![]() These essentials include an orienting arrow with orienting lines, a degree dial bezel at 2 ° graduations, and usually one or more scales or rulers along the edges of the compass. Base PlateĪ no frills base plate compass, like the Brunton 7DNL ($15.00 list) or the Silva Starter 1-2-3 (list $9.99), are simple compasses that provide the navigator with the basic essentials and no more. ![]() Let’s take a look at the features available on compasses and what you should look for in the compass you choose to purchase. Between the three of them, there are about 40 different compass models to pick from, each with a different combination of features. Three of the dominant compass manufacturers include Suunto, Brunton and Silva. Why? Because batteries fail and you should always have a “manual” compass with you anytime you are relying on a digital one, including GPS! Manufacturers and Features As this series is about getting back to basics, we aren’t going to cover the plethora of digital compass solutions that have shown up in the market over the last half-dozen years. Virtually every book and instructor will go out of its way to point out that in experienced hands, either type of compass can be highly effective–a point worth emphasizing here. In reality, there are effectively only two broad categories of compass types: clear base plate models used for orienteering and lensatic compass, effective for distance sighting with mirrors. Many manufacturers will often group their compasses into three categories: professional, sports, and recreational. ![]() We feel it’s important and necessary to have a compass at your disposal during this series. Our goal with this article is not to suggest which compass to buy before you know how to use it, but rather to show you the different options out there. Today we are going to continue from our last article on Reading and Associating Terrain and discuss compass selection for use in land navigation.Ĭompass selection is often driven by personal preference, much like some prefer one vehicle make and model to another.
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