I dont think it has a global needle, so its not tuned for Australia, and is it the pro model or the standard model 8099 you are comparing prices with.

Think it's the pro model actually. I bought one last time they had them in stock. I'll check tonight and let you know.

bubbajoe,

I recommend that you have a good pocket compass and a good base plate compass to use with a map. My favorites are the Suunto Comet in my pocket on a 5" cord and a Brunton 3DLU in my CamelBack.

Thanks for the info. need to do my homework before i buy one. really just looking for an EDC compass. thought the Highgear would cover time, temp and compass all in one. And it's a GADGET!!! Those shinny ,sparkle things get me every time. More of an urban than a backwoods EDC .

Hi Craig!

Heh! I also have those two compasses. I bought the Comet mostly because it was cute and I felt it could be a nice addition to a strap on my Osprey winter pack for snowshoeing trips (although I feel I might bring my full-size compass instead, in the end).

Even if it is small, I think the Comet might be a little big for pant pockets, don't you think? I wonder how long it would survive next to my Leatherman Micra, Photon Freedom and 5-6 keys! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> It would survive, but it would become scratched as hell... poor thing!! Eeeeek!

If you're looking for something tiny that is EDCable, but will still work with a map, consider the little Suunto Gem . It has a flat edge that can be used to orient a map to north, and it has a rotatable bezel which would allow you to follow a bearing - though not terribly accurate, but better than most button compasses.

Mine is the regular one, not the pro. Seems the pro has a liquid filled leveler but both have adjustable magnetic declination.

hope this helps

Does it use the global needle, or do you need to order it for a specific region?

I like my 3 Silva's. I have the Ranger, Starter, and a BSA special run they did (don't remember the name). I keep the Starter in my mapcase. My BSA stays in my frame pack map pocket. I have the leather case for the Ranger.

I like the Ranger the best.

One warning:

I bought the Brunton 15TDCL, which is the REAL Silva Ranger made by Silva of Sweden.

But then I went and bought the "Silva" leather case, thinking I could use it -- it doesn't fit.

The leather case is made for the U.S. Silva Ranger - that isn't really made by Silva of Sweden.