Best Compass

sjj · 11-05-2009, 07:48 AM

Good Folks,

Looking for suggestions on the best dollar value for several primary compasses to add to backpack sized kits. I'm talking about a far north location and thinking declination adjustments and the new global needle would be of real benefit. The purpose of this primary compass will be to use with map in bad weather and/or for directional sighting travel when allowed. Reliability, ease of use, in relatively small light weight are factors. Not interested in the military compasses. My primary compass experience has been with a 40 year old Leuopold Sportsman which still works perfect but without modern features.

At this point, I'm looking at the Suunto MC-2G Global

http://www.thecompassstore.com/51mc2gl.html

For size price, I'm also looking at the cheap Silva Polaris for backup (two compasses always)

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

Any suggestion appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Rick · 11-05-2009, 12:12 PM

Silva, Suunto, Nexus and Brunton are all good names. Silva AB sells Brunton and Nexus in the US. Johnson Outdoors sells Silva in the US.

You might look at the Suunto Matchbox compass. I think Mac uses a Recta DP-2. Both are made by...Suunto/Recta and made in Finland. Amer Sports Corporation owns both companies. Both are box compasses and I think a box gives you more protection for your compass. Plastic compasses can get broken pretty easily so something a bit robust is better, I think.

As to being in the far north, I assume you know your declination but just want to mention that being in the far north doesn't necessarily mean making adjustments is necessary. It depends on where you are in the far north.

Hope that helps!!

Sarge47 · 11-05-2009, 12:43 PM

In his book: "The Ultimate Outdoorsman," Bob Newman writes how, when in the Marines training grunts on outdoor navigating he'd left his Silva Ranger on the ground. Then somebody parked a jeep on top of it...yet it still worked! That was good enough for me!

Old GI · 11-05-2009, 01:34 PM

Here-Here!! I have my Silva Ranger from 1978 when I was convinced (didn't take much) to ditch my military lensatic.

SARKY · 11-05-2009, 03:30 PM

Ole Bob Newman didn't put in his book how he left his Silva Ranger hanging on a tree somewhere on the Rangley Training Facility and I and another instructor found it (sheer luck). I've had my Ranger since 1985 and am extremely happy with it.

Old GI · 11-05-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SARKY

Ole Bob Newman didn't put in his book how he left his Silva Ranger hanging on a tree somewhere on the Rangley Training Facility and I and another instructor found it (sheer luck). I've had my Ranger since 1985 and am extremely happy with it.

Instructor bait, ya think?

NightShade · 11-05-2009, 05:24 PM

I agree that a backup is always good to have!... But if you're gettin 2 different readings fron 2 dif. Compasses how are u sure of which one us right?
Why I carry 3... Go best 2 out of 3 if there is any discrepancy... And my preference is a Silva as well.

Old GI · 11-05-2009, 06:01 PM

Kinda like wearing two watches?

NightShade · 11-05-2009, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old GI

Kinda like wearing two watches?

Yeah... (tho I don't do that).... A common mistake inexperienced hikers make is to assume their compass is broken cuz their "instincts" tell them their. Direction is wrong.. Having 2 compasses giving you different readings will make it worst... But having a 3rd...... Not that I'm trying to insinuate the OP is inexperienced... Just something I like to throw out there for the Newbs!

Old GI · 11-05-2009, 06:57 PM

I had a problem with my ruck telling me what to do. It sure could talk!!!

SARKY · 11-05-2009, 11:00 PM

That is why a good topo map is more important than a compass ......unless you're in the desert or on the ocean

rebel · 11-06-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SARKY

That is why a good topo map is more important than a compass ......unless you're in the desert or on the ocean

Right again.

aflineman · 11-06-2009, 01:39 AM

I really like my Ranger. Mine has Surveyor's markings, so I have to do some math to get the degrees. Not hard. I got the Surveyor's compass due to what I am studying in College. Mine also has the Clino, which is a handy feature for me.
I also carry a back-up Brunton and a button compass. I have had one compass be wrong. It had got set on an energized transformer, which reversed the poles.

Stony · 11-06-2009, 06:03 AM

I use a Silva Ranger for the past 20 years and as spare a Suunto MC-2.

WoodSmoke · 11-07-2009, 03:12 AM

I've used a few Silva compasses in the past, and they never let me down. However, the newest one I picked up developed a bubble in just a few months of use... I can't recommend them now. I do have a Brunton that has done well, I do recommend them, as I understand it they are produced by the same folks that used to do the old Silva compasses.

Of course, my backup is a Stocker and Yale military lensatic model, that one I certainly trust.

crashdive123 · 11-07-2009, 03:18 AM

Hey WoodSmoke - how about navigating your way on over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks. http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...splay.php?f=14

Rick · 11-07-2009, 04:39 AM

That bubble is caused by one of two things. Most likely it is a vacuum bubble caused by using it in extreme cold or higher elevation. Try sitting it in the sun and see if it will make the bubble disappear. Very often warming the compass will.

The other cause may be a very small break in the seal. If the bubble grows then it's probably a broken seal.

Either way, the bubble doesn't affect the compass. The liquid is only there to dampen the needle so the bubble has no impact other than aesthetics.

WoodSmoke · 11-07-2009, 05:09 AM

Ahh, thanks for that info. I do still have the compass, I hate throwing anything away that might still have a use, heheh.

It was actually used in fairly cold weather just before it got the bubble, that could very well be what happened.

sjj · 11-08-2009, 05:32 AM

Folks,

Many thanks for taking the time to respond. It looks like the Silva Ranger is real popular. I visited REI today and they have the Ranger. I compared it to the Suunto MC-2 and appear to be very similar. I do notice that the Suunto MC-2 "Global" needle version is about $25 more than the regular MC-2. I'm guessing I'll pick up either the Ranger or the MC-2 Global, a couple cheaper Silva baseplate compasses and a handful of the Bruton Button Compasses which I understand are reliable/sturdy enough for military EER use.

Like a lot of folks said, I want more than one compass with me. I've got an older Garmin E-Trex loaded with local topo and streets that would be convenient to quickly locate myself on a map - but I would just never trust a GPS for emergency use alone. Now - I will have to study up and re-learn what I used to know (and hopefully learn some new stuff) on exactly how to properly use these new compasses with all the extra features.

Again, thanks for all the comments/suggestions - much appreciated.

11-05-2009, 07:48 AM	#1
sjj Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Far North Posts: 86	Best Compass Good Folks, Looking for suggestions on the best dollar value for several primary compasses to add to backpack sized kits. I'm talking about a far north location and thinking declination adjustments and the new global needle would be of real benefit. The purpose of this primary compass will be to use with map in bad weather and/or for directional sighting travel when allowed. Reliability, ease of use, in relatively small light weight are factors. Not interested in the military compasses. My primary compass experience has been with a 40 year old Leuopold Sportsman which still works perfect but without modern features. At this point, I'm looking at the Suunto MC-2G Global http://www.thecompassstore.com/51mc2gl.html For size price, I'm also looking at the cheap Silva Polaris for backup (two compasses always) http://www.thecompassstore.com/polaris.html Any suggestion appreciated. Thanks in advance.

11-05-2009, 12:12 PM	#2
Rick Administrator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 19,334 Blog Entries: 1	Silva, Suunto, Nexus and Brunton are all good names. Silva AB sells Brunton and Nexus in the US. Johnson Outdoors sells Silva in the US. You might look at the Suunto Matchbox compass. I think Mac uses a Recta DP-2. Both are made by...Suunto/Recta and made in Finland. Amer Sports Corporation owns both companies. Both are box compasses and I think a box gives you more protection for your compass. Plastic compasses can get broken pretty easily so something a bit robust is better, I think. As to being in the far north, I assume you know your declination but just want to mention that being in the far north doesn't necessarily mean making adjustments is necessary. It depends on where you are in the far north. Hope that helps!! __________________ Safe Zone LLC "The Most Trusted Name in Outdoor Gear". Check out our free Family Disaster Plan Buck 110 Folding Hunters are now in stock.

11-05-2009, 12:43 PM	#3
Sarge47 Super Moderator Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Western Illinois Posts: 4,302 Blog Entries: 17	Hmmm..... In his book: "The Ultimate Outdoorsman," Bob Newman writes how, when in the Marines training grunts on outdoor navigating he'd left his Silva Ranger on the ground. Then somebody parked a jeep on top of it...yet it still worked! That was good enough for me! __________________ SARGE "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." Albert Einstien

11-05-2009, 01:34 PM	#4
Old GI Post Less, Read More Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Shadow of Pike's Peak Posts: 226	Here-Here!! I have my Silva Ranger from 1978 when I was convinced (didn't take much) to ditch my military lensatic. __________________ When Wealth is Lost, Nothing is Lost; When Health is Lost, Something is Lost; When Character is Lost, ALL IS LOST!!!!!!! Colonel Charles Hyatt circa 1880

11-05-2009, 03:30 PM	#5
SARKY Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 1,168	Ole Bob Newman didn't put in his book how he left his Silva Ranger hanging on a tree somewhere on the Rangley Training Facility and I and another instructor found it (sheer luck). I've had my Ranger since 1985 and am extremely happy with it. __________________ I know what hunts you.

11-05-2009, 05:24 PM	#7
NightShade Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Mass/RI area Posts: 208	I agree that a backup is always good to have!... But if you're gettin 2 different readings fron 2 dif. Compasses how are u sure of which one us right? Why I carry 3... Go best 2 out of 3 if there is any discrepancy... And my preference is a Silva as well. __________________ "One's Quest for Knowledge is Never Complete."

11-05-2009, 06:01 PM	#8
Old GI Post Less, Read More Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Shadow of Pike's Peak Posts: 226	Kinda like wearing two watches? __________________ When Wealth is Lost, Nothing is Lost; When Health is Lost, Something is Lost; When Character is Lost, ALL IS LOST!!!!!!! Colonel Charles Hyatt circa 1880

11-05-2009, 06:57 PM	#10
Old GI Post Less, Read More Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Shadow of Pike's Peak Posts: 226	I had a problem with my ruck telling me what to do. It sure could talk!!! __________________ When Wealth is Lost, Nothing is Lost; When Health is Lost, Something is Lost; When Character is Lost, ALL IS LOST!!!!!!! Colonel Charles Hyatt circa 1880

11-05-2009, 11:00 PM	#11
SARKY Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 1,168	That is why a good topo map is more important than a compass ......unless you're in the desert or on the ocean __________________ I know what hunts you.

11-06-2009, 01:39 AM	#13
aflineman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 115	I really like my Ranger. Mine has Surveyor's markings, so I have to do some math to get the degrees. Not hard. I got the Surveyor's compass due to what I am studying in College. Mine also has the Clino, which is a handy feature for me. I also carry a back-up Brunton and a button compass. I have had one compass be wrong. It had got set on an energized transformer, which reversed the poles. __________________ Have Lights? Thank a Lineman! "Being prepared is sometimes inconvenient, but not being prepared is always inconvenient." - Fred Choate

11-06-2009, 06:03 AM	#14
Stony Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 170	I use a Silva Ranger for the past 20 years and as spare a Suunto MC-2.

11-07-2009, 03:12 AM	#15
WoodSmoke Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 7	I've used a few Silva compasses in the past, and they never let me down. However, the newest one I picked up developed a bubble in just a few months of use... I can't recommend them now. I do have a Brunton that has done well, I do recommend them, as I understand it they are produced by the same folks that used to do the old Silva compasses. Of course, my backup is a Stocker and Yale military lensatic model, that one I certainly trust.

11-07-2009, 03:18 AM	#16
crashdive123 Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 15,536 Blog Entries: 1	Hey WoodSmoke - how about navigating your way on over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks. http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...splay.php?f=14 __________________ Can't means won't!

11-07-2009, 04:39 AM	#17
Rick Administrator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 19,334 Blog Entries: 1	That bubble is caused by one of two things. Most likely it is a vacuum bubble caused by using it in extreme cold or higher elevation. Try sitting it in the sun and see if it will make the bubble disappear. Very often warming the compass will. The other cause may be a very small break in the seal. If the bubble grows then it's probably a broken seal. Either way, the bubble doesn't affect the compass. The liquid is only there to dampen the needle so the bubble has no impact other than aesthetics. __________________ Safe Zone LLC "The Most Trusted Name in Outdoor Gear". Check out our free Family Disaster Plan Buck 110 Folding Hunters are now in stock.

11-07-2009, 05:09 AM	#18
WoodSmoke Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 7	Ahh, thanks for that info. I do still have the compass, I hate throwing anything away that might still have a use, heheh. It was actually used in fairly cold weather just before it got the bubble, that could very well be what happened.

11-08-2009, 05:32 AM	#19
sjj Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Far North Posts: 86	Folks, Many thanks for taking the time to respond. It looks like the Silva Ranger is real popular. I visited REI today and they have the Ranger. I compared it to the Suunto MC-2 and appear to be very similar. I do notice that the Suunto MC-2 "Global" needle version is about $25 more than the regular MC-2. I'm guessing I'll pick up either the Ranger or the MC-2 Global, a couple cheaper Silva baseplate compasses and a handful of the Bruton Button Compasses which I understand are reliable/sturdy enough for military EER use. Like a lot of folks said, I want more than one compass with me. I've got an older Garmin E-Trex loaded with local topo and streets that would be convenient to quickly locate myself on a map - but I would just never trust a GPS for emergency use alone. Now - I will have to study up and re-learn what I used to know (and hopefully learn some new stuff) on exactly how to properly use these new compasses with all the extra features. Again, thanks for all the comments/suggestions - much appreciated. Last edited by sjj; 11-08-2009 at 05:34 AM.