KB-14

Who am I to judge? I own and use still Brunton geologist compass, it is very good and practical where bulk does not matter that much and where it can be protected from damage. I own and do not use an early version of SUUNTO KB-14 compass that had few limitations: difficult to read in less than bright light, no dioptrical correction of the sight, limited aiming up/down horizontal level.After decades, SUUNTO perfected their design. The KB14G (global) sight is very bright, if you can see object you are aiming at, you can also clearly read the dial. I can too with my -7.5 dioptres. When aiming you can incline the sight line according to elevation without the card being stuck. This is because of the design of the card bearing/suspension, which makes the compass also work anywhere in the world (global) and also allowing the compass inclining for sighting.The compass does not have the ability to adjust for magnetic declination. SUUNTO was making such version KB14GD but they discontinued this model. It is still available in some stores, but I would advise against it. Since the reading is taken from the markings on the card itself the optical sight has to have a provision to look at the card markings at the declination angle. This complicates the design and requires careful technique of reading the sights. Instead, I have to add the declination when taking the reading. This is not really bothersome for me. Besides, when working with azimuths only, the declination does not matter, you can operate with straight readings.....What a fine instrument.

After purchasing three compasses from a different company and being disappointed with all three, I decided to purchase the Suunto KB-14/360R compass. The compass seems to be well bu and can stand up for back woods hiking and hunting. I the n subjected the compass to a few home tests like leaving the compass in the refrigerator for 24 hours to check for any bubble formation. I found no bubbles have formed. I then chcked the accuracy of the compass with one I already have and trust. The Suunto was spot on. The compass card that is both viewed from the top and through the viewing portal was clean and sharp with no trouble in obtaining a bearing. My conclusion is that this is an excellent compass for keeping in your go bag, hunting or any outdoor sport that requires a compass to get around. I LOVE IT!!!

Very good quality and nice sight glass to see the dial, but it's quite heavy.

This is the second Suunto I've purchased. I purchased the first decades ago and used it often. Back then they came with a blue leatherette case. To my dismay, one day I found the blue dye used in the case had transferred to the plastic cover that allows you to see the reading. I was not happy. What a stupid design defect. I tried a number of cheaper sighting compresses, but finally bit the bullet and purchased another one. I find this Suunto so much easier to get a good reading in the field. Fortunately the case that came with this one is much improved.

I love everything about the compass. I've used them since 1990 and after many years of daily use, they will start to get cloudy. I've had some of the compasses last over ten years without turning. They also might get an air bubble in them but I think most of this is due to, not being taken in out of the cold at night and leaving them in my vehicle year round so it is subjected to hot in the summer and cold in the winter. I'm a surveyor so I use them daily. I currently have seven of these in daily use on survey crews, two of my old ones have developed bubbles, but again it's not the products fault, it's the difficult conditions they are put under every day.

Excellent to read an azimuth. It is not as useful for detailed map and compass work. It is a wonderful means to validate an azimuth from a standard Magnetic Navigation and Orienteering compass. I am glad to have it in my outdoor gear.

The Suunto KB-14 is a great little compass, well made and rugged. I use it to align Dish satellite antennas and it works very well!

Recently had some land surveyed and the surveyor introduced me to this compass. It’s great, but DONT BUY AN EXTRA case, because it comes with a case (but the description doesn’t reveal that).