KevBowSlice
FNG
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2024
- Messages
- 3
Hi All,
I was on a search for the most durable magnetic navigation compass for backpacking / orienteering, and couldn't seem to find anything that fit my checkboxes. I wanted the Glock/Springfield XD of compasses...simple, reliable, mid-range price, bomb-proof. Suunto MC2's now have many reported manufacturing issues, and it's silly that Commenga doesn't put out a 360 deg (non-Mils) compass. I was looking at Francis Barker M73 and M88, but they were both very expensive, and the M73 was extra heavy. After searching on Facebook Marketplace, I found something that nobody seems to be talking about which is this Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) version of the M73 which has heavy-duty OD green plastic. It's very durable, much like the plastic material on a standard-issue canteen (which I would never drink out of, especially in the heat with everything we know about endocrine disrupting plastics now). Anyway, this is built to the same exact standards as the M73, but without the polished brass and mother of pearl inlay. I bought it in 9/10 condition with only very light usage marks on the outer plastic case for just $40! The tritium glow rods are dead, but I could replace those to make it glow again. So I just wanted to put out some info on this scarcely-publicized option that may be lurking in your local Craigslists / Facebook Marketplaces.
I was on a search for the most durable magnetic navigation compass for backpacking / orienteering, and couldn't seem to find anything that fit my checkboxes. I wanted the Glock/Springfield XD of compasses...simple, reliable, mid-range price, bomb-proof. Suunto MC2's now have many reported manufacturing issues, and it's silly that Commenga doesn't put out a 360 deg (non-Mils) compass. I was looking at Francis Barker M73 and M88, but they were both very expensive, and the M73 was extra heavy. After searching on Facebook Marketplace, I found something that nobody seems to be talking about which is this Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) version of the M73 which has heavy-duty OD green plastic. It's very durable, much like the plastic material on a standard-issue canteen (which I would never drink out of, especially in the heat with everything we know about endocrine disrupting plastics now). Anyway, this is built to the same exact standards as the M73, but without the polished brass and mother of pearl inlay. I bought it in 9/10 condition with only very light usage marks on the outer plastic case for just $40! The tritium glow rods are dead, but I could replace those to make it glow again. So I just wanted to put out some info on this scarcely-publicized option that may be lurking in your local Craigslists / Facebook Marketplaces.
