I've signed up for a paper map orientation course and one of the prerequisites is to purchase a compass. The course itself recommends multiple models such as MC-2 from Suunto. But if I check the Amazon reviews page for that compass there are numerous complaints over quality issues. The course page acknowledges this and recommends the following:
Their quality and usability varies, so keep any receipt. We have unfortunately seen many defective compasses in the past.
Is it possible to purchase a compass that is likely to work well out of the box? Maybe I should aim for a used compass manufactured in the 90s or some sort of a military model? Seems like a silly question for a product as simple as a compass but sounds like quality control has been going down lately due to low demand.