Marine
Suunto MC-2 Compass: Mirror Sighting Compass with Clinometer
Product description
The MC-2 is supplied as a complete navigation tool: a transparent acrylic baseplate marked with metric and UTM grid scales and an inch ruler, a liquid-filled capsule with a global magnetic needle, and a flip-up mirror with a sighting window for precise bearings and emergency signaling.
A small screwdriver is provided (often carried on the lanyard) to make fine declination adjustments from the rear of the housing, allowing the compass to be set for local magnetic variation. The instrument also integrates a clinometer for measuring slope angles and luminescent markings so you can read bearings in low light.
The baseplate is compact and pocketable — roughly 70 x 50 mm — and designed to be used with a topographic map for plotting and following bearings, measuring distances with the printed scales, and for taking sighted azimuths using the mirror at eye level. Materials are chosen for field toughness: a clear, rigid baseplate and a sealed liquid capsule that cushions the needle and improves stability.
Pros
- Global needle reduces need to level baseplate
- Mirror with sighting window enables eye-level bearings
- Integrated clinometer and multiple scale markings
Cons
- Liquid capsule can show small bubbles in extreme cold
- Full feature set may be more than casual users need
- Takes practice to use mirror sighting efficiently
VerdictThe Suunto MC-2 is a robust, feature-rich orienteering compass aimed at serious walkers, hikers and professionals who need reliable bearings in varied environments. Its global needle reduces the need to perfectly level the baseplate, and the sighting mirror plus clinometer let you take accurate eye-level bearings and measure slopes. Construction feels durable and purpose-made for outdoor use. For
Reviews
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Kirk jaques 5/5
Very pleased
Simple comment: very pleased with it.
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Benoit Mandeville 5/5
Good quality and simple to use
Solid build and easy magnetic adjustment. I’ve only used it once so far but came away satisfied.
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Stacy Corray 4/5
Does the job
Used it a few times — performs exactly as expected.
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Patrick C. 5/5
Dependable for map work
High quality. I knocked it around and the needle returned to zero each time and matched other reliable compasses.
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Kristian Burton 5/5
Solid and points true north
Good instrument — reliably points to north.
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Liv’n Right 5/5
Reliable navigation tool
Glow-in-the-dark markings help in low light. Lightweight and durable; accurate when used with a map and easy to carry in a pocket or pack.
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EB 5/5
All good despite a return mix-up
Everything was fine but I had to send it back due to a shipping mix-up; the package arrived late.
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Trevor Carr 5/5
Excellent gift, accurate readings
High-quality product and very accurate. Bought it as a present and it met expectations.
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Allan M. Lees 5/5
Sturdy alternative to other brands
I tested several compasses that developed bubbles; this Suunto felt far more solid. The global needle keeps working worldwide without false dips, and the mirror sight lets you take accurate eye-level bearings.
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Steven Wagner 5/5
Very pleased, minor cold concerns
It’s an impressive compass — more capability than I need. I worry a little about bubbles forming in severe cold or high elevation, but small bubbles under about 1/4 inch are reportedly tolerable.
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Timothy B. Riley 5/5
Handy GPS backup for geocaching
Bought it while geocaching in remote areas. A retired Ranger recommended Suunto and it has proved a dependable backup when electronics might fail.
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John A. Blackwell 5/5
Notable modern improvements
Coming from an old baseplate model, I like the global needle and the micro-screw declination adjustment (tool on the lanyard). The clinometer is genuinely useful and the mirror has top and bottom notches.
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bluezman714 5/5
Great once you learn to use it
The printed manual leaves gaps; watch online tutorials first. I’ve successfully used it to set a bearing to distant landmarks and it worked well in practice. Kept it in my emergency pack.
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