X-Compass Model 8* Super Elite

A compass marketed to elite orienteers and designed for high-speed orienteering.

X-compass (formerly moscompass) makes a variety of compasses and plates to suit just about any orienteer. After using the Str8 Evo for about a year, I wanted to try the x-compass model 8*: 

1. To try the rainbow dial to see if it helps me in holding a bearing
2. A magnifier at a decent price (a magnifier for my Str8 compass costs more than this compass and magnifier combined)
3. The best combination of speed and stability from x-compass
4. I understand that the Silva compasses form bubbles more easily (a friend who purchased a Silva when I purchased this received it with a bubble)

Ease of use: This is a thumb compass with the rainbow system. When orienting your map to the next control or to a feature you're navigating to, you note the color and number the needle is pointing to so you can check your direction on the run without reorienting your map. You can also ignore the rainbow and simply set your direction of travel, line up the needle with the N/S lines on your map, and go. 

Features: A nice thing about this brand is the interchangeable plates. You can also reverse it from lefthanded to righthanded (though the top of the plate is a drop different than the bottom). The rainbow navigation dial makes it easier and quicker to remember a color and number for a 15-degree bearing during high speed navigation. It also has a 1cm scale along the direction of travel line to help estimate distances.

Construction & Durability: The compass feels well made. If the plate breaks or cracks, it's replaceable. 

Conditions: I haven't had a chance to use this in freezing weather yet to see how it holds up. I have used it once in my neighborhood and once on an orienteering course. 

Background

I've participated in competitive orienteering for three years now and compete in orienteering races close to 20 times a year. I also instruct Scouts and newcomers to the sport and practice orienteering on my own about once a week. This is my fourth thumb compass.