Alex - dunno, I've played a fair bit with ex-Warsaw Pact compasses and on the whole, they tend to work about as well as comparable Western products. It's just that the overall package tends to be a little less refined and with fewer bells and whistles occasionally.

We could probably argue this back and forth, but I'll just add a few more points to consider.

1) The eBay special under discussion is basically a rip-off of the old German "Wilkie" compass (a similar, but not identical version is produced nowadays by K&R as Meridian Pro). The "Wilkie" was an excellent compass in its day, whereas the eBay version is made to far lower standards. BTW, the Meridian Pro has been "copied" as well by the same manufacturer, with equally unimpressive results:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Professional...sid=p5731.m3795

2) Any type of compass can be damaged. Mirror, lensatic, prismatic, doesn't matter. What makes you think the eBay compass is less susceptible to damage than say, an M73?? A few examples of the same eBay model that I've tested myself have been very poorly made and on several I couldn't even open the cover properly because the hinge was bent so badly that it needed some manual "straightening" first.

BTW, I can't really imagine bending the prism hinge on an M73. I'm sure it could be done, but it would probably take a hammer and a lot more abuse than any compass could be expected to take.

3) What good does that spirit level do on a compass used for practical land navigation (as opposed to geology, surveying and such)? How do you focus on the compass needle AND the spirit level simultaneously? Myself, I find it a little easier to focus on the compass needle alone and at the same time it gives me a pretty solid indication if I'm holding my compass level.

4) As far as the M73, have you actually had an opportunity to use one in the field? I haven't been able to identify any real problems with its design or manufacturing quality and I certainly can't relate to your list of supposed construction "flaws". It's true that the M73 is not ideal for working with a map, I will give you that - but you still have the sighting line on the lid that gives you an accurate straight edge to work with.

BTW, the "Wilkie" ripoff does not exactly shine at map work either. A simple baseplate, or a mirror baseplate compass, would be more convenient for that purpose. A separate protractor would be even better.

Anyway, you have to ask yourself what you're actually trying to achieve with a compass. Basic land navigation? Orienteering? Drawing maps? Surveying? Horses for courses, each task calls for a specific type of equipment.

At the end of the day though, you get what you pay for. So...



Well, sadly - no, not in my experience at least. I haven't ever used a $800 compass, but I would always consider the good old M73 and the Brunton Pocket Transit (each about half that figure) a good investment if you're into that sort of thing.

For most people though, something from a $20 baseplate to a $50 mirror compass or the Cammenga lensatic would provide all the performance generally required in the field, in a reasonably reliable, easy-to-use package.

As for the $5 eBay wonders... Don't see them used much for any serious purpose, for a good reason I suppose.

And for all the stiff market competition these days and the Chinese churning out el cheapo compasses by the truckload... The good old Suunto, Silva, Brunton, Cammenga etc. are still in business. Maybe they're doing something right?

YMMV - over and out.