REVIEW: Recta compass, DP 2

Where do we come from? Where are we going? - These are fundamental philosophical questions that leave no one indifferent. When they arise in the landscape, there are at least two things that provide clarity: map and compass. The Recta compass is a classic model that you can trust (the company is now part of Suunto and operates under that name). Like the Swiss Army knife, it is also a Swiss manufacturer that sets the course.

These are the 360 degrees you can choose from. DP-2 is the basic model, DP-6 is the officer's model. The special quality features are the short settling time of the sapphire-jeweled, patented needle with great tilt freedom and the impact-resistant Noryl housing with cm scale. The transparent capsule also makes map work easy.

The technical data:

• Mirror and hand bearing
• 360° display
• Black case made of impact-resistant Noryl
• Needle with liquid damping and very short settling time
• Sapphire-jeweled, patented needle with great tilt freedom
• Transparent capsule for map work
• Folding mirror with 11 cm long sighting line and unobstructed view
• Size: 66 x 45 x 22 mm
• Weight: 50 gr.

The housing measures 6.6 x 4.5 x 2.2 cm. But the magic only shows when you unfold it, because the compass is well protected in the Noryl housing.

The mirror is important for sighting. The marching target is targeted, the view on the mirror below, after adjustment with North, provides a marching number. Can be transferred to the map or read from the map. It's a lot of fun in nature. HERE is the user manual for the Recta DP-2, where you can learn the basics of how to use the device.

We say yes, aim. And don't get lost. We'll explain map work to you another time. But it's really one of the things you should know how to do. GPS fails. The compass doesn't.

CONCLUSION: Classic device. If it comes your way (or in its variations), grab it. If you want it new, the Recta models are now available as Suunto compasses.

RECTA on the Internet: www.recta.ch