Author Topic: Brunton, Suunto, and Haglöf clinometers (Read 529 times)

joepye · « **on:** December 28, 2017, 02:27:07 PM »

I'm wondering if any of you have opinions on the relative merits and demerits of the Brunton, Suunto, and Haglöf clinometers. I'm referring to these and related products:

https://www.benmeadows.com/brunton-omni-slope-clinometer_s_223150/?searchterm=brunton%2bclinometer#mainProductBottom
https://www.benmeadows.com/search/suunto+clinometers/
https://www.benmeadows.com/search/haglof+electronic+clinometers/

I am mostly interested in determining tree height and angle of slope. I realize there are cheaper (even free!) and more expensive ways to do this, but I need a toy and these are in my price range. I've read the manuals and in theory know how they work, but won't be able to try any out before I buy. So, any comments on ease of use, reliability, digital vs analog, etc. My eyes aren't getting any younger, so ease of reading the results is important, too.

Thanks!

WDH · « **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2017, 03:43:10 PM »

I have the suunto. Been using it for 39 years

.

petefrom bearswamp · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2017, 03:53:34 PM »

Suunto here both clinometer and compass.

BradMarks · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2017, 06:29:03 PM »

WDH: 39 years with the same one? That would be pretty impressive. Suunto is the "tried and true" instrument. It's what I own. And compass like Pete. Make sure you know what scale to order: %/degree or %/topog. With degree, the baseline is 100' for direct reading equaling tree height. Less than 100', say 60', you multiply your reading by 60% to get the height. The topog model is set up for actual height reading at a 66' distance from the tree, at 66' "what you see is what you get", no calculations. Brunton is a good name but haven't used that one, and electronic clinos I am not fond of. Most electronic/and or laser instruments do poorly in rainy/foggy weather. So do some manuals also! Just my 2!

celliott · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2017, 07:31:33 PM »

Another vote for the suunto. Have their clino and have had a compass for years that has seen tons of use. Good quality products.

curdog · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2017, 09:16:21 PM »

Another vote for suunto..

Ron Scott · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2017, 12:52:40 PM »

I favor the Suunto having used it for 56 years. Very durable and easy to use.

Also favor the Suunto compass, but use the Silva and Brunton also depending upon accuracy desired.

joepye · « **Reply #7 on:** December 29, 2017, 01:04:16 PM »

I think I've detected a trend! Looks like it's the Sunnto for me. Thanks for the input.

AButton · « **Reply #8 on:** April 18, 2018, 01:29:19 PM »

Glad I didn't say Brunton. Being a Geologist, that's all I have ever used.

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