Unlike a traditional compass that is used to determine or set your bearing, a thumb compass is really just used to orient the map in your hand, so you know what objects to look ahead for. Most are not sold in stores in North America, and tend to be specialty items, often sourced overseas in Europe. READ MORE. The Moscow Model 8 is a fan favorite in the orienteering and adventure racing community, with fast and stable (but thinner) needles, and multiple options for base plate layout (extended or not, left or right hand, etc). A thumb compass functions like a regular compass, but is a bit quicker to use in combination with a map, as you can often hold it in the same hand. Sometimes, taking a bearing on these courses is less effective than reading the map closely. The thumb compass design is superior in having close contact with the map, helping you thumb the map (an important skill in orienteering) as you go, and making sure your map is aligned correctly. However, stock is often limited, and sometimes outdated or not available. Using the compass alone. Thumb compass is ok if the bearings are set, or a Suunto or Brunton higher end one works well. On the upside, there is less clutter around your compass housing, and the compass is primarily used for aligning the map with north (true or magnetic, depending on your map) as you navigate from control to control. What did they use before, and what are they thinking about in the future? A wide variety of thumb compass options are available to you, such as no, yes. ), and what some of the more popular choices are. Thumb compasses. Using any of these models takes a bit of practice, and it’s worth noting that it pays off greatly to practice with your thumb compass (or any compass you plan to use) before a race or event. SuuntoRun SuuntoRide SuuntoTri SuuntoSki. Wrist compasses. Some of the designs are completely blank. Here a video review from one of our costumers, thanks Angela! 1 0 obj Many thumb compass designs from major manufactures (Silva, Moscow, Suunto, Kanpas) include markings on the plate of the thumb compass, like scales, and indicator arrows or other markings. As skill and experience increase, an individual will begin using the compass for legs (routes between controls or checkpoints) that are less well defined. My biggest desires – global needle, and fast tracking rate. The thumb-compass is used mostly by orienteers who just want to run fast, and this is the kind of compass I normally use. When you want to use your thumb compass, it's already pointed in the direction of travel. Seriously. The Suunto Arrow 6 was the first thumb compass for me, and served for a good two years in the woods of Cuyahoga Valley and Western Pennsylvania. The compass is an instrument that people have used for navigation and orientation for centuries, which shows direction relative to the geographic cardinal points: North, South, East, and West. The needle is pretty stable while running, and settles relatively quickly. 5 Strategies to Protect Yourself, Survey Tools Review – Google Forms vs. Qualtrics, Book Study – The Wisdom of Walt – Chapters 4-7, Book Study – The Wisdom of Walt – Leadership Lessons from the Happiest Place on Earth. <>/F 4/A<>/StructParent 0>> Many thumb compass designs extend beyond your thumb (see the Suunto models, and some Moscow models) whereas others are cut short, and your index point for the compass falls short of the tip of your thumb (see Silva or Kanpas models below, for example). 9 ORIENTING LINES Our thumb compasses with turnable housing have lines/markings in the capsule bot-tom to ensure easy settling. Taking a traditional bearing, such as by using the Silva 1-2-3 System (see below), can be done with both, but depending on the size of the map, might be more cumbersome using a thumb compass. This method is sometimes preferred by elite level orienteers who have built up extensive experience with map and compass, and have advanced map reading skills. See what others use, and ask them questions. 2) It is the best technique for taking an accurate azimuth bearing. 4 0 obj Learn more about the new AIM-6 and AIM-30 compasses . It is an aid to let you confidently tackle more technically difficult courses. Websites dedicated to orienteering and orienteering supplies often have large assortments, and carry multiple or all models from the brands discussed. In cases of homogenous terrain with few distinct features, a bearing between 2 known points on the map may be used. Depending on your tolerance for needle settling (how long it takes the needle to settle once stable and level), you may find it slower than others, like the Silva Race series. An oversized rectangular needle or north indicator aids visibility. Place the thumb of the other hand between the lens (rear sight) and the bezel ring; extend the index finger along the remaining side of the compass, and the remaining fingers around the fingers of the other hand. Baseplate compasses. All that I want from a compass is a magnetic northerly. source: Original content link. Silva and Moscow both use the same method, with Silva using a larger needle and larger indicator, and Moscow using a smaller needle, and hence smaller indicators. “Our compasses are specially designed to operate in extreme conditions, when required precise definition of the azimuth at fast walking and running.”. Thumb compasses come in both left- and right-hand versions, so it pays to think a bit about what works for you, what feels natural, and what will work in the woods. “SILVA’s new race thumb compasses are perfect for the orienteer, the adventure race athlete or whoever is in need of a compass with outstanding quality, needle settling time and stability during running.”. There are only a handful of compass manufacturers on the market, but picking the right one can be a difficult choice. 1,282 thumb compass products are offered for sale by suppliers on Alibaba.com, of which compass accounts for 2%. Some orienteers still use the older technology small rectangular “base plate” O compasses. I currently use the Silva Race Jet 360, and loves it. compass gives you the opportunity to use a thumb compass even if you are used to navigating with a traditional baseplate compass. 6 keys to planning your … However, if you find that the app is not working correctly, you can calibrate your compass … Let’s start with the rainbow, or color indicator version. Meet the wild child who found her best self adventure cycling. The base plate also houses two rubber nibs, making contact with the map that much more secure, so that the compass stays in place and doesn’t slide around. Also known as a military compass, the lensatic compass is one of the most accurate compasses you can use for walking has three basic parts - a cover, a base and a reading lens. And one that can stay fairly stable while running/biking.”, – Jason Magness, from Facebook Adventure Racing Discussion Group. Feb 23, 2021. How do you take a bearing using one of those compasses, or keep a direction? Then, since you can’t rotate the bezel, you have to rotate yourself so that the north needle on your compass and the map line up, and off you go. But translating that to a thumb compass can be a bit tricky, primarily if the compass doesn’t have the required bezel. endobj Simply align the map meridians with the compass needle so that “up” on the map is pointing North. A thumb compass is a type of compass commonly used in orienteering, a sport in which map reading and terrain association are paramount. The skills used by orienteers are fundamental to off-trail navigation. As a novice, a compass is almost not needed, and skills like reading the map to follow trails, handrails, and so forth are emphasized over using the compass. FRENSON X-FOREST thumb compass for orienteering, adventure racing, rogaining, hiking. Get faster on those hills now. Learn more in detail about the functions of the SILVA compasses. Some thumb compasses have a rotating bezel, like a traditional baseplate compass, and some have degrees, colors, letters, or other markings on the bezel. ), and what some of the more popular choices are. Feb 11, 2021 . Some stay brand loyal, while others are ambivalent. A good orienteer is faster. endobj They are there to guide you and keep you on track (or off track if you are up for challenges). The cover protects the compass and has a sighting wire to help you sight an object in the distance, while the base has the dial and the magnetic compass components. Suspicious Email? If you enjoy sports like orienteering, adventure racing, or just hiking in the woods, you’ve probably used a compass. The rainbow technique also requires you to be very comfortable with aligning yourself to nature and reality on the fly. Simply line up the edge or other feature of your compass with the direction of travel you wish to take, rotate the bezel so that the index lines (often below the north/south needle in the compass housing) line up with the north index lines on the map, then remove the compass from the map, and rotate yourself so that the north arrow lines up with the arrow in the bezel, and head off. One of the techniques in orienteering and adventure racing is to thumb the map as you go. The exception is the Suunto Arrow 6, seemingly readily available at outlets like Amazon (amazon.com). A compass is more reliable. Easy as 1-2-3! Getting ahold of one, though, can be difficult. stream A thumb compass allows the user to hold the compass over the map, all with one hand, while on the move. ... Place the loupe in front of the thumb compass so that you can see the corner of the compass baseplate but mainly magnifying the map. In cases of homogeneous terrain with few distinct features, a bearing between 2 known points on the map may be used. They look very similar to a standard compass except they’re encased in a round metal container. The easiest way to use a map and compass together is to orient the map towards North. A thumb compass is a type of compass commonly used in orienteering, a sport in which map reading and terrain association are paramount. The are only three brands that offer the blank bezel – Silva, Str8, and Kanpas. The thumb compass is designed to naturally align with your hand, and with your thumb, for keeping in contact with the map, and with reality. MicroNav at nationals, or an O course within the godzone race. I use [an] old Brunton base plate compass. <>>> Its use amongst orienteers is still not ubiquitous – but should be. KanPas is very similar to Moscow, but with different symbols. I frequently prepare my compass while climbing up a hill towards an attack point, only to use the actual bearing a hundred meters later. Silva typically rates very highly, and produces premium products, but Thierry Gueorgiou, orienteering legend, has recently switched to the Str8 model. The cover is used to protect the compass and also incorporates the sighting wire—which helps you determine direction. 3) Open the cover to a 90-degree angle to the base. endobj Lensatic Compass. In the end, it’s worth investing your time, money, and effort in selecting the prime tool you trust for navigation in the woods. Oftentimes, the compass and map are held in the same hand, with the compass strapped around the user’s thumb, while grasping the map in the same hand. There are several kinds of compasses, one kind to attach to the map, one kind to attach to your thumb. The Silva Race Series (including Race Jet, Race S, and Race Jet 360) are premium level thumb compasses, with fast needles, larger bezels, and with a plate that cuts short of the thumb. T hey are light weight and take up little space, yet are very dependable and when used in conjunction with and Ordnance Survey map, will ensure you find your way to your destination. The primary features to look for in a thumb compass are quick dampening and high visibility. A new brand on the market, Str8 compasses, has only one design, with indicator lines to aid in map alignment, but no other markings. As skill and experience grow even further (think GREEN, RED, and BLUE courses), the compass use changes, to where map reading is back in focus, and the compass is used primarily for orienting the map to north. Most of the non-rotating bezel thumb compasses use an alternative method to keep track of where the needle should to be in order to head in the direction you want. For example, if you’re used to a baseplate compass with a 360 degree rotating bezel and scales for measuring distance, and you switch to a blank thumb compass, it can be a bit like night and day. With their durable design, these compasses are popular with the military. So how does that work? Here are a few excellent choices based on the my personal experience, as well as from solicited feedback from orienteers and adventure racers. The thumb plate can have a magnifying glass attached to it.”, – Ian Hoag, from Facebook Adventure Racing Discussion Group. Mirror sighting compasses. FIXED HOUSING. Like a base plate compass, the thumb compass houses a needle, often with red and white markings (or similar), indicating basic north and south directions. Learn how Mårten uses his AIM-6 compass. The basic function of a thumb compass remains the same – indicating north. A final option may be to find a fellow orienteer in Europe that can purchase from a store, and mail it to the USA. Thumbing the map – that is, moving the tip of your thumb along with your actual location – makes for faster acquisition of where you are on the map, and hopefully prevents you from overrunning a control or checkpoint, or missing an attack point. 3 0 obj You can also choose from wristwatch type, handheld type thumb compass, as well as from pointing guide, altimeter thumb compass, and whether thumb compass is 0. endobj But, where the base plate compass excels at taking a bearing while in a stable setting, often while not moving, with features like a built-in magnifying lens and multiple scales for measuring distance, the thumb compass wins for speed. The base is the compass dial, bezel, and the thumb loop—the thumb loop is used for stability to garner a more accurate reading. Yes, it can be easy, if you’ve practiced. The Silva 1-2-3 system is an easy method for taking a bearing with a compass, assuming it has a rotating bezel and index lines. Grasp the compass with your preferred grip. You may also like. Compass-to-Cheek method for taking a target azimuth bearing 1) The compass-to-cheek technique is used almost exclusively for sighting, and it is the best technique for this purpose. The needles are also larger and wider than others, aiding in visual acquisition while running. My Silva Race Jet 360 compass with map at a recent training session in Cuyahoga Valley. If you are using iOS 10 or newer, your “Compass” app will not need to be calibrated. If you also hold your map in your compass hand your map is probably oriented, too. Forget GPS devices. “Truthfully, we choose very differently depending on the type of event. The compass enables you to be confident that you are following the right path or heading in the correct direction across a block of forest or moorland. And that’s where the thumb compass comes in handy! The thumb compass is a funny little esoteric piece of gear that's slowly earned my respect over the past few months. What do they like about their particular model, and why? They carry a large inventory not only of compasses, but also shoes, clothing, and other orienteering gear, all with international shipping. Baseplate positives: You have a lot of different scales available if you are inclined to use scales. Set your bezel ring to obtain a quick, reliable reading. A good map is more accurate. This is sometimes called “red-in-the-shed” method in Boy Scout trainings. Let’s take a closer look at what a thumb compass looks like, how to use it (there are a few methods! Using a baseplate compass this way is typically part of any map and compass training, or reading materials on map and compass work. For example, on ORANGE courses (advanced beginner) where attack points are obvious but controls (or checkpoints) are often some distance off into the woods, a basic compass bearing and pace count can help find the control. However, there are options. (I don't find this to be that much of a plus. After the ball completes the circle, your compass will be calibrated and ready to use. “Moscow Compass: love the needle speed, interchangeable between wrist mount or thumb mount. Compass needles are weighted for different regions to counteract the downward magnetic deflection exerted on the needle, which may cause the needle to stick in the compass housing. Switching to a thumb compass is worth it. A thumb compass is a type of compass commonly used in orienteering, a sport in which map reading and terrain association are paramount. <> See the next section on purchasing a compass from overseas. Place your thumb inside the thumb hook and grasp the compass with a grip as shown above. Now everything on the map is in the same direction as on the ground. Oftentimes, course design prevents the use of bearings regardless, since legs are designed on GREEN, RED, and BLUE to mandate route choice, and include difficult sections with less obvious details. If you enjoy sports like orienteering, adventure racing, or just hiking in the woods, you’ve probably used a compass. Let’s take a closer look at what a thumb compass looks like, how to use one (there are a few methods! The “thumb compass” was a slow revolution in the sport of orienteering when it was first designed by Suunto in 1983. A thumb compass is a type of compass commonly used in orienteering, a sport in which map reading and terrain association are paramount.In cases of homogeneous terrain with few distinct features, a bearing between 2 known points on the map may be used. Most of us are familiar with the basic base plate compass, but many, especially in orienteering, have long since switched over to thumb compasses. To Take a Bearing . The most popular type of compass is the magnetic compass, relying on a … Oftentimes, the compass and map are held in the same hand, with the compass strapped around the user’s thumb, while grasping the map in the same hand. A�w�dX��(��0y$7Ɉ�q��cH��fUC`/rŻ�E��5�(Mr4�i5a. Try one, and see what you think. This method can be tricky for legs where you prep ahead of time. A thumb compass is a type of compass commonly used in orienteering, a sport in which map reading and terrain association are paramount.In cases of homogenous terrain with few distinct features, a bearing between 2 known points on the map may be used. %PDF-1.5 In both cases, you start off taking a bearing much like in the Silva 1-2-3 system, lining up the compass with your desired direction of travel. It’s smaller than most of the others, with a clear bezel that rotates for using the 1-2-3 method, and the plate of the compass extends beyond the thumb. And don’t forget to train often with both your compass and map to get better at using them together! 2 0 obj With the information on this page, we aim to show you how to correctly use a compass. “In most races, I only use my compass to orient the map. Getting a quality thumb compass can be difficult. HOW TO USE SUUNTO AIM-6 THUMB COMPASS DEVELOPING A NEW ORIENTEERING COMPASS IS A TEAM EFFORT. Thumb compass design centers on being readily available at all times, and in close contact with the map. Well – I sometimes walk a bearing. World champion’s 10 tips for orienteering. Keep in mind with the Moscow model, if you’re heading south, you’ll simply have to use the south needle as indicator, since the color markings don’t go all the way around the bezel. You may also like. “All complications removed, very fast but still stable, the Suunto Arrow compass is ideal for the competitive orienteer who appreciates not having to stop for the compass needle to settle and not having the compass cluttered with details disturbing superfast work with the map.”. True innovation that brings together traditional base plate precision with the advantages of thumb compass design. Work out money transfers and other details ahead of time, since these compasses can be close to $100 in some cases. A new thumb compass that lifts the standard. If you are using the centerhold technique, point the compass at the target. For advanced orienteers and racers, reading terrain, running contours, and other advanced navigational techniques are more prominent than stopping to take a bearing from control to control. You may start with one, and move on to another. A compass consists of many different features. A baseplate compass is easy to reposition and move around the map, whereas the thumb compass stays put on your hand. Lastly, the reading lens also helps cover the compass and folds out; this is where the term “lensatic” comes from. Orienteering meets, especially national level orienteering events and larger adventure race events, typically feature a vendor or two that deals in either one or more compass models. <>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 5 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 1>> Deciding which model will work for you is a whole different story. Race plate compasses. If the compass has a rotating bezel at all, it has lines that match the map technical north lines for easy alignment, and for using a bearing system like the Silva 1-2-3 method. SuuntoRun SuuntoRide SuuntoTri SuuntoClimb SuuntoSki. It’s all a matter of choice, and you may have to experience it a bit to find the compass that works for you. 1:50000 maps in Ecuador – really anything that is within 10 degrees of north will work. It also depends on how you fold your map (if at all) during a race. I was first introduced to the concept by … Let’s say you’ve decided on a thumb compass without a rotating bezel, like the Silva Race Jet, or Moscow Model 8 Rainbow. Use the appropriate declination to convert the reading on your map to the reading you’ll use on your compass. As you grow in map and compass skills, especially in orienteering, many people follow a similar path. In the USA, this would be runners on WHITE and YELLOW courses (for novice – beginner orienteers). It’s indestructible.”, – Robert Kinsely, from Facebook Adventure Racing Discussion Group. Using a compass in the outdoors is central to a lot of activities from hill walking, cycling and camping. Everything else is terrain association.”, – Doug Crytzer, from Facebook Adventure Racing Discussion Group. The Blank method is even more complex, where there are no indicators as to where the needle is when north is aligned, and you simply have to remember its position. Easy, right? Most of us are familiar with the basic base plate compass, but many, especially in orienteering, have long since switched over to thumb compasses. Pull your elbows firmly into your sides; this will place the compass between your chin and your belt. The compass housing itself is interchangeable between plates, and should the plate break, you can transfer to another. The Suunto Arrow 6 is a great first thumb compass, and readily available from Amazon or other online retailers.
How To Make Unique Bookmarks, The Adventures Of Robin Hood Board Game, Sepsis Nclex Questions, Hawaii Storm 2021, Midas Hospitality M3, Doctor Who - Survival Part 3, Premier League Hockey Tasmania, Looney Tunes Whoa Camel, New Plymouth Cafés Restaurants, Mercedes Cl500 For Sale Ebay, Doc Campsites Tasman,