Compass?

Barney · 12-30-2009, 07:47 AM

Are there any good manufacturers of compasses? I already have some old compass that I've been using for years but now I need a new one and this just crossed my mind.

Gondor · 12-30-2009, 08:19 AM

I just searched for some compasses online and it appears there the price goes from $5 to $150. Such broad range shows that there is a lot of differences in available features. But what features a compass can have, really? Does anyone knows, I'm very much intrigued?

Barney · 12-30-2009, 10:46 AM

I believe it all comes down to how accurate is the compass. I am pretty sure mine is not much accurate, so I would like to find out from some experienced compass user which model is good. A direct product recommendation would be nice.

woodzman · 02-14-2010, 08:28 AM

I've used a Silva, Explorer for the past twenty five years and have complete confidence in it. I had several off brand compasses before that, but had to replace them every few years due to the needle pivot wearing out. If I was going to buy a new one, I'd look at Silva, Brunton, and Suunto. You can buy a compass for general use, from the manufacturers I mentioned for ten to twenty bucks, that will last for years. I also have one of the small, ball type compasses that pin to your coat for quick reference. All you have to do is look down to take a reading.

oldsarge · 01-02-2011, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodzman

I've used a Silva, Explorer for the past twenty five years and have complete confidence in it. I had several off brand compasses before that, but had to replace them every few years due to the needle pivot wearing out. If I was going to buy a new one, I'd look at Silva, Brunton, and Suunto. You can buy a compass for general use, from the manufacturers I mentioned for ten to twenty bucks, that will last for years. I also have one of the small, ball type compasses that pin to your coat for quick reference. All you have to do is look down to take a reading.

I highly agree with those choices. I use Bruntons now after having a quality issue with some Silva's I and a few others had with a bunch we purchased. For many years I used Silva's and swore by them. I know many folks who still use them and have no complaints. After trying out a basic Brunton, I ended up buying their 8099, 8096 and 54LU models, not all at once mind you. throughout the years. Their 8067 pin on ball compass is a great little compass just for picking up general directions at a glance. I some times give these out as a gift if I meet some one on the trail with out a compass. Request a catalog from Brunton, you will be impressed!

Refrigerator · 01-02-2011, 05:46 PM

QUESTION TRIVIA....Does anyone know where the North magnetic Pole is located within the Earth?
Yea I have been there and you should see what happens to a compass...

oldsarge · 01-02-2011, 09:04 PM

I'd like to see that...must be a navigational nightmare!

Refrigerator · 01-02-2011, 09:46 PM

The North Magnetic Pole moves slowly over time due to magnetic changes in the Earth's core. In 2001, it was determined by the Geological Survey of Canada to lie near Ellesmere Island in northern Canada at 81°18′N 110°48′W / 81.3°N 110.8°W / 81.3; -110.8 (Magnetic North Pole 2001). It was estimated to be at 82°42′N 114°24′W / 82.7°N 114.4°W / 82.7; -114.4 (Magnetic North Pole 2005 est) in 2005. In 2009, it was moving toward Russia at almost 40 miles (64 km) per year.

Jobiwan · 01-03-2011, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Refrigerator

QUESTION TRIVIA....Does anyone know where the North magnetic Pole is located within the Earth?
Yea I have been there and you should see what happens to a compass...

I would imagine that a compass would just spin randomly at the magnetic pole due to the flux lines but then again if you held the compass on it's side it should point straight down. This is just my own theory... Please disclose your findings.