I'm looking to buy another compass (not that I need one, ... I just want one!)

I've never tried a lensatic model and was thinking about one of those. My needs are modest - just hiking navigation. And to be honest, I really don't use my compass all that much, being lazy and using my GPS more often than not. But I always carry a compass too, and try to keep proficient in using one.

Any thoughts? Has anyone used the model below and can give it a thumbs up or thumbs down? It's the current military model, without tritium, which I don't think I really need (not to mention that the tritium model is almost double the cost of this phosphorescent one).

http://store.cammenga.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=23

Unless you really want a military model, this is one of the best compasses around, with adjustable magnetic declination and mirror. Silva Ranger compass

But honestly, for hiking, you could use a Silva Polaris, very basic and cheap compass... Silva Polaris

I currently have a Silva Starter http://www.silvausa.com/baseplate.html in my emergency kit. Actually an older version of this same basic model. And a Brunton 9020G as my main compass http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=116

I was looking to learn how to use and practice with a lensatic. No real need ... just because! As I understand it, orientation is best done with an orientation baseplate compass. But I still think the lensatics are cool looking and want to try one out anyway. Lots of cheaper lensatic models at REI and LLbean, etc. About half the price of the one in the link I previously posted, but probably not as good. Maybe even in the "trash" category. I don't know.

I currently use a Silva Starter. One reason I chose it is because of its compactness: I have a lanyard on it and wrapped around it and it tucks/stores neatly until I am out on the trail. I think the Starter or Polaris is the way to go.

The Military Lensatic Compasses are cool, but I just go on the KISS principle here. I loved playing around with the military model type as a kid, since I was a military brat and my Dad had one, so I got my fill of it then. I think haertig gives some good advice concerning them: there are alot of models out there now and buyer beware, some are probably "trash," I think.

Cammenga is one of the two suppliers to the military...
I had one of the ones with the Tritium and loved it...
Always worked perfectly...
Then, one day, not long ago, I took it out and the needle will not turn???
I keep forgetting to check which of the two companies made it and see if they will repair it...
I kept it in perfect condition, so I do not know what went wrong with it...
This is not to imply that there is anything wrong with that type of compass... Every thing you buy has a chance of breaking, even in ways that you cannot tell what went wrong(as in this case).
This compass was over 10 years old when it stopped working anyway... The Tritium vials still glowed strongly, though not as strongly as when new...
Tritium has a half life of 11 years, if I remember correctly, so it should be about half as bright as it was when I got it, and that seems about right, as it was VERY bright when I got it!.
My oldest compasses that still work are my over 30 year old BSA baseplate compass(air filled), and my K&E pocket transit(almost exactly like the Brunton).
This is the Brunton...

Mil Lensatics are cool, and offer lots of protection while in you pack/pocket/whereever. But I personnaly don't like them for "civilian" use. The mil marking are just a pain for an old man's eyes. Mine is sooo old the tritium is dead, or just about. I used it so rarely I gave it to my son-in-law, who was in the USMC reservesat that time and thought he needed one. My regular compass is a Silva Ranger, and it is more compass than I need. As long as it has a straight edge on at least one side and points to N it will do for the majority of us...

I used the military lensatic in the military quite a lot. It has some good features like a clicking bezel, each click is 3 degrees, helps at night. The tritium is nice too until it expires. I have been through a few now. I much prefer the Silva Ranger compass. I have had one of those for nearly 30 years and love the features.
Keep in mind the military Cammenega compass is all cast metel and very heavy compared to all the Silva, Brunton types. Weight is at least triple. Something to think about.

I like the Ranger too. Works similar to the military lensatic. I also have the Silva starter and a Suunto model that I can't remember the name.

I have tried the lensatic and I don't really like them myself. There are others that do. All personal preference.

Bee,

Do you use the mirror to sight on your Silva Ranger compass? I wonder how much more accurate it is than using a Silva Polaris.

Hey Craig!

I bought the Ranger because my Search & Rescue organization requires us to have compasses with adjustable magnetic declination. It comes with a tiny screw that you can tighten or loosen. With the Polaris, you have to calculate everytime ("Oh yeah, I gotta substract 17 degrees from this bearing")

I had a Polaris before getting the Ranger. The Polaris is light, sturdy and gets the job done. That's what i'm carrying on day hikes, not the Ranger. The mirror makes things easier but to be honest, you have to realign yourself every once in a while with either model. With the Polaris, just bring the compass close to your chest and you should have an accurate enough reading.

Frugal orienteeting! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Unless you have a special requirement, get a Polaris instead of a Ranger and treat yourself with what's left... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />