User Review: Brunton 8099 Eclipse

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February 19, 2013
updated Feb 22, 2013

Anthony Mancuso
35 reviewer rep

Rating:
Source: bought via a "pro deal"
Price Paid: $15

Summary

Loaded with features. Clineometer, bearing and back-bearing protractors, correctable for declination, comes with UTM grids for most major US series. Signal mirror. Fluid won't freeze (I tried).

Pros

Roamer grids included
Survival cards and first aid instructions (does not replace proper certification)
Fluid won't freeze EVER
Clineometer
Magnified lens alows for readings as accurate as 30' of a degree.
Azimuth and Back-Azimuth listed, no addition or subtraction needed.

Cons

Klunky
Rubber boot gets in the way
Pricepoint

This product works as smoothly as any compass that I've used. The lense rotates smoothly and remains grit free/doesn't stick. Allows hyper accurate readings that I've used for first order, amature surveying. Includes roamer grids for UTM/coordinate work in the most commonly used scales/series.

I've put >200 miles on this compass in 4 seasons of Northeast US backpacking. Freeze proof, shock proof, you'll snap it if you abuse it though, it's an instrument not a piece of kevlar. Sighting mirror can be used as signal mirror. Clineometer is a novelty until you need it, then you're glad they included it, can be used as a primitive sextant.