I need a good "cheap" compass

[leghog]

I'd put my commenga against any other!

Used a SandY lensatic for a long time. Even in the Army I replaced it with a Silva Ranger, but have since lost the Ranger. Still have a Commenga. I never carry it afield (looks like yours isn't very field worn/weary either). The Brunton TruArc3 is my take-it-with-me-always compass now.

 

[4thpoint]

I used the military lensatic compass for years they work very well. When I was deployed to Afghanistan I always had that, a bug out map and a small GPS on my person and another lensatic in my bug out bag. I have a Silva but I never used it.

 

[leghog]

I used the military lensatic compass for years they work very well. When I was deployed to Afghanistan I always had that, a bug out map and a small GPS on my person and another lensatic in my bug out bag. I have a Silva but I never used it.

GPS is one thing I never have carried. In hind sight, perhaps a bad decision.

Unless I lose the Brunton, I'll probably buy only one more compass in my lifetime. An orienteering thumb compass. Probably a Suunto Arrow 6. Sorta hoping Santa leaves me one, but that's unlikely.

The Commenga went to my son. The Suunto A10 went to Germany with a couple of knives in a recent give away. I'll find a home for the Silva 123. That'll leave me left with my very first serious compass (an old Silva Type 5 from the early '70s), the Brunton TruArc3, a button on my watchstrap, a Suunto M9 wrist compass, and perhaps the thumb compass (if I actually buy one).