Bearing.... MARK!......Captian we have a firing solution
I agree. I think direct read compasses are a lot better for sea kayakers. Its only important that the driver understand the difference between a direct bearing and a True bearing compasses.

There are several compasses out there (most?) that split the difference. I know the present Sunto deck compass is like that. It has the compass rose printed on top of it as true. (overhead) Its bearing ring on the side of the bubble ball is direct read. That is to say they have a direct bearing ring on the sides and on top of the bubble ball the directions are stamped on true. They are printed 180 degrees opposit of each other. It allows you to use the compass both as an map orietning device and when your in the boat allows you the option to hold a heading with out fidling.I like that but it can mix up someoene who is jsut picking it up and notices that 180 bearing always lines up with true north.

As for the Sunto ceck compas, I borrowed one for a few weeks to try it out. Great compass in many ways. I like the rugged construction of the glass, the luminesent read out, the protective cover and the split printing of the compass card. Only problem with it is that the bearing numbers are a little too small. I like to put a compass far out on my boat out of my chart park area and I find with the present Sunto deck compass I have to bring her in a few yards so I can read the bearings. That may say more about Geezer eyeballs. Still its enough that I'll be trading in the ruggedness and lumincense for something a little easier on the eye balls.

Hope ya all keep your bearings,

!RUSS