Thread: Brunton Pocket transit/compass

I'm saving up my nickles for one of these. Does anyone know of a good manufacturer of the Brunton style transit/compass that doesn't cost so damned much? The cheapest I've seen for the model I want (5006LM) is about $280. There are brass Indian and Chinese made knock-offs that I'm sure are only decorator pieces. I'm wondering if there's some other no-name maker that is actually making something that'll last.

Here's one if you've never seen this thing before; Brunton International Pocket Transit

Your really paying for the name here. The question is do you really need the ability to measure angles and verticales or do you just want a good compass.

Brunton made their name selling to Geologists and the "famous" Brunton Compass.

If all you want is a good compass check out Deutche Optik they sell some military surplus compass' from Israel, switzerland and a few other places. They are not cheap however they are way more reasonable than the Brunton. Of course if you need those other features then you have no choice.

I just bought a couple months ago the 5005LM (I think it was quads) for an engineer friend of mine. I think bigspender is right, unless you need a transit, don't buy one. get a nice compass and be ahead. If you need it, then it's probably worth the money in the end.

just remember, 280 bucks is a VERY nice razor.

If all you really need is a good compass, I would check out ebay or any good military surplus store for a good GI issue compass. Ive used one on four different continents, mountains, plains, jungles, steaming heat or artic blast, they work.

Well, this isn't a need, it's a cool toy, and the transit is the coolest part of the toy as far as I'm concerned. I've been looking at them for a couple of years now and now I guess I'm thinking seriously about saving for it. It may take a while the way I go. I tend to think about buying for a long time before actually spending real money.

The Deutsche Optics site is pretty cool though, thanks for that.

Originally Posted by Big Red

...

just remember, 280 bucks is a VERY nice razor.

Yeah, but I have enough of those for the time being (if you can believe it).

Taking a high end compass into the field is like taking a high end custom knife along. Put it down somewhere and panic for however long until you find it again. Take something less expensive (unless you really need those features), like a good base plate compass.

When it's deep forest, night, foggy, raining, snowing etc. they are really no better than a much cheaper base plate compass.

Your post reminds me of when I had the jones for a Thomen altimeter. I climbed high peaks back then and had an excuse...but just wanted it because....it was cool?

Remarkably more accurate tools are available on watches! Anyway, go for it! I'd like to see a nice pic when you get it.

J

Originally Posted by joesixpack

Well, this isn't a need, it's a cool toy, and the transit is the coolest part of the toy as far as I'm concerned. I've been looking at them for a couple of years now and now I guess I'm thinking seriously about saving for it. It may take a while the way I go. I tend to think about buying for a long time before actually spending real money.

The Deutsche Optics site is pretty cool though, thanks for that.

Yea, they sometimes have old French Army Straight razors too.

I love cool gadgets too. And that is definitely a cool gadget!

There is really no point in justifying it. You want it because you want it. Period. If logic was involved, a fifty dollar compass would work just fine. A GPS would be much better. But that's just logic getting in the way of the jonesing.
Just don't expect to get your money back out of it when you decide to sell. Unless you can find one that has been "previously enjoyed"

Cheers,
Rick