THumb or baseplate?

[Bushpants]

As there is now an incresing variety in the types of competition and terrain used. Is it an advantage to be able to use both types of compass as the baseplate and thumb compass both have their advantages. Baseplate for longer classic races with longer legs and more need for accurate bearings and the thumb compass with its quick map setting and quick bearings.

What do you rekon? Stick to one or Be adaptable?

[helen]

I always used to use a baseplate until about a year ago when I switched to thumb and I now prefer thumb on any area. I also think thumb compasses are easier to learn with for little ones with little hands; my brother is just 10 and is dyspraxic; and he couldn't possibly cope with fiddling with a baseplate. Thumbs are fine for him though.

[Michael]

I always use a thumc compass, after having tried it once. I find it such an asset to be able to line it up in a few seconds and start running, after I spend 5 minutes working out where to go next

[rob f]

i switch, but i'm not a great user of the compass anyway so...

[Bushpants]

But what makes you switch and how do u decide between the two rob?

[t]

personally i use a thumb compass-allows you to flow much easier in and out of the controls without standing there fiddling with a baseplate. I dont take bearings really anyway (maybe i shud ) but for me a thumb compass is generally fine

[rob f]

But what makes you switch and how do u decide between the two rob?

If i want to flow through controls (fast area) with Rough comp, then i use thumb, if i want accuracy (technical area) i use base

[fell]

thumb- cos if you use it preoperly, you're forced to keep map contact as well.

[Rhys]

Usually i wud go with a thumb compass but after my little accidnet involving a scalpel in my Biology lesson on Friday, i think im ognna be usin a base plate for the next 2 weeks. Grow back soon thumb....

[rob f]

explain what happened rhys?!

[Jene]

lol, so was it cos of you that were now only allowed to use the "safety" knives??? we had a talk bout safety in the last lesson so im blamin u if we are now no longer allowed to cut up our pig liver nxt tues!!!!

[Rhys]

explain what happened rhys?!

Let me set the scene - A biology practical involving a pig's kidney, one terribly sharp scalpel and an over-enthusiastic student and his thumb. The story ends here. No prizes for guessing the outcome either.

And yes, im guessin im the reason that Saefty kinves aree now in place -

The Safety campagin continues, Dave will be so proud

[CHS]

I use a thumb compass which has a rotatable housing so that you can take bearings on it as well- best of both worlds

i think it is one of the moscow ones but it works well and means that you don't have to carry a baseplate round your neck in complex terrain

[rob f]

explain what happened rhys?!

Let me set the scene - A biology practical involving a pig's kidney, one terribly sharp scalpel and an over-enthusiastic student and his thumb. The story ends here. No prizes for guessing the outcome either.

And yes, im guessin im the reason that Saefty kinves aree now in place -

The Safety campagin continues, Dave will be so proud

we were disecting eyeballs and the kid next to me went green, then sweated and asked to leave the room. On his wayout he tried to prevent himself from falling over by holding a wheeled trolley with glass equipment on it - hugely amusing, but he must have felt terrible
poor boy

[Little Hoddy]

As i'm only little, , i dont really use compass much and i findin carryin a baseplate round a bit annoying

i think i want to switch 2 thumb but how hard is it to switch?

+ i herd its easier to switch when younger so....