Best Compass

G

Granite

Joined
Dec 28, 1999
Messages
73
I really like the most basic Silva model, but I have been wondering if I should "upgrade" to one with a mirror or magnifying glass. What do you guys think? Which compass is your favorite and why?

Thanks!
 
I'm Kind of partialto the compasses made by Swiss Army Brands.
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They are of great quality, and durability. They Have never failed me yet!!!!!!!
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Big-Target>>>>>>SI VIS PACEM PARA BELLUM
 
Me too. I've got a Victorinox orienteering type compass that cost me about $11.00 from Blue Ridge Knives and I've been using it in the field for about two years. It's durable, accurate.... what else can I say, it works.
I have a nicer Silva model that I carry as a back up, havent needed it yet tho.
 
My first choice would be the Military lensatic "Sandy" tritium. It is somewhat heavy but, night readings are no problem and it is accurate. 2nd choice: Silva ranger, adjustable declination being a great advantage + the fact that it too is accurate as hell, and light. Still a firm believer that a good compass, a few topos, and the skill to use them can never be replaced by a GPS.
 
Just a quick info:

Sierra Trading Post (www.sierratradingpost.com) has Swedish Nexus (Brunton) Elite Compass on sail for $19.95 + S&H. For more, go to the website, then 'General Outdoor Gear', then 'Misc. Outdoor Gear'. I haven't deal with the company but was always attracted by their deep discounts.

I have a Suunto wrist compass (M-9) which is small and accurate, equipped with a sighting window and I got mine from Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) between $10-20 (don't remember exact price).

Good luck,

HM
 
My favorite model is the GI tritium lensatic model, but they are pricy. Silva makes good models at a considerable cost difference.

I also recomeend Suunto Clipper compasses, they are small, accurate, lightweight and clip to your watchband for everyday useage. There is no magnetic north correction on them but for everyday use they work extremely well.

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Lee

LIfe is too important to be taken seriously. Oscar Wilde
 
Thanks for all the replys! I'm still not sure what I'll buy, but at least I have a better idea.
 
GI tritium lensatic compass. Hands down the best compass.

I know they are a bit pricy but don't you want the est in everything you buy?

Go to http://www.actiongear.com

In the search area type in GI lensatic compass. They sell reconditioned ones that are reconditioned by the company that makes them and they have an unconditional lifetime guarantee. The cost is $30.00 less than a new one. You can't go wrong with the guarantee.


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Louis Buccellato
http://www.themartialway.com
Knives, Weapons and equipment. Best prices anywhere.
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"only the paranoid will survive":)


 
Wow, the GI lensatic compass is pricy, but aside from that, I like my gear to be lightweight. I do a lot of rock climbing and backpacking and i've found that adding a few ounces here and there can get really heavy.

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An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind.
 
Granite, do not forget ruggedness , the GI Lensatic is built tough too, take that into consideration also. You can buy the none tritium version for a fration of the price usually and it will do you well also.

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Lee

LIfe is too important to be taken seriously. Oscar Wilde
 
Yes, good point...some of the lightwieght gear on the market isn't durable enough to stand up to hard use. Where can i find the non tritium (sp?) version?


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An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind.
 
I read a review / test of various compasses several years back (sorry, can't remember where I read it).

The military lensatic compass did not do as well in the ruggedness department as the other plastic models (Brunton and Silva).

As I recall, the rugeddness test involved stepping on each of the compasses to see how they would hold up. The lensatic compass did not withstand the test in tact, whereas the others suffered only minor cosmetic damage and were still functional.

Also, the lensatic compass is not waterproof.

Although the lensatic compass appears to be more rugged than the plastic Silva and Brunton models, these tests seemed to indicate that the opposite is true.

Maybe someone out there saw the same article and could provide a little more info.

BTW, I like the Silva Ranger.
 
I bought a Silva SightMaster two years ago,not realising that is it actually a engineering compass.It is great for outdoor.Very pricy though
 
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