Recommendations for a good and inexpensive compass.

Diomedes Industries

Diomedes Industries

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I want to buy two good compasses for my BOB's (vehicle) and I am wondering what compasses I should get that are good, and capable of good land nav.

I need something accurate, tough, and easy to use... I am not sure if I need sighting capabilities or not.

Any help would be great.

Thoughts?
 
Talfuchre said:
I want to buy two good compasses for my BOB's (vehicle) and I am wondering what compasses I should get that are good, and capable of good land nav.

I need something accurate, tough, and easy to use... I am not sure if I need sighting capabilities or not.

Any help would be great.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I got this one from BudK.Don't normally recommend them,but this is just as accurate as more expensive ones out there.I've compared them with $50+ compasses & it's right on.It's even got a handy clip.I keep it on my belt loop or keychain at all times.Good Luck:)
http://budk.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_12+XL0919
 
If you're looking for cardinal and intermediate points only, button compasses are fine (and cheap) but not that great for nav. It's not the accuracy - just the ergonomics, but that's just my .02.
By 'land nav', do you mean dead reckoning or mapwork ?

For mapwork and accurate nav, I'd suggest the Silva Ranger/Suunto MC2 compasses for primary use. They make card versions w/o the sighting mirror that are pretty cheap: 10-12 bucks. You can orient the map, do resections, and set declination easily with them. They also have with a pair of romers(1:25k and 1:50k). The mirror just makes it easier to shoot bearings. If you're good with basic trig and estimating distances, a clinometer needle will let you ballpark the altitude of landmarks as well as estimate grade. I used the Silva in the Forces and currently use the MC2 - great piece of kit. A card one is on my 'to get' list as backup.
 
Thanks you all for good feedback.

I have multiple button compasses - I will certainly look into Silva Ranger Silva Huntsman.

What version of the Silva Ranger do you recommend?

TF
 
I use a military lensatic compass made by cammenga for nav. The non trituim version is way cheaper, and the same compass. Compasstore has them. The silva huntsmen is also a great one.
 
Talfuchre said:
Thanks you all for good feedback.

I have multiple button compasses - I will certainly look into Silva Ranger Silva Huntsman.

What version of the Silva Ranger do you recommend?

TF
Click to expand...

For most uses, get the Silva Ranger in the basic 0-360 degrees (2 degree increments). The only real option you need is the declination adjustment.

The clinometer is more for professional use (backup) for those doing slope corrections or calculating tree heights.

If you are in the USA I see that REI offers this compass for around $40.
 
the cammenga is very tough and reliable but its $50. Similar but less expensive is the Silva lensatic compass for about $20. Its very accurate and still very tough.

From there you have the basic base plate compasses and the best value is the yellow Brunton for about $12 and it has declination adjustmet.
 
j williams said:
I use a military lensatic compass made by cammenga for nav. The non trituim version is way cheaper, and the same compass. Compasstore has them. The silva huntsmen is also a great one.
Click to expand...


:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

While this one might be more expensive than you were originally planning I would highly recommend it as well. The one feature that it has that is important for your use is that when you fold down the sighting glass, it locks down the dial mechanism. I personally think that is important for long term storage in a moving and shaking vehicle.

My 2cents.
 
YEP, those are probably the most copied compass ever, the real deal is cammenga, they have had the contract since 1992. The tritium version has the nsn number, the phosphorecent one is exactly the same sans tritium.
 
Yes sir. Go with the cammenga. It will feel right at home with you being prior service. I love mine, and am wanting a couple more.
 
Definitely get something if you're already familiar with it - that trumps everything because it's that training that you're going to remember if you need your bail-out/survival/just in case gear in the first place. One of those "if you're reading this then something's gone wrong" things. It's my army time that makes me boost the Ranger in the first place.
 
If you already know how to use the Cammenga, definitely just go with it. It is what I prefer, since I had to do so much of it while wearing the boots and utes. If you just want something inexpensive that will also work in a pinch for an emergency kit, the Silva or Brunton card type work well, and are a lot less expensive.

I just taught a map and compass class at a boy scout campout. Most of the boys had Silva card type compasses. They are simple to learn on, so if you have someone who isn't familiar with them, get a couple of those. Pretty inexpensive.
 
My back-up compass (I carry it in my wallet when in the field) is a BCB Button Compass. British made, it is an NSN'ed item that is issues to NATO (RAF IIRC) pilots. Small diameter and thin. It's as accurate as my lenestatic compass or my old Silva, BUT it lacks fine degree markings. Here's a picture from the guy I bought mine from:
e8_1_b.JPG

That would be excellent (and affordable) for use in an altoids tin or PSK. You can get one delivered from the UK for less than $10- search term "button compass" on ebay, this one costs 3.90+ shipping.

My primary is a lenestatic compass, keep it in an alice pouch. If I am wearingan LBE rig, I'll clip it to that. Otherwise I'll clip it to a belt loop or something.
 
The Brunton 15TDCL, which is actually the classic Silva Ranger compass, but due to trademark issues, is marketed as a Brunton in the U.S. What is marketed as the Silva Ranger in the U.S. is actually a SUUNTO product - still good, but I don't like it as much. SUUNTO bought the rights to the Silva name in the U.S., so Silva countered by buying the Brunton company and selling their products under the Brunton name.

the 15TDCL is great as a general direction guide, as well as awesome when used with topos. I've actually used the clinometer once or twice. Its biggest plus is its indestructability.
 
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