coleman Compass

I'd test it against a Silva or Suunto. However, I inherited a couple lensatic style compasses and they seem to work fine. Just take longer to settle than a liquid filled design.

DancesWithKnives
 
I have one just like it - I just don't like the fact that it takes about 15 seconds for it to settle.

It does point north though.

TF
 
I don't know whether the Coleman has a needle locking button like my lensatics. If so, momentary application of the lock button can be used to reduce the big needle swings while the compass is acquiring a fix on North. That may cut the settling time in half (but it still takes longer than a liquid-filled compass).

DancesWithKnives
 
I don't know whether the Coleman has a needle locking button like my lensatics. If so, momentary application of the lock button can be used to reduce the big needle swings while the compass is acquiring a fix on North. That may cut the settling time in half (but it still takes longer than a liquid-filled compass).

DancesWithKnives

According to the website this is a Liquid filled Compass. :confused:

Lensatic Compass

• Liquid-filled for reliable readings
• Luminous letters
• Rugged plastic case


They were populare when I was in scouts. I do remember the needle taking it's time to settle even though they were liquid filled so I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with it being liquid filled or not. I had the standard Map Compass which is also liquid filled and it worked good for me. :) My Brunton Type 7 compas isn't liquid filled and it settles quickly.

Using the locking button did seem to make the Lensatic Compass settle faster.

Heber
 
I'll be damned! Just goes to prove the old adage that assumption is the mother of all foul ups. I've never previously encountered a liquid-filled lensatic. Thanks for updating me and anyone else with similar experience!

DancesWithKnives
 
No problem. :) It's kind of funny that you guys mention this compass. Was thinking about them the other night and almost called my mom to see if she still had hers.

Heber
 
Not sure what you mean by 'reliable' , but the about the time someone starts to doubt there compass and second guess* there bearings. Take note, your somewhere up cheets creek and paddles-less!

*Trust their judgment over a compass.
 
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