Silva Ranger 2.0 Compass Orange SV544927

I originally bought a cheaper mirror compass here on Amazon, and returned it due to it being constructed cheaply. I decided that I wanted my compass to actually work, not cost less... So I bought Silva this time. I am very happy with this compass... The compass appears to be built well, it is tight, no air in the housing, (and I have had it to 4000 feet so far), and smooth in operation. It fits the hand, and is easy to use. One item that could be better is the N, S, E, W, indicator engravings along the bezel. They are not highlighted, and are orange, on an orange background, see the photo. Makes them difficult to see in daylight, and in dim light they are next to impossible to read. Given I normally know which way is N, this is not a real issue, but it bothers me. The direction indications are raised, so I will smudge some black paint on them and correct this oversight by Silva. Beyond that, I am very happy with this compass. I tested it against a different compass and an iPhone compass, and all pointed to north as they should have. I feel much better about this compass than the cheaper one I purchased to begin with. To me, it is worth the additional money to get a solid compass, built by a reliable company I trust. If you are considering a compass, I would recommend you look into how a compass is made before you buy, it is not a simple task to make a compass. I did look into how they are built, and after seeing how they are built, I am glad I returned the cheap compass... Buy once, cry once...

A comparsion of the Silva Ranger and the Suunto MC-2 Silva Ranger 2.0 Compass has a much larger mirror than Suunto compass. When the mirror is closed the Silva Compass almost closes on the plastic base for more protective. The Silva compass turning part, that houses the needle, is larger and more easier to turn, The Silva compass degree numbers are larger and much more easier to see. The Silva orange color makes it harder to loose in the back country. The Silva Compass has a much larger mirror even though they are both the same size both in height and width. I think the base plate black numbers are easier to see on the Silva Compass then the red on th Suunto compass but it depends on lighting and the background. The needle on the Suunto compass is narrower than the Silva compass. There is a cross mark on the Silva compass Mirror but only a line on the Suunto compass. The Suunto Compass has a third needle that measures inclination. It seems to work okay but the seperate needle is rather big, and I really think it gets in my way. The needles both freely move and both compass direction is exact. The ease of setting declination is about the same for both compasses I own both compasses so this is not in anyway a bias opinion, just the facts. The Silva compass is my favorite compass. Both have a very good reputaiton. Both our Mirror compass at about the same price.

Great quality at great price.

Very happy with compass and info that came with it . Closes up to nice small unit for storage in a backpack

In my Search and Rescue go bag.

Well made, useful, and functional. My favorite brand and type as compared to the various compasses I have owned over many years. I always carry one in addition to my GPS when hunting or hiking.

Hunting

For the price you would think they have some kind of quality assurance like looking at the needle before it ships. This compass points to someplace other than north and one side of the needle is heavier than the other so it slants to the point the heavier side about drags on the base. The first picture shows it with another compass that points north. The book was to help mitigate error from each others magnetic force. The second pic you can see from the shadow how much it slants.

Leider ein Chinateil, aber dennoch zuverlässig