ALVINCompass Pro Speed Bow with Beam Bar 6" Model 205V Compass for Geometry and Engineering, Included Beam Bar Allows for Drawing Large Circles, Drawing and Architecture Tool - 6 inch

I’ve tried a dozen compasses. The Alvin non-quick release compass is slightly better as it has zero play for acurate drawing - especially sacred geometry or complex polygons.However, for quick release and for pens, this is the best compass out there. I’ve tried so many other compasses, like Mr Pen, and they have way too much play - at lease the quick release models.Highly recommend

This is a very good compass. It has a solid feel to it and the build material is very good as well. It comes in a plastic case which is not shown here. And that is really nice container to have to protect your investment.I've used my compass mainly for drawing, illustrations, and geometric figures and for each application it performs as you would expect. There is a compass I would rate higher, and that would be Rotring compass, but its more expensive and it takes much longer to set the radii for it; it's really meant for precision. This Alvin compass hits the sweet spot for me in terms of precision, quickness, and ease of use.Now for the bad. I've used this compass for about 2 years and its finally wearing out. I really wish it had lasted longer. The biggest problem is the jointed legs. If you look at the picture, you'll see that each leg is hinged where the screws are. No matter how tight you make the screws, the legs eventually start to bend as you use the instrument about. Its most noticeable when you are making small radius circles (because the 'elbows' bend out.) If you are careful, you can prevent the bending by gingerly twisting the compass. But that's annoying to do.Finally, the next problem I find is that the pen/pencil adapter is too narrow for some of the pens I like to use. Jetstream pens will not fit, and Uniball Signo pens barely fit. Also, to secure the writing instrument, you need to tighten a screw which 'drills' into your pen. I would much prefer the screw tightens the 'arms' embracing the pen. I'm just worried about knicking my pen with a screw mark.Overall, it's a good compass, and I plan to purchase another. Just some small adjustments would make this a much better product. First, lose the hinge to make the legs last longer. Add a 2nd adapter to allow for wider pens.

beautifull, solid quality here. heavy stainless quality made in germany, known for theyr craftsmenship for drawing tools and HQ Pens. this is an awsom set, my family loves it, we got alot of complements on its beauty. from alvin&Co, a trusted name, definitly Recomended.

As you’ll notice in many of the other reviews on this item, it doesn’t always come “complete” for lack of a better term. In my case, one of the speed levers which serve to lock the arms into place was missing the rivet that constituted it’s fulcrum. Without this part, one leg has a full 1.5” of play to it, alloying it to move around while using it and defeating the purpose of a compass. I will say though, beyond this crucial flaw, the rest of the construction on mine was great! It feels great in the hand, has a nice weight to it and otherwise a solid product. Given the number of reviews sharing in similar issues, there’s a significant chance when buying this it may not arrive intact or operational. However, it’s a good product, so if you decide to buy one, be mindful that you may likely need to return it or expect to make repairs yourself.

I really like this compass and keep it set up with the adapter to use pens. I'm beginning to see the need for several compasses with different set ups. Just wish it wasn't plastic, but it has performed well for me so far.ETA- there is okay if you use the quick release buttons so you won't get a perfect circle. I use it to doodle with but have since bought Staedtler Mars 551- my second. These are what I reach for for accuracy

I am not a big fan of plastic parts on a compass. But this is just used on ocassion when I need to draw a large diameter circle. And I can use it in my Stadtler body if I need to. But the one thing I do like is the "press to sweep" button that allows you to press it and pull the arms out. Release the button and it locks in position. It overcomes the time it takes spinning the screw to got out to large diameters.

Horrible toy! I have given up on this "instrument." It wobbles all over the place while you're drawing circles because it is constructed like a toy, with plastic pieces in places where only metal should be. Also, for who knows what reason, both legs have "knees" that bend. WHAT?? I couldn't believe this design feature. It makes it virtually impossible to draw a fine-line circle during hand drafting procedures. I tightened the screws in the knees and that helped, slightly. Next, it'll be time for the super glue! Forget this thing if you're a professional. STRONGLY NOT RECOMMENDED!

Had to reorder this to replace the one Amazon first shipped that had a huge crack in the front of the protective case. This case is a little beat up, but a great improvement over the first, though I had to switch out everything inside, because the compass had obviously been used, as had the beam.I love Alvin compasses, they are solid and very well designed and built. I've been using them for years.But shame on Amazon for selling these as "new", because they've obviously been used by someone. New items should arrive in pristine condition; neither one of these did. The shipping packaging may have been the problem with the first one--it came in an unpadded, thin plastic bag instead of a box. Going cheap on the shipping package is wasting money and time in the long run for all concerned.

Great product

This is exactly what I wanted. It arrived in the timeframe promised, and at a reasonable cost. Thank you

Very nice but for price the quality has definitely gone down over the years

The hinge legs are a pain, it's impossible to draw an accurate circle because unless you hold it in an awkward position, as in trying to keep the two legs from bending with one hand while you draw very slowly you circle end won't meet. I looked it up on Youtube and an architect said it is her favourite compass but she Crazy Glues the legs in place!

Perfect compass love the fact that i can use my own lead pencil or pen with it