REVIEW: Recta-Kompass, 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 you can trust (the company now belongs to Suunto and everything operates under that name). As with the Swiss knife, it is also a Swiss manufacturer that sets the way here.

These are the 360 degrees from which you can choose. DP-2 (now SUUNTO MB-6) is the basic model, DP-6 (SUUNTO MB-6 6400 in MIL instead of degrees) is the officer model. The special quality features include the short swing time of the sapphire-supported, patented needle with a large degree of freedom of inclination, as well as the impact-resistant Noryl housing with a cm scale. With the transparent capsule, card work is also no problem.

The technical specifications:

• Mirror and direct hand bearing
• 360° display
• Black housing made of impact-resistant Noryl
• Needle with liquid damping and very short swing time
• Sapphire-supported, patented needle with large freedom of inclination
• Transparent capsule for map work
• Foldable mirror with an 11 cm long sight line and clear view
• Dimensions: 66 x 45 x 22 mm
• Weight: 50 gr.

The housing measures 6.6 x 4.5 x 2.2 cm. The magic reveals itself only when you take it out, as the compass is well protected in the Noryl housing.

The mirror is important so you can take bearings. The target destination is aimed at, and the view of the mirror below gives a marching number when aligned with north. This can be transferred to the map or read from the map. This creates a lot of fun in nature. HERE is the user manual for the Recta DP-2 (SUUNTO MB-6), where you can learn the basics of operating the device.

We say aim and do not get lost. We will explain map work to you another time. However, it really is one of those things you should know. GPS fails. The compass does not.

CONCLUSION: Classic device. If it comes your way (or its variants), grab it. For those who want it new, the Recta models are now available as SUUNTO compasses.

RECTA (now SUUNTO) online