I'm still researching compasses for my newly completed Pygmy Coho. I'm interested in the two similarly designed models above, but no local stores have them for me to look at. Aparently the 4/98 issue of Sea Kayaker had a review on the Plastimo. If anyone has a copy they could read & post a summary of the pro's and con's I'd appreciate it! Both seem to be high quality hand bearing compasses w/ 2.75 inch diameter cards in the $100 range that can also mount to a deck bracket. My biggest concern is whether they attach securely or not. Thanks in advance! *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Brian Jernigan wrote: > I'm still researching compasses for my newly completed Pygmy Coho. I'm > interested in the two similarly designed models above, but no local stores > have them for me to look at. Aparently the 4/98 issue of Sea Kayaker had a > review on the Plastimo. If anyone has a copy they could read & post a > summary of the pro's and con's I'd appreciate it! Both seem to be high > quality hand bearing compasses w/ 2.75 inch diameter cards in the $100 range > that can also mount to a deck bracket. My biggest concern is whether they > attach securely or not. Overall, they seemed pleased with the compass. They did note that the compass did come out of its bracket easily and suggested a way to prevent that, using a bit of epoxy to build up a lip to prevent it from sliding out easily. It is possible to tether it as well. It uses a AAA battery (the illuminated one) - more on that later... They mention bubbles forming in the older models (with clear sealant in the bottom of the compass) and advise that you get a newer model that has black sealant. Apparently you can see the color of the sealant through the front of the compass. It floats and comes with a wrist tether. The Brunton 70UNE is probably the same as the Silva 70 UNE that I got (but haven't installed yet). In the marine supply shop where I bought it the salesperson demonstrated how well the compass stays in the bracket. I'm skeptical and will investigate further. The 70UNE is the illuminated version IIRC (the UN being non-illuminated). The issue is the battery. They use small, expensive little lithium watch batteries to light the red LED. These last about 8 hours! In retrospect, I'd get the non-illuminated one and use a chemical light stick. I assumed (fool) that the shape meant that it had a AAA or AA battery. I may try a retrofit. On this issue, the Platimo looks like the better compass. The 70UN(E) also doesn't have a tether or means of attaching one. It does float. I bought the Silva because, coming from a sailing background, I like having a sighting compass for bearings. Hiking/orienteering compasses don't cut it IMHO. However, looking at cost etc, I'm beginning to think I should have got a regular flat hiking compass and stuck it under the deck bungies. YMMV. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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