Compass

[ccrn]

I am looking at compasses for personal carry and while on drill.

Right now I like the Silva 360 lensatic.

Any opinions about this or others will be apprectiated. Please be specific about the compass you use and or would recommend.

This compass will be used for military land nav. I carry a small Silva 1-2-3 for basic orientation.

[Razor]

If it doesn't have tritium, it will become a real pain during night land nav.

[The Reaper]

Silva Ranger.

And you can use it while shaving.

TR

[Team Sergeant]

Silva Ranger.

And you can use it while shaving.

TR

Agree.

Still have mine....

TS

[ccrn]

Is one model Ranger preferred over the other?

http://www.silvacompass.com/products.html

Thankyou very much for the replies-

[Eagle5US]

Silva Ranger.

And you can use it while shaving.

TR

Bought mine in '88...and it (the same one) is still my preferred :lifter

As far as which one...there only used to be one :eek:

Eagle

[ccrn]

Theres three now: Ranger Ultra 530, Ranger 515 CL and 515 CLQ-

Thanks

[Team Sergeant]

Theres three now: Ranger Ultra 530, Ranger 515 CL and 515 CLQ-

Thanks

I went and had a look see.

The only difference I see between the 530 and the 515CLQ is the 530 has a "split sighting mirror, 1/20-inch and millimeter rules for mapping and silicone feet for map gripping"

I'd like to see the "split sighting mirror" on the 530.

The 515CLQ or the 530 will do just fine.

TS

[NousDefionsDoc]

Silva Ranger.

And you can use it while shaving.

TR
Takes a hard man to shave on the move.

Yeah, but you know always where you are going. :D

Didn't want to say that you could use it to shave with, but the big mirror sure is handy.

TR

[magician]

I was a little more minimalistic in my compass use. I just learned that way, and I preferred keeping my hands empty, so that I could hold a walking stick, or my weapon.

I used a Tekna wrist compass, and later, one made by some other company that I cannot remember now. That is all that I used. I had a military-issue compass on my web gear, and sometimes I hung it around my neck, and stuffed the compass into a chest pocket....or tied it off on my belt, and stuffed the compass into a chest pocket....but I got to a point where I pretty much used just the wrist compass, and my map.

My feeling is, only someone who wants to suffer the most twisted fate that Murphy can devise goes to the woods with just one compass. Always have a backup. Always.

Needless to say, this way of working with a compass means that you are terrain associating, not merely walking distance and pace count.

I guess that one reason why I preferred working this way is because it helped free me from focusing on the compass. It helped me learn to keep my head up, which is always a good thing in the woods, and it helped me really LOOK at the terrain, and really see it.

With time, I learned to move with just the map in my hand, (in a plastic bag and tied down to my body, of course), folded to just the "lane" that I was working in, with left and right boundaries and a limit of advance. After I got practiced, developed a feel for the terrain, and felt synchronized and confident in my map recon, I put the map away entirely, and just remembered my general direction of travel, and the terrain features that I would be using to remain oriented.

As I hit significant points, or took a water break, I would break the map out and confirm location, recon my route ahead, and then put it away again.

Over time, it got to a point where I was able to walk through the woods for extended distances only occasionally consulting my wrist compass.

Troy Trek really, really refined my skills. I loved that freakin' event. It was one of the coolest things that I ever did in the military.

I wish that I could go back and run it again.

:)

[12B4S]

Damn, I have been away a long time. When I got out, I took my issue compass with me and used it until it was stolen somewhere in the 70's. I checked the website and read your posts, those are fantastic. Catch up time, aaaaagain.

[Razor]

I agree wholeheartedly, Magician. I really enjoyed Trek (we did it at Ft. A.P. Hill), but not only for the navigation; I liked spending several days alone relying solely on my own abilities to get around in the woods. Well, except for that one 14km leg on Day 1.

[magician]

I really liked being solo, too, brother.

I covered some serious distance....but I ate some great chow, built some awesome fires out in the middle of nowhere, slept my ass off, and really....just enjoyed the wilderness. It was delightful being solo out there.

I could have killed myself and completed the course a lot faster....but what would have been fun about that? I will not say that I took my time...but I did not murder myself, and when I finished the course, I was in good shape. I could have sustained that pace of cross-country movement for many, many more days.

My classmates....they ALL humped like their hair was on fire. And they were all limping around Mackall afterwards, in real bad shape, all beat up, feet banged up, smoked.

I learned something from that. I was mission-capable. They were not.

Hmmm.

But there was just something....about busting brush by moonlight through the thick shit....and walking right up on a point in the middle of the night. After getting my next point....pulling off a couple of clicks along my line of march into low ground, and taking it easy.

It remains one of the high points of my military life.

What a privilege to go and do that course.

:)

[Trip_Wire (RIP)]

Silva Ranger: Can't go wrong with it. Mirror can be used for emergency signal mirror or shaving.

The issue compass is good to have as well! I still have mine. :munchin

[TerribleTobyt]

OK, where does one purchase the Ranger Ultra 530. Tried the website, got the run-around.

My son is headin ta the 'Stan inacuppola months, want him to have the best.

Thanx.

Toby

[Pattaya]

Definately the Silva ranger. and a small evasion compass

[ccrn]

OK, where does one purchase the Ranger Ultra 530. Tried the website, got the run-around.

My son is headin ta the 'Stan inacuppola months, want him to have the best.

Thanx.

Toby

I found this on the net. It is in no way an endorsement as I have not dealt with this company.

(http://store.yahoo.com/fulfillmentadventures/silvacompasses.html)

I emailed Silva and they say they do not sell direct. They instruct to call 800.572.8822 direct for assistance in finding a dealer closest to your pos.

Thanks all for the input-

[TerribleTobyt]

I found this on the net. It is in no way an endorsement as I have not dealt with this company.

(http://store.yahoo.com/fulfillmentadventures/silvacompasses.html)

I emailed Silva and they say they do not sell direct. They instruct to call 800.572.8822 direct for assistance in finding a dealer closest to your pos.

Thanks all for the input-

And thank you for the link!!!

'Preciate it!!!!

[Team Sergeant]

OK, where does one purchase the Ranger Ultra 530. Tried the website, got the run-around.

My son is headin ta the 'Stan inacuppola months, want him to have the best.

Thanx.

Toby


Toby,

What I do is a "Froogle" search. Here's a link.

http://www.google.com/froogle?q=Ranger+Ultra+530&btnG=Search+Froogle

You can compare companies and prices!

Hope that helped!

TS

[TerribleTobyt]

Anyone heard of "Suunto"???

Looks kinda like a Silva Knock off, for 1/3 of the price.

Thnax in advance!!

Toby

[Cincinnatus]

Check out this thread on LF http://lightfighter.net/eve/ubb.x/a/tpc/f/2296024871/m/657109606

If you go ahead and get one, please post your thoughts after using it. I'm going to be buying something soon and would appreciate the input.

[berdan]

http://www.freshtracksmaps.com/compasses.htm

has Silva Ranger 530 and 515CL

[lksteve]

i use a Brunton Com-Pro Pocket Transit...i also have a Silva Ranger for back-up, along with a Garmin e-Trek...the Brunton Eclipse looks good...i might have to have one of those...of course, the 8099 Pro looks pretty good...

for strictly navigational and recreational purposes, a good lensatic compass, preferably a military lensatic compass, is hard to beat...

http://www.brunton.com/catalog.php?cat=4

BTW, i'm starting a new job Monday and these are my new toys...
http://www.trimble.com/trimbler8.shtml

http://www.trimble.com/trimbleS6.shtml
:D

[Archangel]

Is there a reason that everyone likes the Silva Ranger over the less expensive models?

Besides the extra scales mm/inch 1:25k and 1:50k, are there any other advantages to getting the $55 Ranger over the $10-20 Field/Expedition models (both from Silva)?

Here's an Expedition: http://www.silva.se/outdoor/products/img/com_exp25.jpg

The mirror-sighting compass with "all" the features required by professional users such as geologists, engineers, defense forces etc. Direct access battery illumination and a bubble level for accurate horizontal adjustment. Clinometer and declination adjuster.


Silva Field: http://www.silva.se/outdoor/products/img/com_field26.jpg

This series is created to meet the demands from Boy Scouts/youth organizations, hikers to use on shorter day trips and schools. Patented red/black north/south lines in the capsule (Field 7 and 26) and a north indicator on the compass needle are standard on the Field series.

[The Reaper]

The Field is pretty small.

I like the Ranger best, have a lot of field time with it, and figure that $55 is a lot cheaper than dragging a dozen of your buddies around trying to figure out where you are in Indian country, whilst being shot at, bombed, bleeding, etc.

You set your own values. You might review NDD's posts on equipment in the Training the Mind thread.

TR

[Archangel]

I have also seen, especially recently, people complaining about the prices of weapons and equipment, settling for less than what they need because of cost or trying to "bargain" for a better deal.

With furniture or a used car, that's fine and I'm all for getting the best possible deal and not wasting anything needlessly.

But think about it for a minute. These are the tools of your trade. You are betting your life on them. Do you really want to buy your Body Armor from Crazy Eddie who just went insane and slashed prices?

Do you want to be running through the streets of Bagdead in front of your principle and have your assault pack dump your Kit Kat bars all over the street because you got it for $10 less than the good one?

I would imagine that the Samurai, Roman soldiers, etc., probably spent every last dime they had on the best swords and armor they could find. They knew they were going into battle and soon.

Well guess what?

If you want to save money, do it somewhere else. When it comes to your kit and weapons, don't scrimp. Get the best, pay for it, and when you get back, thank the maker for his pride and professionalism.Roger that. Thanks again TR.

[ccrn]

Im comfortable with the lensatic compass that I get issued for land nav. Why on earth the degree marks are in red is beyond me. Night nav is not one of my strong points yet.

I will be buying the Silva Ranger (52.00 at Gander Mountian) this weekend upon the recommendation of the previous posters.

Ive carried a silva 1-2-3 as a backup for years-

[uboat509]

http://www.backcountry.com/store/SUN0005/c3/s7/Suunto-MC-2G-Navigator-Global-Compass.html

I am a big fan of this one. I got issued one of these while doing an advanced land nav course last yeat and it is awsome. You can probably find it for less on another site but I was just trying to find an example.

SFC W

[Desert Fox]

http://www.backcountry.com/store/SUN0005/c3/s7/Suunto-MC-2G-Navigator-Global-Compass.html

I am a big fan of this one. I got issued one of these while doing an advanced land nav course last yeat and it is awsome. You can probably find it for less on another site but I was just trying to find an example.

SFC W


I have it too, but 2 years ago, don't know how, the plastic partially melted during summer!! ! !

http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=87
That's the one I carry all time, except it is in mils. It is more in the field than home. Well, almost.

There is also the issued artillery prismatic compass, which is very accurate (20 mils), easy to aim, tritium illuminated.
But you don't have the same feeling as a silva style compass.
And the bearing is only in magnetic, so if you want to use it for nav you have to do the maths.
It is awesome at night though.

There are pictures of the said prismatic compass...

[ccrn]

When Suunto claims this is the compass issued to "miltiary special forces" are they referring to US Special Operation Forces?

I like the luminous bezel for night nav but I suppose when I get proficient at it I wouldnt need it? I can see how it would be useful especially if it is tritium-

[Archangel]

When Suunto claims this is the compass issued to "miltiary special forces" are they referring to US Special Operation Forces?

I like the luminous bezel for night nav but I suppose when I get proficient at it I wouldnt need it? I can see how it would be useful especially if it is tritium-Probably Finland SF.

[lksteve]

When Suunto claims this is the compass issued to "miltiary special forces" are they referring to US Special Operation Forces?
while it was never issued, it was available for sale at the Special Forces bookstore up on Smoke Bomb Hill...i bought one as a back-up before i started Phase I...being in Uwharrie with a busted compass was not a good thing...

I like the luminous bezel for night nav but I suppose when I get proficient at it I wouldnt need it? I can see how it would be useful especially if it is tritium-
proficiency has nothing to do with night vision...

[Cincinnatus]

Is it tritium? I've found the word "luminous" used to connote different things, sometimes more properly called flourescent or phosphorescent.

[magician]

I have it too, but 2 years ago, don't know how, the plastic partially melted during summer!! ! !


Bug juice probably did that.

:)

[The Reaper]

Bug juice probably did that.

:)

Exactly.

That stuff would melt all plastic except for the bottle it came in.

TR

[lksteve]

That stuff would melt all plastic except for the bottle it came in.



as long as it's not a carcenogin...okay, as long as it isn't an acute-onset, die-next-week carcenogin...

it never really worked on bugs, but it was good to mark LZ/DZ with, when mixed with a little C-Rat peanut butter...

and it was an excellent cleaning solvent...

[Cincinnatus]

"it never really worked on bugs, but it was good to mark LZ/DZ with, when mixed with a little C-Rat peanut butter..."

??? I need splainin'

Also, the question above still stands. Anyone know if the illumination is, in fact, tritium? I need to get a compass and this is one under consideration.

TIA

[lksteve]

??? I need splainin'

once upon a time, military rations came in cans...peanut butter came in a can about two inches in diameter, maybe half an inch thick...it is a decent burning medium, but needs something to get it lit...bug juice burns readily...now, to mark a drop zone for a night drop (and there was a time when the only jumps we made were night combat equipment jumps, as it should be), one needed something that could be seen from the air...a field expedient method (since bonfires are not clandestine and a small fire isn't guaranteed to be contained) was either to add bug juice to the peanut butter in the PB's original container, or to put some peanut butter in a larger can, say a Pecan Nut Loaf can and light it at the points on the day-letter code in order to allow the pilot/navigator to both authenticate the drop zone and to define a release point...

Also, the question above still stands. Anyone know if the illumination is, in fact, tritium? I need to get a compass and this is one under consideration.
i checked the website...it used the term luminous...i doubt that tritium is involved...i could be wrong, but i doubt it...

[Cincinnatus]

Thanks! I'd almost figured it out, but was missing a piece or two.

I looked at the site, too, and noted the absence of the word tritium. So, am guessing it's simply glow in the dark paint. Tecnically this is NOT luminous, but the word is so regularly misused, it's probably unreasonable to expect that it be used properly. There is, apparently, a Suunto w/ the right features that is tritium, it's described in the LightFighter thread referenced above, and is probably what I'll get.

Thanks again.

[ccrn]

Is it tritium? I've found the word "luminous" used to connote different things, sometimes more properly called flourescent or phosphorescent.


"If" was the key word. Id bet money its not tritium.

Cammenga is selling military lensatics with tritium for almost a c-note at

www.cammenga.com

I also found a couple of Silvas on the web that have tritium but I havent been able to locate them on the current Silva site.

The Silva Ranger Ultra 530 has "luminous points" but I havent been able to determine if the are tritium or not. A call to Silva on monday should confirm that.

The Silva Ranger comes highly recommended by senior members here.

The Silvas pictured below are the Expidition 4 and the 54/6400B-

[Razor]

In the FWIW department, its been my experience that in the US, 'luminous' refers to photoluminescence, wherein the material stores the energy it receives from visible light waves and emits a portion of it over time, even after the light source is removed. Marketers generally use the term 'self-luminescent' or specifically say the item contains tritium or a 'radioactive' light source to indicate the source doesn't require 'charging' before it glows.

[ccrn]

Razor,

Thanks for that info I appreciate it.

I held of on the Ranger purchase this weekend even though I would buy one on the recommendations made here. I will call Silva tomorrow to find out if the points are self-luminescent or not.

If they arent I guess I would have to buy another compass that does have self-luminescent points for night nav, do light shots on the Ranger (risky), or just go with another compass all together-

Thanks

[ccrn]

I called Silva today at 1-800-572-8822, the woman who answered did not know at first. Upon further query she came back to me to inform me that the Ranger luminous points do need an outside light source.

Can any of the BTDTs who use the Ranger comment on this, and how to night nav with it?

Thanks

[Team Sergeant]

[QUOTE=ccrnThe Silva Ranger comes highly recommended by senior members here.

[/QUOTE]

Thanks for such a high praise CCRN. :rolleyes: I guess it doesn't mean much if you're still hunting for a compass.

Team Sergeant
(Still owns a Silva Ranger after 20 some years....)

[lksteve]

Can any of the BTDTs who use the Ranger comment on this, and how to night nav with it?

Thanks

take a flashlight...preferably a military flashlight, with elbow and all...cover the backside, place the flashlight over the bezel...use a patrol cap or something to shield the light...turn the light on, leave it on for a minute or so...this activates the luminous material painted on the face and bezel...that should charge what you need to see for a couple of hours, maybe more...do this as often as necessary...the elephant rubber bags that used to be sold at Ranger Joe's work well for this...problem is, i'm not sure they still make those bags...

[ccrn]

Thanks for such a high praise CCRN. :rolleyes: I guess it doesn't mean much if you're still hunting for a compass.

Team Sergeant
(Still owns a Silva Ranger after 20 some years....)



Lesson learned.

My apologies for offending-

ccrn

[Archangel]

Just picked up a Silva Ranger at REI for $37.99 (Normally $55)! Sale is on for only a few more days.

[Cincinnatus]

I picked up one of the Silva Rangers through the REI sale. Thanks to all for your advice and input.

[lksteve]

I picked up one of the Silva Rangers through the REI sale. Thanks to all for your advice and input.you're still in deep shit...i advise skulking out of here before TS decides to wake up in a bad mood again... :D

[PSM]

This is an update.

The Silva Rangers in the stores today are not the original Silva 15s!

I have a Silva Type 27 that developed a huge bubble. (In fact, a Google search for the warranty information on the 27 led me to this site many moons ago . :D) Silva USA (now owned by Johnson Outdoors) would not honor the “lifetime” warranty. I’ve only owned it 30 years or so. ;) But, I did learn that Brunton bought Silva Sweden over a decade ago. I contacted Brunton and they will honor the warranty on my 27 or any other Silva Sweden compass.

Today, the Brunton 15TDCL (made by Silva Sweden) is the [i]real Ranger. Confused yet? :confused:

Pat

[Team Sergeant]

This is an update.

The Silva Rangers in the stores today are not the original Silva 15s!

I have a Silva Type 27 that developed a huge bubble. (In fact, a Google search for the warranty information on the 27 led me to this site many moons ago . :D) Silva USA (now owned by Johnson Outdoors) would not honor the “lifetime” warranty. I’ve only owned it 30 years or so. ;) But, I did learn that Brunton bought Silva Sweden over a decade ago. I contacted Brunton and they will honor the warranty on my 27 or any other Silva Sweden compass.

Today, the Brunton 15TDCL (made by Silva Sweden) is the [i]real Ranger. Confused yet? :confused:

Pat


Good to know....

I'll be purchasing Brunton from now on...

TS

[PSM]

Good to know....

I'll be purchasing Brunton from now on...

TS

Well, TS, to add to the confusion, this is in the US only. Elsewhere, Silva is still Silva. :D (I was snorting Aleve sorting this info out! ;))

Pat

[SF_BHT]

Well, TS, to add to the confusion, this is in the US only. Elsewhere, Silva is still Silva. :D (I was snorting Aleve sorting this info out! ;))

Pat

So what is their web site?

Last month I ordered 200 Silva's for work. I bet they will not be honored by the company I got them through.:mad:

[NoRoadtrippin]

This is an update.

The Silva Rangers in the stores today are not the original Silva 15s!

I have a Silva Type 27 that developed a huge bubble. (In fact, a Google search for the warranty information on the 27 led me to this site many moons ago . :D) Silva USA (now owned by Johnson Outdoors) would not honor the “lifetime” warranty. I’ve only owned it 30 years or so. ;) But, I did learn that Brunton bought Silva Sweden over a decade ago. I contacted Brunton and they will honor the warranty on my 27 or any other Silva Sweden compass.

Today, the Brunton 15TDCL (made by Silva Sweden) is the [i]real Ranger. Confused yet? :confused:

Pat

Thanks for throwing that into the conversation! Working in the outdoor industry, I was trying to recall the details of this when someone was asking about other brands earlier.

Bruntons are definitely the recommendation, its what we sell in the store now as they are indeed the true Silvas. Johnson Outdoors is the same parent company of Eureka! tents, Old Town Canoes and lots of other stuff. They are large conglomerate and by no means focused on quality navigational tools any longer.

I would also second the recommendations for a wrist compass. As you get better and better with terrain association and a strong pace count, quick wrist checks will keep you moving more and stopping less. For the "average" Soldier doing land nav on a mainstream course on post, a wrist compass is the business.

[PSM]

So what is their web site?

Last month I ordered 200 Silva's for work. I bet they will not be honored by the company I got them through.:mad:

PM, with contact info, sent. It depends on your source.

Pat

[SF_BHT]

PM, with contact info, sent. It depends on your source.

Pat

Thanks Pat I got the info.

[dac]

Which model did you get, the Geo Pocket Transit (http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=99) for $819?

[Pete]

You used to be able to order a small pocket compass through the military system. Looked a little like a small Silva Ranger but reversed and without the black cover. Had/has a green cord attached.

It was marked
S and Y
884
Beverly
MA USA

Mine is as old as my Ranger and still no bubbles in either one of them.

Hmm. It appears "Sandy" is no longer in business.

[Razor]

Hmm. It appears "Sandy" is no longer in business.

SandY, or Stocker & Yale, are now StockerYale and are involved in other areas.

http://www.stockeryale.com/company/about/index.htm

[VVVV]

Silva Field: http://www.silva.se/outdoor/products/img/com_field26.jpg

This series is created to meet the demands from Boy Scouts/youth organizations, hikers to use on shorter day trips and schools. Patented red/black north/south lines in the capsule (Field 7 and 26) and a north indicator on the compass needle are standard on the Field series.


I still have my Silva Official Boy Scouts of America compass - "Made in Sweden, Assembled in the USA" that I purchased in 1954!!

[Streck-Fu]

Old thread resurrection notice...

I am wanting to find a good compass with which to teach my Cubscouts the basics of compass use and a search led me to this thread.

The problem is that Silva is no longer Silva and, it seems, Brunton no longer makes the 15TDCL which became the old Silva Ranger.

Does any one know what is comparable and in current production? I can find lots of Indonesian made Silva's and the closest Brunton is the O.S.S 70M (http://www.brunton.com/collections/oss/products/brunton-oss-70m)

Sure, I can buy a $15 Silva for now but I'd like to buy a compass that will last for years. I have two kids in Cubscouts and would like to buy something once that will last as long as they can keep it.

[PSM]

Old thread resurrection notice...

I am wanting to find a good compass with which to teach my Cubscouts the basics of compass use and a search led me to this thread.

The problem is that Silva is no longer Silva and, it seems, Brunton no longer makes the 15TDCL which became the old Silva Ranger.

Does any one know what is comparable and in current production?.

You might take a look at the Sunnto MC2G:

http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-SS004252010-MC-2G-Global-Compass/dp/B000FEUCRW

I haven't used it (I have a Ranger) but the reviews are good and some of the reviewers have, or have used, both.

ETA: I see that the "G" means that the Suunto has a global needle, I don't believe that the Ranger does.

Pat

[The Reaper]

Old thread resurrection notice...

I am wanting to find a good compass with which to teach my Cubscouts the basics of compass use and a search led me to this thread.

The problem is that Silva is no longer Silva and, it seems, Brunton no longer makes the 15TDCL which became the old Silva Ranger.

Does any one know what is comparable and in current production? I can find lots of Indonesian made Silva's and the closest Brunton is the O.S.S 70M (http://www.brunton.com/collections/oss/products/brunton-oss-70m)

Sure, I can buy a $15 Silva for now but I'd like to buy a compass that will last for years. I have two kids in Cubscouts and would like to buy something once that will last as long as they can keep it.

Streck, you might want to check your google-fu.

What is wrong with these Silva Rangers?

http://www.amazon.com/Silva-2801077-Ranger-CL-Compass/dp/B000VSA6NC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1376427344&sr=1-1&keywords=silva+ranger

http://www.amazon.com/Silva-Ranger-High-Visibility-Compass/dp/B009PM8920/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1376427366&sr=1-1&keywords=silva+ranger

or, as noted, this Suunto: http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-Mirror-Sighting-Global-Compass/dp/B00A00O60U/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2

TR

[Streck-Fu]

TR,

I asked because of the below post. If others have experienced that they are good to go, I'd be fine with using them.

This is an update.

The Silva Rangers in the stores today are not the original Silva 15s!

I have a Silva Type 27 that developed a huge bubble. (In fact, a Google search for the warranty information on the 27 led me to this site many moons ago . :D) Silva USA (now owned by Johnson Outdoors) would not honor the “lifetime” warranty. I’ve only owned it 30 years or so. ;) But, I did learn that Brunton bought Silva Sweden over a decade ago. I contacted Brunton and they will honor the warranty on my 27 or any other Silva Sweden compass.

Today, the Brunton 15TDCL (made by Silva Sweden) is the [i]real Ranger. Confused yet? :confused:

Pat

[The Reaper]

There appear to be a bunch of Chinese knockoffs for sale, those seem to be in the $10 price range, and the real ones by both Silva USA and Brunton (Silva Sweden) at $35-50.

If the manufacturer warrantees them, and survives to honor that warantee, I would say to give them a try.

My older ones only bubbled (leaked) if I smacked them hard enough to crack the case.

TR

[2018commo]

Struck,
Not specific to your question, but when my son joined I got a kit from silva which has 10-12 compasses in a hard plastic case, along with a large plastic model which is a great training aid. I also bought several orienteering flags with the hole punch devices. Once someone realizes you know land nav, you will be very busy:lifter!
And don't buy your sons a good compass until they loose/ break a couple of cheaper ones.

[Badger52]

Struck,
Not specific to your question, but when my son joined I got a kit from silva which has 10-12 compasses in a hard plastic case, along with a large plastic model which is a great training aid. I also bought several orienteering flags with the hole punch devices. Once someone realizes you know land nav, you will be very busy:lifter!
And don't buy your sons a good compass until they loose/ break a couple of cheaper ones.I have an elementary Brunton, luminous, very workmanlike that has after MANY years a tiny bubble. Don't know the model & none on it. In current availability it looks to be very similar to what they're calling their 9020G, a bunch of which come with this instructor's kit here. (http://www.brunton.com/products/instructor-kit-12)

It has basically refused to be subdued over the years and sits in a ziploc with a pre-configured wire antenna that's in the bag. I wouldn't hesitate to hand out some of these to a bunch of scouts. In my experience, much of "whether it lasts" depends upon the individual kid - they either have learned to take care of stuff, or not, or it's an opportunity to mentor on the former.

[Streck-Fu]

And don't buy your sons a good compass until they loose/ break a couple of cheaper ones.

That would be the smart move....I'm a gear junkie though and think in terms of getting stuff that will last forgetting that <10 year olds drop and lose stuff too much.

I typically use a Cammenga lensatic but that is not too easy for for kids to learn with....I've even thought of picking up Cemmenga's Protractor Compass (LINK (http://www.cammenga.com/D3-T-p/d3-t.htm)) for me to play with.

Working with kids whose farthest treks will be through local parks and fields, I need to drop the 'Best Gear Possible' attitude and just get them something adequate.

As the pack Cubmaster, I should see if the committee will fund a teaching kit....I know they have spent more for less....;)

[MR2]

Received an PM Qustion and thought I would share with everyone my FOG perspective. I'd be interested in other opinions especially on some of the new stuff that is now available.

I have a question on tritium in a compass or a watch for that matter.
Seems to me to be a bit on the bright side to me, but by the same token I've seen some of the other (radium or whatever) not charge.
Would you have a tritium watch or compass? Why or why not? Educate me please.
Well I'm no expert on Trit or Rad. I do remember being on point during a patrol aggressing against ROK marines. They had the new Tritium front sight posts on their M16A1s. Saw a dozen glowing green dots all in a line as they laid in their ambush position. Doom on them! This was using unaided eye night vision and not the PVS3 stuff they had then, let alone today!

Another example was using an illuminated lensatic compass on a cord and whirling it over your head to silently signal your location during night ops. Today they would use a chemlight I guess, but you see what I mean.

Point is, in a tactical situation, you must factor in everything into your light/noise discipline. Illuminated equipment is great, but you must keep it covered when not in use and defiantly don't be waving it around at night. Don't forget glare during day ops.

As a civilian today I love luminescence for night work.

[mugwump]

Bought a Silva Ranger for my nephew's son for Christmas. It had a leak in the housing that caused a bubble big enough to cause problems. I returned it and the replacement had the same problem out of the box at room temp.

They've also taken the magnifier off the baseplate. Silva has a problem. Thankfully, Amazon makes refunds a piece of cake.

PS: ultimately gave him a Suunto A-10, which is probably a better first compass anyway.

[PSM]

Bought a Silva Ranger for my nephew's son for Christmas. It had a leak in the housing that caused a bubble big enough to cause problems. I returned it and the replacement had the same problem out of the box at room temp.

They've also taken the magnifier off the baseplate. Silva has a problem. Thankfully, Amazon makes refunds a piece of cake.

PS: ultimately gave him a Suunto A-10, which is probably a better first compass anyway.

Mug, check out post #50 above. ;)

Pat

[mugwump]

Mug, check out post #50 above. ;)

Pat

D'Oh! Noticing that would have saved me some time. Oh well, I'm happy with the Suunto. Thanks Pat.

[Javadrinker]

I was doing some research this weekend and found this about Brunton; "The new 15TDCL compasses are made in China. However, if most 15TDCL compasses are like the one that I am reviewing, they are still very decent compasses." Full article here; http://jerkingthetrigger.com/2010/09/22/review-brunton-15tdcl-compass/ disappointment article here; http://jerkingthetrigger.com/2010/06/16/brunton-15tdcl-a-little-dissapointed/

Additionally, "Brunton has overhauled their entire line of compasses for 2012. The new line includes some familiar faces and several entirely new designs." Full article here; http://jerkingthetrigger.com/2012/02/04/new-compass-line-from-brunton/

In corresponding with Brunton about the TruArc 15 they replied to me ", the TruArc 15 is made in the USA in Riverton, Wyoming. "

[PSM]

I was doing some research this weekend and found this about Brunton; "The new 15TDCL compasses are made in China. However, if most 15TDCL compasses are like the one that I am reviewing, they are still very decent compasses." Full article here; http://jerkingthetrigger.com/2010/09...5tdcl-compass/

Additionally, "Brunton has overhauled their entire line of compasses for 2012. The new line includes some familiar faces and several entirely new designs." Full article here; http://jerkingthetrigger.com/2012/02...-from-brunton/

In corresponding with Brunton about the TruArc 15 they replied to me ", the TruArc 15 is made in the USA in Riverton, Wyoming. "

Hmmm, 404 on both links. :confused:

Pat

[Javadrinker]

Corrected the links and I emptied the cache and checked. If it still doesn't work go to Jerking the Trigger and search compass.

[Jerry4463]

To the QP's, would you all recommend someone preparing for SFAS train with a Silva Ranger or a lensatic model? Any input is appreciated.

[MR2]

To the QP's, would you all recommend someone preparing for SFAS train with a Silva Ranger or a lensatic model? Any input is appreciated.

I recommend that you read this thread from the beginning. :rolleyes:

[Sapper124]

I have used a Suunto MC-2G for about 2 years since graduating the course and it has served me well in both hemispheres. Somewhere between the heat of Iraq and the cold /altitude of Afghanistan it developed a large bubble that began interfering with the needle. I spoke with a Suunto rep and they had mentioned seeing some issues like that and it had to do with the company not "degassing" (im assuming this means removing any form of gas from the liquid in the bezel) the compasses fluid in the bezel. Regardless they were happy to assist me in getting it checked out and ultimately replaced.

It took me a couple hours of talking to different customer service representatives before I finally called one of their service representatives directly and got the word on how to have it replaced. In the US SouthEast there is one representative that handles the replacement of Liquid Compasses: Forestry Suppliers Inc. out of Jackson, MS. 800-647-5368. I spoke with a rep, got their address and sent my compass in and received a new one in about 2 week turn-around.

Hope this helps anyone else with Suunto Issues.

[booker]

I have used a Suunto MC-2G for about 2 years since graduating the course and it has served me well in both hemispheres. Somewhere between the heat of Iraq and the cold /altitude of Afghanistan it developed a large bubble that began interfering with the needle. I spoke with a Suunto rep and they had mentioned seeing some issues like that and it had to do with the company not "degassing" (im assuming this means removing any form of gas from the liquid in the bezel) the compasses fluid in the bezel. Regardless they were happy to assist me in getting it checked out and ultimately replaced.

It took me a couple hours of talking to different customer service representatives before I finally called one of their service representatives directly and got the word on how to have it replaced. In the US SouthEast there is one representative that handles the replacement of Liquid Compasses: Forestry Suppliers Inc. out of Jackson, MS. 800-647-5368. I spoke with a rep, got their address and sent my compass in and received a new one in about 2 week turn-around.

Hope this helps anyone else with Suunto Issues.


Forestry Suppliers is a great company to work with, it may help to mention your military affiliation, they may turn it around faster (not sure if Sapper124 already did that). I've worked with them for a decade and they have always been quick to fix any issues.