Brunton, Suunto, and Haglöf clinometers

[joepye]

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]

I have the suunto.  Been using it for 39 years  .

[petefrom bearswamp]

Suunto here both clinometer and compass.

[BradMarks]

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]

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]

Another vote for suunto..

[Ron Scott]

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]

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

[AButton]

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

[SwampDonkey]

Brunton and Suunto are pretty much the same with a little different casing. I worked in rain forest and Suunto would fog up, at the time the Silva brand had a clino with a popup case that didn't fog up. But we let the road layout guys use those, we always carried a Suunto. Too die hard to give in. :D  I use a Brunton compass these days. I've used all the well known brands and they only last so long, they all get bubbles in the case.

[John Mc]

At this point, I'm using an app on my iPhone.

[Southside]

I prefer the Husky 372 or Franklin 5000 model personally, both allow the user to compensate the angle to 0 deg so 100% height accuracy is guaranteed, although I admit there are a couple of advantages to the models the others prefer.   :D

[Texas Ranger]

suunto