Not perfect, but functional

By cclear54573 Ranked #534 - Trail Running Accessories July 1, 2009

Compared to the electronic devices with "big" wheels, this device with its small brass wheel seems to get into tight turns and switchbacks better. That is a plus. However, with a tiny slipery metal wheel, there is little traction which makes it difficult to tell if you are rolling or sliding especially on slick waterproof maps. I'm thinking a rubber wheel would make this so much better. Sliding is an issue especiallywhen following a trail with many turns if the device is not turned to match the trail direction exactly. Sounds easy, but takes some practice. Got to have a hard surface to work on! Don't expect to use this trial side while holding the map in the other hand, at least not over long distances or curvy trails. Need a notebook, stump or other flat object under the map. Other than that it is no-brainer. Roll the wheel to set the meter to 0 and go. (no reset button). The outer scale is the 1:24,000 for 7.5 minute topos and is barely readable without my glasses, of course the topos are barely readble without my glasses too. So if you can read topos, you can read the scales. The scales on the other side of the device are metric. All in all, seems to work well with a little practice although I still run the route twice to make sure the distances match.

View Details: Brunton Analog Map Measuring Tool

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