I was browsing the Silva website looking at their map wheel as a possible addition to my gear list for Philmont next summer (it’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas list guys). I noticed that they have incorporated a map wheel disk to the ring of several base plate compasses, the Explorer & the Polaris . It sounds like a nifty idea but I wonder if it really works and holds up under field conditions. Anyone have any experience with these?

Also, they now offer soft plastic grips for some of their compasses to make them easier to hold ( Explorer w/grip & Polaris w/grip). But what intrigued me was that they are brightly colored with the intent of making them easier to find if dropped on the ground. It’s encouraging to see a manufacture offer such a logical choice.

I haven't tried one, but a case of acute Male Answer Syndrome is compelling me to make a comment. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Incorporating a map wheel into the compass seems like a good idea and Silva makes a durable product (I still use a 40 year old Polaris.)
The only problems I see are:
-it looks like it might be awkward to use, and
-can it be cleaned out if you get some grit in there.

OTOH you're only carrying one item instead of 2.

This reminds me .... I haven't done any orienteering in a long time and my 10 yr old is at the right age to learn.....

Brian