[Jeffrey]

All our BoB's have fisheye compasses on the shoulder for general bearing, and work well. I am not an expert with a compass. (city boy) I bought a "lensatic marching compass" off of amazon a while back for around $10-man did it suck. It looked g.i. but to get the needle to find north, nearly had to float it in still water or it would hang. So, instead of buying several and finding out what works... What do you guys recommend for around $10-$40 for map reading and navigation (will be buying two). Clear base would be good for maps, and absolutely a window or wire for aiming. Ideas on an instructional book on wilderness navigation would be nice too.

 

[Vanishing Nomad]

I recommend this one:

Genuine GI Issue Compass
http://www.foxoutdoor.com/detail.asp?bid=436&sctn=Camping+&+Hunting&cat=Compasses

You don't have to buy the Tritum one, but if you are looking for something you can depend on, this is not only the one I would recommend, but it is also the one I have and carry when I hike or camp. The basic one is 49.95, the tritum is 85.00

As far as lower cost, these work well. I have not had any problems with any of them.

Cheapie version of the GI Issue compass ($18.00)
http://www.foxoutdoor.com/detail.asp?bid=437&sctn=Camping+&+Hunting&cat=Compasses

My daughter carries this one ($14.95):
http://www.foxoutdoor.com/detail.asp?bid=438&sctn=Camping+&+Hunting&cat=Compasses


Generic clone of the Silva compass (the Silva is made in China now, and may very well be identical to this one)
http://www.foxoutdoor.com/detail.asp?bid=602&sctn=Camping+&+Hunting&cat=Compasses

I only accept pay pal. Feel free to call me @ GLA (630)400 1200

 

[LRS 90]

I have only used the military issue compass. CAMMENGA has a version without tritium. Its a little cheaper than with tritium but same compass.

http://www.thecompassstore.com/military27.html

Granted I have not used the other high end Silva or any other civilian compass, so I cant speak for them but I have used the military issue cammenga for so long I wont use anything else.

There are certain items you don't want to compromise and downgrade to a cheaper model or version. IMO a compass is one thing you don't compromise quality just to save a few $.

Buy a GOOD quality compass, I would not care about $ if I were you.

 

[Vanishing Nomad]

I have only used the military issue compass. CAMMENGA has a version without tritium. Its a little cheaper than with tritium but same compass.

http://www.thecompassstore.com/military27.html

Granted I have not used the other high end Silva or any other civilian compass, so I cant speak for them but I have used the military issue cammenga for so long I wont use anything else.

There are certain items you don't want to compromise and downgrade to a cheaper model or version. IMO a compass is one thing you don't compromise quality just to save a few $.

Buy a GOOD quality compass, I would not care about $ if I were you.

Reply]
The CAMMENGA is the same compass I carry. I see the one you listed is .50 cheaper than mine. I will match that price, no problem.

I also have to agree that a compass is NOT to be skimped on. I have and use the Stocker and Yale/CAMMENGA (S&Y had the GI contract before CAMMENGA). I have had mine since the mid 1990's I think, maybe longer. I have had it all these years, and can still trust my life to it today, just as much as when I originally bought it. I simply cannot recommend a better compass to anyone.

Mine is the tritum version. It was supposed to glow for 10 years, but that decade has come and gone, and the tritum still glows on mine.

 

[B.B.A.Survivalist]

silva ...can get one for 10$ look online u will find them all over and there one of the best u will find for 10$

 

[Vanishing Nomad]

Silvas are not available in the US anymore. The *NAME* was purchased by another company, who now sells Chinese made compasses under the silva name. They are the same as the cheapies I sell through Fox outdoor.

I believe Silva bought Brunton, or Sunnto, and sells thier compases through them.

You have to make sure you get the made in Sweden to know if you have the originals or not.

 

[Jeffrey]

What about this one?
http://www.tech4o.com/p-41-ranger-515-cl.aspx
I see the split-sighting mirror, but what do you use as a lens/eyepiece?
And dont take this wrong, but I'd like to hear from people without stuff for sale.

 

[crashdown]

I bought a Silva last year on line and was disappointed to see it was made in China instead of Sweden. It also had a couple of issues that made me crazy, no phosphorus on the needle and no visible index line to read the bearing off of. I finally replaced it with the Suunto M3, made in Finland. Beautiful compass, great movement on the needle bearing, declination adjustment. About the Ranger, there is no eyepiece, you line up the object you are taking a bearing on with front sight on top of the cover, with the line in the mirror, with the index line on the compass. Rotate the capsule until the needle is in the gate and read the bearing that way.

 

[PAGUY]

I've been using a cheap Silva imitation for awhile and had no issues.

 

[Double Ott]

GOOD & CHEAP = Oxymoron

GOOD and CHEAP is an oxymoron. No such thing as a good & cheap compass, you get what you pay for!

 

[Vanishing Nomad]

I've been using a cheap Silva imitation for awhile and had no issues.

Reply]
I have sold a few no names copies form China and not had any complaints yet, BUT I still would not trust them.