Thanks for info.

Pete

Normally I just roll my eyes on the YET again, 1 millionth statement on here, regarding where Brunton or Silva make their stuff or who owns who. But I am glad TimLarson mentioned that Brunton has changed up their line with the new OSS stuff.

I was at REI last week and all they had from Brunton was the new OSS models. Their base plate models go from 10B, 20B, 30B, 40B, and mirrored are 50B, 60B, 70B.

The 40B looked a lot like their old 8096 adventure racing model that I have, most of the base plate is the same, the bezel and pointer are different. The eclipse circles are actually smaller I think inside the compass.

I really liked my Brunton 8096 but it has a large bubble in it and no matter how many times I am told it doesn't affect it, I fixate and only take it out when I feel like playing around to verify another compasses heading. In a few months if the word on the OSS models is that they don't eventually develop the bubble, I will get a 40B to replace the 8096.

Interestingly enough REI no longer sells the Ranger model and Silva's stock was noticeably smaller. I checked while writing this if Silva still makes the Ranger and they do, but it wasn't in the REI store or their online site.

"I really liked my Brunton 8096 but it has a large bubble in it and no matter how many times I am told it doesn't affect it, I fixate and only take it out when I feel like playing around to verify another compasses heading."

Same thing happened to me after a year. Unlike the 8096, the O.S.S. 40B is to be USA-made, but still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

"I checked while writing this if Silva still makes the Ranger and they do, but it wasn't in the REI store or their online site."

Yes, Johnson Outdoors/Silva USA still makes their (North American) version of the Silva Ranger, the Ranger 515, now built in Indonesia. They appear to be addressing the criticisms of some customers by adopting a 2012 version with a bezel (dial) reminiscent of the older Silva Ranger. JO also ditched the heavily-criticized two-piece split mirror for a single panel with an etched sighting line.

This is has been a fine thread.

I really appreciate the input and discussion.

I carry the Silva Ranger with the old Brunton 8010G as a back up.

So I'd say my personal practical approach would be:

1. I alway carry a map set, not just one map.

2. I generally carry two compasses.

3. I carry and rely on my GPS a lot. I use a Garmin 60 with maps loaded for the area I will be in. I carry extra batteries and when opperating from a base camp, and when I leave the GPS on all day I put in fresh batteries as the day closes out.

4. I concur with Montenaro's thoughts about Terrain Association. These are my back country hand rails and provide visual clues along my path.

5 I orient my map regularly along my path.

6. I consult with my partners; I learn from them too.

7. I am comfortable with my map and compass skills.

8. Common sense is a wonderful thing.

Blake

www.outdoorquest.blogspot.com

No, he was referring to the U.S. M2 artillery transit aka the Brunton Pocket Transit. It's always been made in the USA to my knowledge.

Some Brunton compass models, like the Eclipse line, were made in China. They had problems (print and markings wearing off early, permanent air bubbles, etc.) The new O.S.S. line of compasses are all made in the USA.

I sent my circa 1984 Silva Ranger to Brunton and they replaced it for me. See what they will do with yours...

WOW! This thread is sytill alive? I feel so old now. :,(

Absolutely Widget. I've seen many tritium devices through my optics at night. Even the so called commando watch bands leak light.

Yes SD, your child has grown