R&K K&R Alpin Metric Compass

An excellent compass

I have had this compass on my list for ages as the design seems to solve for chronic bubble issues I have had for years with traditional hard plastic compass capsules. However, both Alpin Compasses sent to me were defective in the exactly same manner. The luminescent arrow point on the North end of the needle was floating in the compass liquid. While functionality of the compass itself was OK, I believe the luminescent arrow ought to be more reliably secured to the needle. It appears to be a taped on luminescent point rather than paint. I really wish this compass would have been delivered in a fully functional way as I do believe it would be a fine instrument. I was most disappointed to have returned the first one and then receive another with the exact same defect. I decided not to bother trying a third delivery. August 2015 Edit--now giving this compass ONE star I specifically purchased this compass for its purported ability to eliminate bubble formation with elevation and temperature changes. Bubbles in my Silva and Suunto compasses over the past several years on my annual vacation to Montana motivated me to try this K&R design. Well summer came as did my Montana trip and this K&R Alpin Metric compass totally failed me. I spend my Summer vacation in the Beartooth’s of Montana—elevation from about 6000-11000 feet and temperatures from freezing to 100F. Most of my other older Suunto and Silva compasses develop a small bubble when taken on these trips…a small bubble that is annoying but not usually large enough to impair the needle swing. This K&R Alpin developed a HUGE bubble at least a half inch long and a quarter inch wide that blocked needle swing, making the compass an expensive paper weight with neck lanyard. I arrived at Red Lodge (about 5500’) after traveling up over the Continental Divide at 6393’ and the next morning as I was packing up for a walk found the K&R compass totally useless due to the huge bubble. I tried the warming in sun trick that usually works on my Suunto MC2 and the bubble actually got larger! Returning to sea level—the compass still has a quarter inch bubble…. This compass, the design which seemed to have promise for my uses, I now rate a one star and would give it a zero if I could. Too bad as other aspects of the design still appeal to me.

Exactly what I needed and as described.

There are features on this compass that I like a lot and wish other manufacturers would adopt. Mainly the higher magnification of the magnifier, the cutout for map marking, the aluminum mirror, and the markings for slope on the side of the cover. But none of that can make up for the quality control. The first one of these I received had a cover that was not put on straight, the thing would hardly close because of how off it was. The compass was also very difficult to rotate. So I sent it back for an exchange. The second compass I received had a needle that was not level. When the body of the compass was level the needle would hit the top of the capsule. The second compass was also so loose and easy to turn that if you bumped it with a finger it would rotate. Some good design elements but disappointing quality.

Pros - The compass is well made and appears to capable of accurate readings. Compensating for declination is easy and positive. The luminescent qualities of the compass housing and the needle tip would make it relatively easy to use at night.The mirror is polished aluminum rather than glass thus much more durable. Cons - Numerals are extremely small and the dial is numbered every 30 degree increments, rather than every 10 degrees. In a survival situation I believe reading these numbers should be much easier to access. For me at least this makes reading a bearing slower than some other makes. Also, the bearing indicator arrow covers 4 degrees making it hard to read the precise bearing. All this is quite frustrating since it is a quality instrument but with design features that make it difficult to use.

The compass had all the features I wanted but was defective and broken from the box. The illuminated/glowing arrow point on the tip of the north pointing arm was detached and floating around inside the bubble. It wouldn't allow the arm to rotate and point to north freely. It seemed like an old model, the packaging was stained and yellowed. Maybe it was a knock off or fake?

is great to go with my milspec

good items,good seller.