I am looking for a new compass. I like the Brunton 15TDCL but I am also looking hard at the Brunton 8099. My questions: Does the 8099 have luminous points? Do the base plates on both compasses offer the same information? What can the 8099 do that the 15TDCL can't? Is the 8099 worth the bigger price tag? Thank you in advance for all your input. Any and all points of view are greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

Well, not being familiar with either compass by model number, I went to the Brunton website. They state that they have no model 15TDCL, and I have never handled a model 8099, so I just can't help. Sorry...

Yeah, if your on the Brunton website. Click on mirrored compasses. Both compasses are there. Thanks though.

Not there anymore, but if you have checked out their website you know more than I do already...

<Does the 8099 have luminous points? > Not on mine.

<Do the base plates on both compasses offer the same information? > Let's look:

Brunton 15TDCL


Brunton 8099 Eclipse


The 15TDCL is advertised having "1:24k, 1:25k & 1:50k meter scales", but looking at the image, I only see 1:25k & 1:50k. The baseplate of the 8099 has 1:24k scale and there's an instruction pack with a second clear plastic sheet with additional scales for use on a map.

The sighting compass I prefer is the Suunto Navigator MC-2G

As advertised the MC-2G has Suunto's global needle, 1:24k and 1:62.5k map scales, and it is luminous.

I've been doing a bunch of compass research myself lately. See related thread: http://www.equipped.org/ubbthreads/showf...amp;amp;fpart=1

One website that it pretty good for compass pictures and info is http://www.thecompassstore.com Their prices aren't the best though.

My choices have been narrowed (?) down to:

(Nexus 15TDCL = Brunton 15TDCL = Silva Ranger)

$22 Nexus 16DLU Safari
$41 Nexus 15TDCL Elite
$49 Cammenga Lensatic Model 27 (non-tritium)
$60 Nexus 54LU Combi

These are the best prices I've found so far.

All above prices include S&H and are from Kooter's Geology Tools http://www.kooters.com/reccomp.html with the exception of the Cammenga, which is from http://store.cammenga.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=23

I have been researching my butt off on these, and I am really starting to lean towards that 54LU. It's sighting system makes it quite a neat item. Here's a good website that gives you an idea of it's use and capabilities: http://www.silva.se/outdoor/products/prof_com54.htm I did have initial questions about sighting the 54LU with my nearsightedness and bifocals, but a nice person from Kooter's replied to my email and said "no problems!" (he is in my same nearsightedness/bifocal situation).

But the Cammenga continues to have a very strong pull for me. I just can't decide between the 54LU and the Model 27. I have not handled any of these compasses yet, so my opinions are only from online research and opinions started in the other thread I referenced. I did see the 15TDCL at REI two days ago, but it was in a sealed plastic display card so I couldn't handle it. But it looked very nice however.

The cheapest price I've seen for the 8099 is at REI, $70: http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductD...vcat=REI_SEARCH
However, it's $75 at Kooter's including S&H, so that may actually be cheaper than REI depending on what REI wants for S&H.

This is not one of the compasses you asked about but i will throw it in the mix anyway I have one but have not had a chance to really put it through any of its paces yet. I got it to replace my Silva Ranger that didn't make it home from Iraq.

Suunto Global Recon
http://www.amronintl.com/tactical/produc...e+Popular_Pages

Wha... Is that a radiation symbol on that there compass? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
J

I haven't messed around with the Brunton 8099, but does the lid open all the way and lie flat with the base plate? That is required for more accurate plotting when using it on a map. Maybe it does, but it's hard to tell from the photos.

I'm still a big fan of the Ranger, or for something slightly upgraded the MC-2G (though, to be honest, I don't see an immediate need for a global needle. One of those nice to haves.)

When you get a compass though, even more than many other skills, you need to PRACTICE. My friends probably think I'm way too cautious or paranoid or a gear nut because even on small hikes or drives I'm always messing the the map/compass or gps. But it's just another great opportunity to make sure you know how things work in a safe setting.

Now when we really do need to navigate, I'm usually the one who figures it out (driving, hiking, or especially scuba diving).

Another point- one great drill is to get involved with a local orienteering club. I've only done one or two courses in an adventure race, but they usually have all kinds of skill levels. Locally here there's the Columbia River Orienteering Club.
J

At least you know it'll glow in the dark.