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="" />