Review
First off, I wouldn’t take any of the 1-Star reviews for this compass seriously. One of the “1 star reviewers” proposed a test supposedly proving that the circle on circle eclipse system doesn’t work. I tried it and have no idea what his point is, as everything checked out fine for me. Other “1-star” reviewers complained of stuff that is easily resolved if you take a little time getting familiar with the 8099. There were also complaints about some petty things; things that should NOT justify a 1-star rating – more later.
This compass is intelligently designed and innovative. It is also full featured. The hard plastic casing and rubber boot offer superb protection for the the compass dial and transparent base-plate, which has all of the most commonly needed map scales. The Eclipse 8099 has a 1-degree graduated dial, marked for both forward and reverse sighting. It has a magnifying lens over the graduations that allows for easy reading. A separate magnifying lens (larger than on many other base-plate map compasses) allows you to check out map details more easily. The rubber boot serves also as an eraser for pencil lines on your map. There is a magnetic declination adjustment, of course, and a clinometer for measuring heights and slopes. Contained within the boot are a set of quick reference cards that thoroughly explain how to use all of the map, compass and clinometer techniques. There is a tangent conversion table (Card 8). There are map and roamer scales (Card #6) Cards 9-11 even provide some basic survival and first aid reminders. I don’t know of any other compass that gives you all of that in a self contained package.
Prospective buyers might be interested to know that my son was a high speed US Special Forces guy, by necessity an expert in land-navigation. He is very familiar with use of the classic USMC Cammenga Lensatic compass and he says he’d much rather use my 8099.
Now for some of the complaints that supposedly get this item a 1-star rating:
“The circle over circle alignment system doesn’t really work” – This is bogus nonsense or – if you prefer – BS. As I said above, I tested the fellow’s theory and the compass checked out fine. If it didn’t work out for him, he apparently was not using the mirror sighting lens correctly.
“It’s hard to open the case completely” – The protective rubber shoe should be thumbed off first, which is easy enough. If the opening the case completely is still too hard for you at that point, you are probably too delicate to risk being outdoors anyway and might do better to just stay home.
“It got a bubble” – Maybe there are compasses out there that will never get a bubble but having used several brands and models, I don’t know of any. I confess – my 8099 compass developed a bubble when I took it out on an early winter camping trip a few years ago. Cold temperatures do that to compasses because the damping fluid within the capsule contracts. Set them out in the sunshine on a hot summer day and the bubble goes away (or at least shrinks to near nothing). Anyway, since this compass doesn’t use a traditional needle, bubbles present no functional problem.
One more remark has to do with value. When originally introduced – at a retail price of about .00 – the Eclipse 8099 was pretty pricey. But at the current pricing – about .00 less – the Eclipse 8099 offers what I consider to be very good value.
Feature
- Magnified read out
- Declination adjustable
- USGS map scale 1:24k, ft., UTM, mile
- “Circle over Circle” alignment system
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
Overview
Brunton Compasses 8099 Eclipse, The Eclipse 8099 is an all-in-one professional compass that serves as both a baseplate and a mirrored sighting map compass. Designed for easy-navigation, the 8099 features three clinometer systems and Brunton’s patented circle-over-circle alignment system. Includes field reference cards for mapping and emergency skills. 4.1″x2.5″x1″ 3.6 oz. Magnified read out 1° graduations Field reference cards 3 inclinometer systems Declination adjustable USGS map scale 1:24k, ft., UTM. mile “Circle over circle” alignment system Map magnifier Lanyard, Mfg No: 8099, Manufacturer: Brunton, Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
Specifications
Brunton’s Eclipse 8099 is an all-in-one professional compass that serves as both a baseplate and a mirrored sighting map compass. Designed for easy-navigation, the 8099 features three clinometer systems and our patented circle-over-circle alignment system. Includes field reference cards for mapping and emergency skills.
Feature Details
4.1 inches x 2.5 inches x 1 inch
3.6 ounces
Magnified read out
1° C graduations
Field reference cards
3 inclinometer systems
Declination adjustable
USGS map scale 1:24k, ft., UTM. mile
“Circle over circle” alignment system
Map magnifier
Lanyard
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 12, 2010 22:20:07
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