Apologies if this has been asked/answered - couldn't find any direct hits in the context of RPL(A).

CASA permitted materials for RPL states you can bring in "Navigation Equipment", so on the strength of that I went out and (perhaps prematurely) bought a Circular E6-B.

After working thru RPL/PPL Volume 1 and lots of practice exams, I've come to the conclusion that I don't actually need it for the RPL exam (I appreciate Nav endorsement may be a different story, but that's a later problem)

So questions to the Forum learned:
a) has anybody who sat the RPL(A) exam needed to use a Whiz Wheel, and if so, why? I think the learning curve to use it is > the entire RPL syllabus lol
b) outside of the "circular slide rule", any need for fancy Dividers, Compasses, Protractors etc? I'm thinking I just need to steal a decent transparent ruler from my kids...

Much appreciated. And just to reinforce - this is for RPL, not PPL (i.e no Nav)

I went out and (perhaps prematurely) bought a Circular E6-B.

If you were adamant that you weren't going past RPL/PPL, I might have bought a Dalton rather than the CR clone. The CR clone is fine, just don't throw it up on the coaming during summer ....

I've come to the conclusion that I don't actually need it for the RPL exam

It can, however, be useful. For much of the small amount of calculation work, the CD scales will give adequately accurate and precise answers. Should you go on to higher licences, it is necessary.

I think the learning curve to use it is > the entire RPL syllabus

That only applies if you try to learn how it works using the included manual or an instructor who doesn't know much about what it does and how it works.

Dividers, Compasses, Protractors etc? I'm thinking I just need to steal a decent transparent ruler from my kids...

For my students, the essentials are dividers, compass, Douglas protractor (don't use a semi-circular secondary bit of kit), and rule. The rule has appropriate uses but I see many students try to use it inappropriately.