Silva Ranger 515 CL ???

[Guyon]

Been looking for a good, quality compass that will last me a lifetime. I've done a lot of reading on the web, and have tentatively settled on the Silva Ranger Model 15 (sometimes listed as 515) CL--the one with adjustable declination.

Could I get some feedback here from anyone who's used this compass in the field?

Also, right now, REI has this compass on sale (only mail order or web order) for the holidays. Price is $34.99. Here's the link: http://www.rei.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=8000&prrfnbr=737 Can I beat that price anywhere else?

Thanks.

 

[lagarto]

Guyon,
Don't know the model number, but I've had a Ranger for about 6 years now and I've taken it everywhere. Good Rugged compass, the declination is easily adjusted using a small screwdriver, and very accurate. The user's manual even comes with a guide which gives rough declination adjustment settings for the entire U.S. I've used it for backpacking, as well as surveying and never had a problem. It isn't the best for night work, but it is luminescent to a degree, so it can be used at night. Also, it has survived the lagarto durability test. I tend to be hard on equipment, so anything that makes it more than a year around me is doing well. As I said this one has lasted me six years so far. For $35 you're getting a good deal. Mine was a Christmas gift, but I think they were selling for about $50 when I got it. Best of Luck.
Lagarto

 

[Jimbo]

Mine developed a slight air bubble - but it still works. I got it in 1968 for field work - not bad.

 

[Guyon]

Thanks guys. Think I'm going to go for it at that price. By the way, REI.com no longer has them. I went to place my order, and the link was gone. Called the 1-800 number, and after much dodging and weaving, the sales rep finally told me they'd sold out and didn't know when they'd get more.

However, the story has a happy ending. I called my local REI store, spoke to the manager, and he agreed to honor the website's sale price. Tomorrow, I'll pick up the compass he's holding for me.

While I'm on the subject of REI, I'll add that these folks have bent over backwards more than once to help me on sale pricing. Once before, I was going out of town and because of a sale flyer, I knew I was going to miss a good sale on a Marmot sleeping bag. This same manager agreed to sell it to me at the discount price before the sale even began. Way to go, REI!