Review on 🧭 Optimize Your Fieldwork with the Harbin Geological Compass DQL-8: A Reliable and Efficient Tool by Ryan Barton

I tried the plastic version of this type of compass but it just didn't hold up - the hinges broke - and wasn't very accurate. However, the DQL-8 is solidly built and accurate enough to determine magnetic north and read angles and directions. I adjusted the magnetic variation for my location which I got from a website and compared it to the North Star position (horizontally using a plumb bob) and it showed 0° as accurately as I could read it. The porthole elevation is fairly sensitive and requires a steady hand, and the needle suspension can be lively if you're not careful - it has some magnetic damping but is quick to respond. I am very happy with the tool for checking property lines, leveling fences and the like. This is the most useful compass I have ever used and it works much better than military compasses with a nautical compass function. Learn to use it correctly - the azimuth circle moves in the opposite direction than you might think. The attached instructions are misleading. For example, if you are looking at the other end through a hole in the mirror, you are taking the bearing from the south (red) end of the needle. It's intuitive if you just think about it. There are glowing dots on the arrow and north, south, east and west, but you can't see the plane when it's dark - this is not a hiking/camping compass. For the price unbeatable.