There are more opinions on compasses than there are compasses ... maybe.

Here is my two cents worth ...

I much prefer so-called baseplate or orienteering style compasses over the lensatic compass. Lensatics do fine sighting bearings, but I just don't think they work with a map as well.

The most important feature is adjustable declination, where you can pre-adjust a compass so that the compass set at 0 degrees points to true north rather than magnetic north.

Baseplate compasses tend to be broken down into mirrored aqnd non-mirrored. Those where a mirror are usually held at chest level or higher while lining up the compass with the target while "boxing" the needle using a reflection of the capsule in the mirror. Those without a mirror are typically held near the waist while pointing the compass in the target's direction and then boxing the needle while looking down on the compass.

My favorite non-mirrored compass is the Suunto M-3 Leader with the non-Global needle. It is a high quality compass for a very low price, though the Brunton 8010G and 8097 are also very nice compasses.

My favorite mirrored compass is the Brunton 8099. I also have the Brunton 15TDCL, which is the "original" Ranger compass by Silva (Silva owns Brunton), but I find I llke the 8099 better. My son got a Brunton 8084G for Christmas - it is nice, but not nearly as nice as the others.

Like I mentioned in another ETS thread, I keep comparing the 8099 with the 15TDCL essentially trying to convince myself that the legendary 15TDCL is better than the 8099, but the 8099 just works better for me.

I would have thought that Suunto's mirrored compass is similar in quality to the M-2 Leader - which is good, but I've read it is not. I don't own one though, so I just don't know.