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10 Best Underwater Compass For Scuba Diving 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Scuba Choice Diving Dive Compass with Retractable Clip – Glow-in-The-Dark Compass, 7" to 31.5" Extendable Retractor, Perfect for BCD or Gear Attachment, Easy-to-Read Underwater Navigation Tool

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,477
Ease of Use

Most important from
195 reviews

Ease of Use
Easy to read and clips easily to my BC, making it convenient for diving.

The Scuba Choice Diving Dive Compass is designed with underwater navigation in mind, making it a solid option for both novice and experienced divers. One of its standout features is the convenient clip-on design that easily attaches to your BCD or gear, ensuring quick access when you need to check your bearings. The compass also incorporates a retractable functionality, extending up to 31.5 inches, which makes it user-friendly and keeps it within arm's reach during dives.

Its glow-in-the-dark dial is a great advantage for low-visibility conditions, providing easy-to-read markings so you can navigate confidently. Additionally, it's compact and lightweight, weighing just 0.24 pounds and measuring 2.5 inches in diameter, which is ideal for divers who need to minimize bulk in their gear.

On the durability front, it is built with high-quality materials, promising resilience against the rigors of deep dives. This durability ensures that it will withstand underwater conditions, making it a reliable tool for various water sports, including snorkeling and freediving.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,477
Ease of Use

Most important from
195 reviews

Ease of Use
Easy to read and clips easily to my BC, making it convenient for diving.
#2

Scubapro 3-Gauge in-Line Diving Console with FS-1.5 Compass Plastic Compact PG, STD DG, FS-1.5 3G in-L PGbar, DGm, FS-1.5N, Metric Bar

The Scubapro 3-Gauge in-Line Diving Console with FS-1.5 Compass is a multi-functional tool designed for scuba divers. One of its main strengths is the combination of a pressure gauge, a depth gauge, and an FS-1.5 compass, which makes it a versatile option. The pressure gauge can measure up to 6,000 PSI (400 bar), and the depth gauge features an accurate linear bourdon tube design, ensuring reliable readings underwater. The FS-1.5 compass with a 26-degree tilt tolerance allows for better navigation, which is quite beneficial when diving in challenging conditions. The oil-filled design adds to its accuracy.

While the compass has good tilt tolerance, it lacks advanced luminescence features, which might make it harder to read in low-light conditions underwater. The durability is solid with a compact plastic build, though some divers might prefer a more robust material. Weighing 1.1 pounds, the console is reasonably lightweight and portable, but its dimensions (12.5 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches) might make it appear bulky to some. Despite this, it is designed to be easy to handle and use, which is a plus for both beginners and experienced divers.

It comes with a one-year warranty, though long-term durability might be a concern for those who dive frequently. This product is suitable for recreational divers who want an all-in-one gauge console, but those requiring advanced features may need to look elsewhere.

#3

SAEKODIVE Wrist Compass - Glow in The Dark, Waterproof Dive Compass - Scuba Compass, Diving Compass, Kayak Compass, Scuba Diving Accessories

Rating
9.7
Durability and Build Quality
Ease of Use
Size and Weight

Most important from
3 reviews

Durability and Build Quality
Decently made and a good value.
Ease of Use
The Saekodive wrist compass is a hair smaller than the compass on my dive computer and is easy to see in water.
Size and Weight
The Saekodive wrist compass is a hair smaller than the compass on my dive computer and is easy to see in water.

The SAEKODIVE Wrist Compass is a versatile and reliable tool for scuba diving, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. One of its standout features is its high tilt tolerance, ensuring the compass needle spins smoothly without getting stuck, which is crucial underwater. The glow-in-the-dark feature is beneficial for night dives, providing clear visibility even in low-light conditions.

Additionally, the compass offers easy readability with a prominent pointer and a 360° rotating ratchet bezel, helping users mark their direction efficiently. Made from durable materials like PC and PVC, this compass is built to withstand deep dives over 230 feet and is corrosion and scratch resistant, adding to its longevity.

The wrist-mount design makes it easy to carry, and its lightweight nature at just 0.11 kilograms ensures it won't be cumbersome during dives. However, while it is highly functional and durable, the compass's size might be slightly bulky for those with smaller wrists or for children. Despite this, its ease of use and high reliability make it a valuable accessory for anyone engaging in underwater navigation. Being from a trusted brand like SAEKODIVE, which has been around since 1969, and with the reassurance of a one-year warranty, this compass is a dependable choice for both novice and experienced divers.

Rating
9.7
Durability and Build Quality
Ease of Use
Size and Weight

Most important from
3 reviews

Durability and Build Quality
Decently made and a good value.
Ease of Use
The Saekodive wrist compass is a hair smaller than the compass on my dive computer and is easy to see in water.
Size and Weight
The Saekodive wrist compass is a hair smaller than the compass on my dive computer and is easy to see in water.

Buying Guide for the Best Underwater Compass For Scuba Diving

Choosing the right underwater compass for scuba diving is crucial for ensuring safe and accurate navigation while exploring underwater environments. A good compass will help you maintain your bearings, find your way back to your starting point, and navigate through complex underwater terrains. When selecting an underwater compass, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences.
Compass TypeThere are two main types of underwater compasses: wrist-mounted and console-mounted. Wrist-mounted compasses are worn like a watch and offer the convenience of being easily accessible and hands-free. Console-mounted compasses are attached to your diving console, often alongside other instruments like depth gauges and pressure gauges. The choice between the two depends on your personal preference and how you like to organize your diving gear. If you prefer having all your instruments in one place, a console-mounted compass might be the best fit. If you like the flexibility of having the compass on your wrist, go for a wrist-mounted one.
Tilt ToleranceTilt tolerance refers to the compass's ability to provide accurate readings even when it is not held perfectly level. This is important because underwater conditions can make it difficult to keep the compass level at all times. Compasses with higher tilt tolerance can still give accurate readings even when tilted at various angles. For recreational divers, a tilt tolerance of up to 20-30 degrees is usually sufficient. However, if you plan on diving in challenging conditions or need precise navigation, look for a compass with a higher tilt tolerance.
LuminescenceLuminescence is the compass's ability to glow in low-light conditions, making it easier to read in dark or murky waters. This feature is particularly important for night dives or dives in environments with limited visibility. A good underwater compass should have a luminescent dial or markings that are easy to see in the dark. When choosing a compass, consider how often you dive in low-light conditions and select one with strong luminescence if you frequently find yourself in such situations.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality are essential for ensuring that your compass can withstand the harsh underwater environment. Look for compasses made from high-quality materials that are resistant to corrosion, pressure, and impact. A well-built compass will last longer and provide reliable performance over time. If you frequently dive in rough conditions or at greater depths, prioritize a compass with robust construction and a sturdy design.
Ease of UseEase of use is an important factor to consider, especially if you are a beginner or prefer straightforward equipment. A good underwater compass should have a clear, easy-to-read display with simple markings and a smooth rotating bezel. It should also be easy to operate with gloves on. When selecting a compass, consider how intuitive it is to use and whether you can quickly and easily take readings while diving. If you are new to scuba diving, opt for a compass with a user-friendly design.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of the compass can affect your comfort and convenience while diving. A compact and lightweight compass is easier to carry and less cumbersome, especially on long dives. However, make sure that the compass is not too small, as this can make it difficult to read. When choosing a compass, consider the balance between size, weight, and readability. If you prefer minimal gear, opt for a smaller, lighter compass, but ensure it still has a clear display.

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