SUUNTO A-10 Compass Review (Tested and Rated)

Our Verdict

The SUUNTO A-10 compass is a budget-friendly compass that helps in finding out the right direction along the way. It has larger, easy-to-read graduation markings for precise navigation, which helps in understanding the readings easily. It has well-organized baseplates with integrated millimeter and centimeter scales to read the distance along with direction on a map. While it lacks some of the features that we found in the high-end advanced models, SUUTO A-10 offers a great affordable price with many durable features.

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Whether you are hiking through forests, open deserts, or mountains, this compass helps you find the right direction effectively.

SUUNTO A-10 Compass: Testing Results and Analysis

Features of the SUUNTO A-10 Compass

While we used this compass, we found the following incredibly useful features on it.

1. Clear Degree Scale

This compass has a large degree scale, which offers a clear interpretation of the graduation markings, which offer precise navigation.

• Baseplate with Scales

You will also find an integrated millimeter and centimeter scale to read direction as well as distance on the maps.

• Sighting Mirror

Accuracy for a hiker is one of the most important concerns. The sighting mirror offers great accuracy of measurements for ideal navigation over long distances.

• Clinometer

Clinometer is a feature on this compass that helps in locating the slope of a terrain or a mountain easily.

• Durability

Perfectly made for hikers, this compass offers great durability. The makers have kept the hikers’ conditions and demands perfectly placed in it.

• Affordability

Although this compass offers many useful features, its price is kept as low as possible. Its affordable price tag makes it a great choice for hikers.

Accuracy and Reliability

We tested the SUUNTO A-10 on our field trips. Since we are hiking for an extensive time period, we come across terrains, fields, and mountains. The SUUNTO A-10 compass consistently offered accurate bearings, explaining its reliability and accuracy in varied fields.

On dense forests, open trails, landscapes, and mountains, the needle of this compass was never hesitant towards shifting directional changes. The capsule is filled with liquid, which ensures the smooth and stable movement of the needle in changing directions. This feature offers enhanced precision in different fields.

Even in the Rocky Mountains and unfavorable weather, A-10 never missed the right direction. Since it is an entry-level compass, it lacks certain abilities that advanced compasses may have; it offers an adequate price tag for whatever it is providing.

Whatever it is offering on this price tag is a blessing in disguise.

Weather Resistance

We tested A-10 in various weather conditions as well. From rain to snow and from humidity to dry weather, the SUUNTO A-10 offered perfect navigation in all the weather.

Apart from its unhinged navigation, A-10 also offers a water-resistant dial, which works in water as well. Its seal is waterproof, which disallows the water to disturb its liquid and its navigation. Talking about the physical conditions, the plastic baseplate of this device remains easy to grip despite the damp weather conditions.

Also, the numbers on the plate do not fade or become unreadable over time. The compass’s needle kept working even in the freezing winters, making it an all-weather tested compass for hikers. Prolonged moisture might damage it; however, this device handles rough weather easily.

Ease of Map Navigation

Using SAANTO A-10 is exciting when it comes to navigation. Its base plates and scale markings are convenient for hikers. It contains a magnifier, which is helpful in reading the map.

Comparatively, the A-10 is lighter than other counterparts. While it lacks a few options that are present in most advanced compasses, A-10 enjoys unvawering love and attention due to its lightweight.

For those who have started their hiking experience recently, A-10 is an effective tool for planning and tracking routes.

Sighting Mirror and Clinometer

Among other excellent features that we tested are its sighting mirror and the clinometer. SUUNTO A-10 offers a robust sighting mirror, which we used during long-distance navigation.

Even though the A-10 is a beginner model, it offers excellent accuracy and functionality. The clinometer offered a clear insight about the slope while hiking through trails, mountains, rough terrains, and plateaus. This helped us manage our routes and locate ourselves above the sea level.

These features are found in the higher-end models and the most recent and modern models; however, A-10 provides these features in its initial version at an affordable price. In its more advanced models like SUUNTO MC-2, these features are more refined with better accuracy.

Pros and Cons of the SUUNTO A-10 Compass

Pros:

1. Compact design with lightweight
2. Easy-to-read scales
3. Reliable and accurate readings
4. A durable construction
5. Affordable for hikers
6. Performs aptly in varied weather conditions

Cons:

1. Lacks multi-zone navigation
2. Lacks adjustable declination
3. Basic versions of clinometer and sighting mirror

Comparing the SUUNTO A-10 to Other Compasses

SUUNTO A-10 stands out as a beginner model; however, with other compasses, it shares many features. Let’s consider the following:

SUUNTO MC-2

It is an advanced navigational compass made keeping in mind serious hikers and professional adventurers. This is a professional tool made for enhanced precision and accuracy. This makes it precise and dependable in low-light conditions.

The MC-2 Compass includes a sighting hole and notch for accurate bearings, a declination adjustment tool, and a clinometer. These are the top-notch features for a professional hiker, which the beginner version A-10 lacks.

Brunton TruArc5

Another professional tool is the Brunton TruArc5, which offers a global needle for multi-zone navigation. It is a tool-less compass that technically offers an East or West declination of +/- 180°. It scales in centimeters and inches, offering a 2° resolution.

Also, it has a map magnifier, which helps in making the map reading easier. As a whole, this compass is a professional tool and is feasible only for the professional hikers.

Conclusion: Is the SUUNTO A-10 Worth It?

As a whole, the testing results of SUUNTO A-10 give a perfect description. This tool is a beginner model; however, it offers a variety of professional and premium features that are comparable to the higher model compasses. Its clinometer and sighting mirror offer excellent accuracy for the long-distance navigation and the slopes of the hikes. Its accuracy and reliability remain constant in varied weathers and terrains.

Considering its physical shape, this model is handy and convenient. In terms of technicalities, this model provides complex features in a simple and beginner-friendly dial, making it a handy tool for beginners. As a whole, the SUUNTO A-10 is a recommendable option for the hikers who have just embarked on this saga.

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