Brunton compasses have been in the market since 1894 and are made in the USA.
Brunton TruArc 10 Compass
Explorers can depend on this high precision, mirrorless baseplate compass. A full set of navigation features and romer scales offer seamless GPS integration. In case you are more familiar with the Suunto range of compasses, the closest equivalent would be the Suunto M3.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 5.2” x 2.8” x 0.5” | 13.2 x 7.1 x 1.2cm
- Weight: 1.7 oz | 48 g
- Resolution: 1˚
Features:
- TruArc™ Global Needle tilts up to 20˚ for balanced use world wide
- Tool-free declination adjustment is simple and fast to orient magnetic north to true north
- Meridian lines on vial assist during pre-trip planning when aligning with map grid lines
- Reversible inch/millimeter scale for accurate and effective map work
- Romer scales provide maximum accuracy of latitude and longitude for easy integration with handheld GPS unit
- Brunton EverNorth Magnet resists demagnetization over time
- Magnified readout provides highest degree of accuracy without compromising readability
- Double-gauge, ergonomic baseplate is durable and comfortable in hand
- High visibility cling for enhanced performance in low light; can be removed to facilitate map use
- 1˚ resolution azimuth ring provides precise readings
Now moving on to the Mirror Compass options and comparing the Brunton range to the familiar Suunto range:
The Brunton Geo Lite is meant to be an affordable geologic transit. It's essentially a combination of the Brunton Compro Transit and Brunton TruArc 15 Compass, but a lighter version.
With the leveling bubble and hinge clinometer on the Geo Lite, it can take measurements such as strike and dip, dip and dip direction, and trend and plunge, which the more expensive Brunton transits can do. Whereas the Suunto MC-2 is a navigational compass, similar to Brunton TruArc 15, the Geo Lite also has a protractor printed onto the baseplate which is specifically used for mapping geologic data onto topo maps.
Finally, the Suunto MC-2 lacks a bubble level, which both Brunton models come with as standard, meaning no geologic measurements can be taken with the Suunto model.
Brunton Geo Lite Transit
This geology-specific mirrored baseplate compass is ideal for students and field geologists in need of a lightweight compass with transit features and functionality.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 4” x 2.5” x 0.6” | 10.16 x 6.3 x 1.5cm
- Weight: 3.2oz | 68g
- Azimuth: +/- 1˚ w/ 2˚ graduations
- Hinge clinometer: +/-2.5˚ w/ 5˚ graduations
- Internal clinometer: +/-2.5˚ w/ 5˚ graduations
- Declination adjustment: +/-180˚
Features:
- Transit-style direct read azimuth system
- Slender needle for a more accurate read
- Fixed plumb-style clinometer–unaffected by declination adjustment
- Hinge clinometer enables dip/dip azimuth measurements
- Integrated protractor for plotting data on a field map
- Bubble level for accurate strike measurement
- 2˚ Resolution for azimuthal readings (strike, dip azimuth, directional bearings)
- 5˚ resolution for clinometer readings
- Brunton EverNorth Magnet resists demagnetization over time
- Map Magnifier
- Sighting Mirror for accurate bearings
- Tool-free declination adjustment
- Romer scales included for easy integration with handheld GPS unit
- Flat bottom for accurate strike and dip measurements at low angles
- Hot stamped base plate for improved durability
- Recycled glass-filled PA lid for increased durability