Best Compass for Under $50.00?

In chosing a compass I look at what I am using it for. If I am just wanting direction a quality button compass is fine, if you are wanting to do map work or are needing toshot and plot asmuiths you need to use one designed for that . I have a Silva type 15 ranger that was is under 50$ and is a fine compass and very light has ajustiable declination , mirror and scales for ploting cooridance of different scale maps.
 
Just at your $50 mark is the Suunto MC-2. It is my compass of choice and is very easy to use. Search around and you'll find one for that price.
 
+1 for Silva :thumbup: They have a beginner model that's around 10 bucks and range from there up to about 60 bucks. I have the Trekker model which is usually about $25.
 
+2 for the silva. I also have the beginner model for 10 bucks as a back up.
 
My #1 recommendation is to purchase a good plastic baseplate compass with "adjustable declination" (not to be confused with "declination scale").

If you're looking for a very good basic baseplate compass then my recommendation is the Suunto M3 Leader ($20). It typically sells for only about $20, has adjustable declination, and very good quality. Unless you plan to travel around the world, don't bother with the more expensive Global Needle version of the M3. The Brunton 8010G is also a well-made compass for about the same price, though it can be a bit harder to find.

If you want something that provides a more accurate bearings through use of a sighting mirror, then I'll also recommend Brunton 15TDCL ($55), though I myself prefer the Brunton Eclipse 8099 ($80) over the 15TDCL (I have both).

Keep in mind that the the "real" Silva Ranger is only available in the United States as the Brunton 15TDCL (or under the Nexus label). The 15TDCL is manufactured by Silva of Sweden and distributed by Brunton, who is wholey owned by Silva. Since 1996, Silva compasses sold in the US are not actually made by Silva of Sweden, but by someone else that simply owns the Silva trademark in the United States. It is kind of confusing.

For a bit less ($35), you can also buy the Brunton 8040G mirrored compass, which is actually a pretty nice compass (I bought one for my son).

The Brunton 15TDCL is the safest bet in the long run in terms of meeting your needs, very high quality, and a loooong reputation for excellence.
 
When I was much younger and running orienteering competitions I carried an older version of what is now the Expedition 54. That was the coolest compass I have ever owned.

I have to agree with kenk however in that any decent baseplate compass is sufficient for most land navigation (e.g. non-survey) needs. This is one of those areas where I feel it is more important to know how to use a compass than to concentrate on what compass you end up using.
 
As mentioned , it depends on what you want to use it for.
For me though, I just use a Silva Polaris in my pocket , a round ball cheapo
pinned to my coat ( check several in the store , some spin and bounce more than others ;) ) and a back up in my kit bag.
The one time I only took one compass with me I got turned around and argued with the compass :confused: A couple of hours later I was wrong , compass correct :thumbup: . Since then , I take a few with me just so I am outvoted :D

Phil
 
Just once I'd like to prove the compass wrong ! It's an argument I've never won either, Phil. lol

If you want to use it for orienteering, my vote is for the Silva Ranger. The similar Suunto or Brunton compasses will serve you as well. If you can find a Canadian Forces surplus Ranger, they have tritium illumination (including the 'lamp') and are calibrated in mils (easy to use, just different numbers). IIRC, the bezel is nylon rather than polycarbonate as well.
They make it easy to do resections, shoot bearings, use backbearings, etc. If you just need cardinal points (general directions), then the Ranger might be more than you need, but at that price why not ?
Suunto MC-2DL

They make the same compass w/o the sighting mirror and this card compass still has the former's functionality for mapwork (orientation lines, romers, etc) but it's not too useful for shooting a bearing. Resections are a little more difficult because your 'ruler' is only half as long, though.
Suunto M-3DL

I'm surprised nobody's advocating the lensatic compass so far. I've never used one myself, but a lot of people seem to love 'em.
 
Suunto M3 Leader is my choice. Magnetic declination screw, smooth action, and the numbers are cut into the plastic (many inexpensive compasses are just painted on). $20 at Forestry Suppliers.

http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=1283

I'm surprised nobody's advocating the lensatic compass so far. I've never used one myself, but a lot of people seem to love 'em.
Click to expand...
To me, they're a PITA. When I was a professional archaeologist I needed a compass I could pull out of my pocket, check a bearing, and slip compass back into pocket all one-handed and without really coming to a complete stop.

Even if I could get a quality sighting compass for $20, I wouldn't. We were occationally "issued" inexpensive mirrored compasses, like the Silva Ranger, and I always managed to break off the mirror portion (once even on accident).

-Bob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top