Barigo Model 16 Analogue Compass
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

Model 16 Analogue Compass Vital Statistics: Sizes: 78 x 50 mm, dial Ø 50 mm Weight: 120g SRP: £65.00

Features to Note:

• Mirror acrylic compass
• Solid acrylic compass in leather case
• Leather lanyard
• Luminous sighting points and back for complete illumination for night use

In-use Test:

Despite the increasing popularity of GPS Devices and various electronics gadgets and gizmos - there is nothing as effective or as reliable for finding your way around the UK Hills and Mountains as a good map and compass.

The Barigo Model 16 Analogue Compass comprises a solid acrylic encased compass in an attractive leather case. The case protects the glass and contains a mirror in the lid. It has a rotating bezel marked in degrees and a magnetic needle.

Also included is a leather lanyard for hanging the compass round your neck or attaching it your clothing/map case.

The whole package comes attractively gift boxed.

This compass does some basic functions very well - the red end of the needle points at north, the lid flips up and down and secures with a popper, the lid includes a sighting 'hole' for taking bearings when you can see your Target, the mirror in the lid reflects and the rotating bezel rotates smoothly.

However, you can only see through the rectangular Base Plate by removing it from the leather case and the lanyard makes this awkward and clumsy.

As a result trying to take accurate Bearings and Back Bearings from the map is also awkward and clumsy (i.e. by joining up your current position and your Target on your map when you cannot see your target - such as in undulating country, tree cover, mist and/or at night).

Furthermore, there is no useful Magnifying Glass (something I find I am needing more and more as my eyesight gets worse) and the lack of any marked scale means you cannot measure distance on your map accurately.

Setting the Map is also difficult since you cannot see through the compass when it is inside the carrying case. Again, you can remove it from its box I suppose - but for £65 I really think this should be easier.

Furthermore, at 120g it is on the heavy side for a compass.

Buying Advice:

Looks great and feels expensive but just doesn't perform. If you are a keen walker and hiker who enjoys using your navigation skills - go for a much lighter weight (and cheaper) 'do it all' compass that includes a rectangular base plate, magnifying glass and measuring scale - it'll be far more useful.

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What do you think?

Have you got a Barigo Model 16 Analogue Compass ?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of Barigo Model 16 Analogue Compass - so we can publish your important views below.

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