Suunto MB6 Compass

[Tony Anders]

Anyone on here used the Suunto MB6 matchbox compass clinometer?

I was looking through my bookmarks making a wish list of stuff to possibly get one day and ran across it.

www.knifesite.com/Suunto-MB6-Matchbox-Compass-Clinometer-Mirror-p/51-mb6-black.htm

Anyhow, I was wondering how good the compass would be in the underground and if anyone has used this compass/clinometer is it the same type you could use for surveying.

I think this compass would be better protected for my backpacking as well, although it would be a little heavy for trekking in the woods.

Anyway, I would love to know any info on it.

Thanks

[Brian Roebuck]

Tony,
Most cave surveyors use other Suunto gear that is more rugged and suited to cave survey. There are 2 types - the combo units with compass and clino in one long aluminum housing and the seperate units also in aluminum housings. They are not all that useful for outdoor use but great for line of sight shots in a cave where you look from one survey station to the next. I know IMO and Bob&bob carry such units. I have never seen one like you linked to used in a cave however it might work fine. Be aware cave survey is tough on equipment and rugged is a good quality in cave gear! Waterproof also helps.

They aint cheap but here's a good one in my opinion:
www.innermountainoutfitters.net/catalogentry.php?subcategoryid=25&page=1&catalogentryid=219&brand=Suunto

[NZcaver]

The MB6 is not really appropriate for surveying caves.

Try searching on eBay for the Suunto Tandem. Satellite TV installers use them. There are at least a dozen of them listed - new and not-so-used - at any given time. Good used ones generally go for under $100 each. It's worth a look.