Palantic Slate with Compass and Pencil

The Palantic Slate with Compass combines a writing surface and a basic navigation compass in one wrist-mounted package, saving you from buying and carrying two separate tools.

The idea of combining a wrist slate with a compass makes obvious sense. Both tools get mounted on your wrist or forearm, both get used intermittently during a dive, and both are relatively simple devices. The Palantic marries them into a single unit at $49, which is less than you would pay for a standalone dive compass and a separate slate bought individually. The question is whether both halves of the tool work well enough to justify replacing two dedicated items with one compromise.

## Overview

The Palantic Slate with Compass is a wrist-mounted writing slate with a small analogue compass built into one end. The writing surface is a standard white panel with a pencil attached, and the compass is a liquid-filled rotating bezel type similar to basic standalone dive compasses. The unit mounts on your forearm via a wrist strap, putting both the writing surface and compass within easy view during the dive.

## Key Features

- Combined writing slate and analogue dive compass in one unit - Liquid-filled compass with rotating bezel - White writing surface with included pencil - Wrist strap for forearm mounting - Dual-purpose design saves carrying two separate tools - Priced below the cost of buying a compass and slate separately

## The Good

- The dual-purpose concept is sound and genuinely convenient. Having your compass and notepad on the same wrist means one less piece of gear to mount, manage, and keep track of. For recreational divers doing simple navigation — following a bearing out to a reef and a reciprocal bearing back — it works well. - At $49, the combined unit is cheaper than buying a basic dive compass and a slate separately. If you are kitting up on a budget and need both tools, the savings are real. - The writing surface is functional and clear. It is a standard white panel that takes pencil marks well and wipes clean between dives. No different from a standalone slate in this regard. - The compass is adequate for basic navigation. On shore dives at Shelly Beach and Kurnell where we followed simple out-and-back bearings, the compass tracked consistently and the bezel held its position. - The wrist strap is comfortable enough for extended wear. It accommodates wetsuit sleeves and sits at a readable angle on your forearm. - It is a good training tool for new divers learning basic compass navigation. Having the slate right there means you can note down bearings, distances, and kick cycles during navigation exercises.

## The Bad

- The compass is basic. It works for simple reciprocal navigation, but it is not as responsive or precise as a dedicated dive compass like a Suunto SK-8. The needle settles slowly, and in choppy conditions or during fast movement, readings can be unreliable. - The rotating bezel feels loose on some units. Ours held position during gentle use, but a firm bump could shift it. On a navigation-critical dive, that lack of positive detent would be a concern. - Combining two tools means compromise in both. The writing surface is smaller than a dedicated slate because space is shared with the compass. The compass is smaller and less featured than a standalone unit. You get two okay tools rather than one good one. - The compass accuracy should not be relied upon for serious navigation in poor visibility or strong current. If you are diving sites where accurate compass work is essential — night dives in low-vis harbours, navigating between reef structures in current — invest in a proper compass. - Build quality is mid-range. The plastics are functional and the compass housing is sealed, but the overall finish does not inspire the same confidence as brands like Suunto or Cressi. - The unit is slightly bulkier than a standard wrist slate due to the compass housing. It is not a major issue, but it does sit a bit higher on your wrist.

## Verdict

The Palantic Slate with Compass is a clever combination tool that makes sense for budget-conscious recreational divers who need basic navigation and writing capability without buying two separate items. The compass is adequate for simple out-and-back navigation on relaxed reef dives, and the slate does its job as a writing surface. Neither component is best-in-class, but at $49 for both, the value is fair. Serious navigators should buy a proper standalone compass, but for casual use and training, the Palantic is a practical two-in-one solution.

**Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars**