example, the side viewing window is too small even make out the numbers, or that the mount felt very boxy with pointy edges. Some people would complain that it won't work if not held horizontally, but that's not a problem with me, since i always hold my compass up horizontally when reading it.

Well, for the price i paid, I must say it's a cheap compass that does it's job. I don't even hesitate when i try to cut the excessively long end of the strap. Did I mention it even comes with a bungee/hose mount? Highly recommended for the price if you don't mind the look/off clicking bezel.

Then comes the Suunto Sk7 Compass. Each click of the bezel is 5 degrees precisely. The numbers are clear and easy to read, and the side window is large. It has smooth edges too. My only comment is that the profile is higher than the diverite compass, and that the strap is too long and i have no idea how to cut it. But overall a good compass.

Regardless of which compass you prefer, I need to say that it's always a good idea to dive with one. I have heard countless of stories of ppl getting lost and wishing they had their compass, I even had one experience in hantu where I was totally going the wrong direction and didn't realised until i surfaced to check. I have also heard many stories of people being grateful that they brought their compass along for their dive, if not they would be terribly lost. It could save your life, and it's not really that expensive (<$50 SGD). If you're regular customers of your dive centre and if you ask nicely i bet they could even loan it to you free.

Having said that, it's not enough just to have a compass with you. No equipment can replace the most important thing in diving; the diver. Learn how to use the compass, and learn it well. It's too late to figure out how to use that compass when you are lost. Practise using it often so that it's second nature. It doesn't take much to have a glismp at the compass and set your bearings before you descend.

So now, what are you waiting for? go diving and have some fun!