You're at 60 feet, visibility is decent, and you need to take a heading. In that moment, how you access your compass matters more than you think.
Both the wrist compass and bungee mount compass do the same job, but where and how you wear it changes the experience underwater, and the right choice comes down to how you dive.
1. What Is a Wrist Compass?
A wrist compass straps directly to your forearm like a watch. To take a heading, you extend your arm in front of you, align the lubber line with your direction of travel, and read the bearing. It keeps your compass accessible without needing to reach for a console or hose, and leaves both hands free when you're not actively navigating. Clean, minimal setup with no extra bungee or console to manage.
2. What Is a Bungee Mount Compass?
A bungee mount compass attaches to your forearm using an elastic bungee cord rather than a fixed strap. The bungee sits looser and higher on the forearm, which many divers find more comfortable over a thick wetsuit or drysuit sleeve where a rigid band would be too tight or awkward to fasten. The elastic also makes it quick to put on and take off between dives.
Because the bungee cord allows a bit more movement, the compass can be rotated or repositioned easily on the arm without removing it entirely.
3. How to Choose Between the Two
The core compass is identical in both models. The difference is entirely about mounting preference and how you dive.
Go with the wrist compass if you check your heading often or dive multiple setups. Having it on your wrist means minimal movement to get a bearing, and it travels with you regardless of your console or hose configuration. It's also the better choice for divers who travel light or frequently switch rigs.
Go with the bungee mount compass if your wrist is already taken by a dive computer, if you find wrist compass uncomfortable under a drysuit or thick wetsuit. Divers who navigate in a single direction per dive, heading out and heading back, often find the console position perfectly adequate.
If you're new to underwater navigation, either will serve you well as you build your compass skills. Many experienced divers end up with both: a bungee mount compass for travel and a wrist compass on their primary rig at home.
Recommended:
- Wrist Compass - Regular price $60.95 USD
- Bungee Mount Compass - Regular price $60.95 USD
Underwater navigation is a skill worth building, and a reliable compass is the foundation. Whichever mount fits your setup, both Saekodive compasses deliver the same accurate, CE-approved mechanism, glow-in-the-dark dial, and depth-unlimited performance. Pick your mount, set your heading, and dive with confidence. Happy diving!