Mini compass for a PSK

I don't have any experience with this particular compass but USUALLY any compass from Silva, Suunto, or Brunton are of good to excellent quality.
 
used bruntons since I was a boyscout, reall good compasses for the money. haven't used that particular model, but it looks like a quality instrument.
 
I have had good luck with Brunton Products, I have never used that particular model but i have a similar silva and love it.

I would prefer a clear base as it makes mapping easier.
 
I picked up a Brunton 9030 ( http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=75 ) on sale. I carry it just about everywhere. I doesn't have a mirror but for urban travel I rarely need one.

I travel a lot on business and most rental cars don't have a compass on board. I use it quite a bit just to check direction of travel for my own sense of security.

For a bare minimum PSK compass, Brunton's do the trick. Quality stuff for a good price.

Chris
 
I use one of the BCB button compasses. Cute little buggers and accurate to. It was less than 3 degrees off from my primary compass when I compared them.
 
While I was serving in the Army, I always liked to carry a button compass as a secondary to my primary. I owned several button compasses, including, sunto, silvia ect... All of them failed in the line of duty. While I was in my second tour in Iraq, a british soldier gave me one of his issued ones. I believe they call it a SAS compass. I saw them offered on TAD I think recently. It is the most tank tuff one I have ever used and was consistently within 3 degrees of my primary. The only problem is loosing the dang thing it being so small. I used to keep it in my earplug case with tinder and water purification tablets. Hope I could be some help. If you want, I'll see if I can post a pic.
 
Fieldtest,

How did the others fail? Did you break them? Did they freeze up? Did they lose north?

Thanks,

-- FLIX
 
I like and use this one...works great!:thumbup:

yhst-61126244366950_1939_1569491.jpg


SPECS -

1:24,000, 1:25,000, and 1:50,000 scales make plotting quick and easy no matter which type of topographic map you' re using. Also, there are 1/20-inch and millimeter rules for mapping and silicone feet for map gripping. All scales come in two colors, so they' re easy to read. They also have a large sighting mirror with a vee notch, so you can take readings on distant landmarks. A geared declination allows adjustment for the difference in degrees between magnetic north and true north, giving you a faster read and reducing chance of error. The clinometer lets you measure angles of inclination. Just hold the compass and measure the angle of the incline.
The SILVA Ranger features an enlarged dial marked in 2º increments
Inclinometer for slope angle measurements
Protective lid with large sighting mirror - Baseplate magnifier
Luminous points - Built-in adjustment for declination
SILVA Ranger Compass includes lanyard
Weight - 2.2 ounces
4.0 x 2.5 x 0.7 inches
Recommended for: Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Hunting and Survival Kit

SILVA Ranger Compass - Model 515CL
 
Fieldtest,

How did the others fail? Did you break them? Did they freeze up? Did they lose north?

Thanks,

-- FLIX


Hey Guy,

Well being in NC at Ft Bragg, most of them developed air bubbles in them and became grossly inaccurate. I never had one freeze. Several had connections so you could put it on a zipper or such, and I had several of those fail, and they were lost. As far as a full sized compass, I have never had any experience in any type except the Army kind, which I have had for 8 years, and my brother had for 6 before that, and it is still kicking strong.
 
Shotgun said:
Anyone have opinions on this compass or Brunton in general? Thinking of getting this for a small belt mounted PSK. I like it that has a mirror for signaling and to be able to take better bearings.

http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=95
Click to expand...

I have one that is almost identical made by Silva, might even be the same. I got it because it was smaller than your average compass but once I got it and tried to read it found that my old eyes couln't see the numbers or markings. and with my cheapie readers still couldn't see them when trying to get a bearing. I know everyone won't have this problem but I'm glad I tried to use it before I tossed in my bag.
Also I didn't think it would have been the best choice for any real land navigation. Small, hard to read and not very precise. It seemed that it was geared more toward your hunter/day hiker who might need a quick fix to get back to the car or road.
Honestly I think I could do better with my little marble's pocket compass for times like that and would stick to my Silva ranger for real map work.
 
Thanks for clarifying. I just checked the little button compass I have and all it would be good for is a party game. "Which way is north now?" [Bump} "How about now?" :rolleyes:

-- FLIX
 
I use a silva for backpacking, but I have been eyeballing the little Marbles compass, does anyone have the goods these.
 
I carry a Silva 426 for my main navigation compass and it is much like the one in your link. The mirror can double for signalling and even personal hygiene-- I SO hate to get caught on the trail with runny mascara :D

Brunton makes a watch band model that isn't bad. My favorite secondary compass is the Silva Companion 609. I toss the brass key ring it comes with and use some decent cord to hang it on a lanyard, backpack, etc. A guy on Ebay was selling them for $3.99 the other day and I got a couple more.

That cordlock one that Skunkwerx found has all kinds of possibilities.

Remember, a compass is to help keep you from getting lost in the first place. Stopping once in a while and checking your bearings and verifying your location is a good thing to do. You don't need a wizz-bang compass and one that is handy will encourage you to know where you are at all times.

I was reading somewhere on the web about a guy who was making up PSK's and finding good *small* compasses was a real pain. I wish I could remember where it was. BCB has a few button style compasses if you want to get freaky about tiny PSK's. With my hardening eyeballs, I'd rather have something I can read!
 
My main concern is durability with these small compasses. This will be for short day hikes on established trails where the only direction would be forward or backward. :D
I have a main compass (large Silva of same design) that I keep in my day pack for extended hikes/camping.
 
Fieldtestornothing said:
While I was serving in the Army, I always liked to carry a button compass as a secondary to my primary. I owned several button compasses, including, sunto, silvia ect... All of them failed in the line of duty. While I was in my second tour in Iraq, a british soldier gave me one of his issued ones. I believe they call it a SAS compass. I saw them offered on TAD I think recently. It is the most tank tuff one I have ever used and was consistently within 3 degrees of my primary. The only problem is loosing the dang thing it being so small. I used to keep it in my earplug case with tinder and water purification tablets. Hope I could be some help. If you want, I'll see if I can post a pic.
Click to expand...

http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme gear/compasses main/sas_compass.htm

I believe this is the one you are talking about?

Travis
 
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