[Mac]

Hey all,

I have a few compasses... but wanted some input ...

I'm looking for good (bet your life on it type) compasses that are reasonably priced.

- Button Compass
- Regular handheld
- More advanced (like the lensetic army radioactive kind).

Preferably all from the same make would be nice (meaning they make good compasses / navigation stuff all around)

Looking to make 3 levels of BOB using these compasses...

Thanks!

[vthompson]

Mac,
I am no expert with a compass, but the one that I use is a Suunto compass. They make all kinds, and you should be able to find what you are looking for. I like the one that I have really well.

[AlpineZone]

Brunton and silva also make very good compasses.

[kevin]

I go with the little bubble compass rather than button (walmart about $2). After 6 months or so of use they'll get a bubble and you'll have to shell out another 2$. Check them in the store to ensure they point correctly and the needle doesn't stick when you turn.

Regular cumpass - silva simple $10 base plate style. Walmart. Never failed me; never seen bubbles.

expensive: I've got a bruntion eclipse pro. forget it. I've had the dial replaced several times (they do it for free, so customer service is good). the markings on the base plate fade off.

[WoodsCustom]

Originally Posted by AlpineZone

Brunton and silva also make very good compasses.

+1

I stake my life on my Silva.

WC

[Dang]

I have 2 of these (because of an Amazon screw up that worked in my favor )
Amazon.com: Brunton 15TDCL Compass: Sports & Outdoors

Not the cheapest compass, but not the most expensive either. It has an adjustable declination (not global), a clinometer and much more. It is a baseplate compass, which I prefer myself as I use topo maps.

This is the original Ranger 15 which has been used by Forest Rangers and many others for years. Silva used to make this compass, but sold it to Brunton, but Silva still sells the Ranger 15, but it is reported to be a very badly made compass. Crazy back story but in the end the Brunton is the one to get if you want a real Ranger 15.

[TapDuncan]

I love the Silva, but I went with the military DOD radioactive model, a couple of online catalogs have them for around $100 or less, check for the DOD model number on the back, if it's not there, it's not real.

[carolina168181]

I have both the Silva and Suunto-nothin fancy

[AlpineZone]

Mac,

Ok in a nutshell any of the major brands are going to be good myself I swear by silva ranger and have used the same compass for 15 years. What you want to look for is depending on your needs. Myself I like silva because for 20-40 dollar range you can get a do all compass that is very accurate, has ruler to work with maps in inches and mm's, Luminescence that works very well in low light, mirror that helps with navigation but also as a signal mirror, temperatures does not effect behavior unless extreme, has a clinometer to help with angles, its in a good plastic hard shell that protects from weather, sighting line on the mirror and one on the base plate so you can take a quick glance and move on,to list a few. I have used it extensively in the moutains and shot a bearing across large gulleys and ravines after 5 miles of hiking be 50 feet from my destination. Also always keep a small pencil and paper with you unless you want to write on the back of your topo. Double check your bearings always. My two cents. Hope this helps!

[Dang]

I swear by silva ranger and have used the same compass for 15 years

I think you are talking about the Ranger I was referring to. If so, if you go to buy the Silva Ranger now, you will get a piece of crap (so I have read) and you now want to buy the Brunton 15TDCL.