Comparing and Rating Silva Compass Features

[@Impedancenetwork]

The video and the comments have convinced me to get the basic compass.

[@frankteunissen6118]

I was taught the use of the basic more than 50 years ago and I’ve never felt the need to move to anything else. It is simple and straightforward to use, accurate enough and robust. I’ve still got mine from 1970 or thereabouts and that is what I use.

[@brynleybodinham5703]

first class review,honest and to the point, it is nice to now that not all top of the range items are best keep up the good work David

[@block672008]

Great vid. Very down to earth, honest and thorough. Thank you for this valuable piece of review. Take care!

[@harbourwoodlandvisitor2445]

after looking around for some time for a good compass i watched your video today and it explained to me that all i needed to use as a compass was the basic model seen here in this video. i was unable to find the exact model as yours until i searched ebay and there was just one in good condition but the price was a bit more than what i needed to pay but it was the only one available so i bought it. I'm sure it will be a useful tool for many years to come.

[@verysurvival]

cheers

[@MadDogSurvival]

Excellent comparison! I still love my no frills silva 4/54 !!! For what I’ve ever done !! it’s been good enough! Ireland, norway, Iraq, Somalia...... Etc...Etc ..... and worst of all.... back here in derby!!! Great video as always brother! Keep them coming! Best wishes friend 👍🏽👍🏽😎

[@738polarbear]

ALL you really need is the FIRST one to my mind .EXCELLENT reviews BTW.

[@verysurvival]

738polarbear I have a vid saying just that ! Cheers

[@MrBluesluver]

Nice comparison of these compasses. I think you just saved me a good bit of money. Keep up the good work.

[@verysurvival]

I think it’s well worth thinking about the features. Basic doesn’t always mean worst. , it can be the best fit for purpose there is

[@jimf1964]

I chose the simple one partly because, in eastern canada I almost never need to navigate by sight over very long distances. You just can’t with the forests. But the main reason was the big magnifier. I need glasses for reading very small print, thanks largely to chronic dry eyes, but don’t need them for distance. So the magnifier means I don’t always have to fumble for them just to read then name of a stream or something. That’s a big selling point. The larger base plate is also the most convenient for laying on a map. Honestly, with the populations getting older, it seems the designers of so many things are clearly younger people, that aren’t taking this into account. For example, the phone gps app I use has nice big print, but where it gives the exit number is so small I cant see it for the life of me, even though there’s a ton of empty space around it.

[@verysurvival]

Thanks 🙏

[@rigadude]

Thanks for video! this is one of the best practical reviews, where its real usability overviewed.

[@verysurvival]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheFrog767]

Nicely done and the visual inserts help make it easier to follow the process. Thanks 👏👏🍻

[@verysurvival]

Glad it was helpful!

[@0leva]

Thank you for the video. You helped me to decide which one to get.

[@أبوعيسى-و4ه]

Thank you for this clear and honest description!

[@drutgat2]

Thanks. A very thorough (and sensible) review.

[@verysurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@John-rr4zz]

First class review, honest and to the point

[@verysurvival]

cheers

[@WarRadish]

Thanks. Might have been useful to say what the sighting mirror is for and how it's used.

[@verysurvival]

Sure. That will be a separate video

[@elhiraki]

Excellent review. Easy to understand. I agree, the basic compass is the most useful.

[@verysurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@kidbach]

thanks for the comparo, HT. just goes to show that omitting what might be old features to integrate perceived newer features isnt always good idea.

[@RiverBankViking]

Have you missed to tell about the declination feature on the Expedition S? As far as I know that's something that doesn't exist on the Ranger S. Actuelly I'm about to buy the Ex.S., but now after your video I'm unsure because of the unclear reading mark. Thanks for making this comparison video. Thumb up and best regards from Germany

[@MikeWood]

I have a 30 year old Silva Ranger which measures in Mils that I used in the military. Looking for a second one. Was leaning towards the expedition but the base plate seems to be a good pocket spare. Thanks for the reviews.

[@jamesreed7358]

Thank you for posting. Great video!

[@verysurvival]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shovelhead8]

Good review, David. Makes me wish for my old Brunton. Thank you for the video

[@stevek8829]

The two square scales are useful for finding location within a grid square. Then you don't need a separate grid scale/protractor with you or it could act as a spare. The 24k has lines every 100m. They have pencil holes (on my Brunton) at grid corner to facilitate point marking. To those who actually use maps these are important. Without a map, a compass is only useful for general direction and any toy compass can to that. The magnifying glass is also for map users only-those who lost their reading glasses. The thought of trying to build a fire with one cracks me up. Probably easier with a bow drill.

[@jonathanwarner1844]

The name for that type of scale is a romer - they are useful for finding one's position within a grid square in one swift movement rather than having to faff around measuring 2 sides of a square.

[@markdudley3831]

Dam good review .. was thinking of upgrading to something more fancy ... have used only base plate compases for 30 yrs . Might just stick with them ..Thanks from New Zealand.

[@massachusettsprepper]

I definitely agree with you, that the basic compass is by far the more superior of the three. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@bob2sticks]

.......through out Scouting and navigation in the Army , the basic Silva was the only compass I ever used....I have 5 of them ! My old scout model has the metal compass housing......good video , thanks Dave !

[@bingoberra18]

7:20 what happened here with the compass arrows??

[@verysurvival]

They influenced each other

[@robch4414]

Your points about the Expedition S are spot on. It's a perversely difficult compass to use in any but bright daylight conditions - the orange/black bezel markings are anything but easy to read, the raised cardinal point markings are invisible, the lid shades the readings and the lume is abysmally weak (given that most of the time it's hidden from daylight under the black casing that's not surprising). Oh, and the lanyard is to short for good arm's-length readings, the lid doesn't click and hold at 45 degrees, and the fastener with the screwdriver pulls apart far too easily. It's as if Silva's designers hadn't ever used a mirror compass in the real world! I found one at a good price, but I'll be moving it on when Santa brings the MC-2G.

[@shajanjacob5849]

Seen many buyer reviews from across the world, saying Sunto MC-2G is far better than Silva Ranger 2.0. Is Ranger 2.0 same as the Expedition S?

[@shajanjacob5849]

May I know if the Silva Ranger explorer is the same as Silva Ranger 2.0 Orange? I am from India, and am a geologist

[@verysurvival]

i'm not sure , maybe you can contact Silva customer support

[@roderickdewar1064]

How do you find your way to the compass shop?

[@418emile]

You were unfair with the professional Expedition S compass (the other 2 are not professional tools): Two graduated squares allow a more precise location on the map, the wider graduated crown compensates for the wider line, the cross in the mirror allows more precise centering on the center of the needle to target a distant landmark. Adjustable declination (it's at very big advantage), inclinometer, slope card .... For orange writing on orange it is an easy problem to solve, several serious users color the writing with black Sharpie permanent marker.

[@Upzet_]

Just recieved the basic ranger today. It's got everything you need on it, nothing more or less.

[@ginaslevinsky8906]

I am interested in the expedition because it has a clinometer, and it is significantly cheaper than other dedicated clinometers plus has other orienteering features. I would like to know how the clino is used

[@V_Hayden7]

Thank you! Great review! I have a question though. When I was in forestry school in 1981 this is the compass brand we were told was the best. I have since lost mine in one of the several moves I've made over the years, but when I see these as well as the ones on their site I don't see the tube with the bubble (even on eBay with vintage models I don't see it.) So, I'm beginning to doubt my memory... I swear there was a tube with a bubble in mine! Am I mistaken about this?

[@verysurvival]

Was it a bubble inclinometer ?, i have a vague memory of seeing one like that

[@V_Hayden7]

@@verysurvival Ah! Yes! It's been so long I couldn't remember what is was called. Thank you!

[@ahh59823]

I have an old British one in Iraq _ Compass m73 _will it make me good money??????????????

[@verysurvival]

Unfortunately there is not a premium for used M73s, is it an Iraqi army one or a British army one in Iraq?

[@armwrestling_nerd]

A tip with the expedition S : When you set the declination, make sure to read against the right edge of the glow in the night mark and set everything to this edge ,then you have very good repeatable accuracy.

[@verysurvival]

I Will try That thanks

[@CBRadi0_89]

I believe the outer ring having the degree markings is due to the magnetic declination adjustment which I don't believe is easily done in the inner ring variety.

[@2adamast]

Exactly

[@johnscott4704]

Explain how the mirror is used to read the bearing so you are not looking over the ring but at the mirror. The mirror allows you to look at the object and ring bearings in the same eye view. If that is another video please excuse my humble critic. Thanks for the video.

[@verysurvival]

Nice addition

[@скнрппрнвв]

Лучший обзор !!!! Понятно без перевода, спасибо !!!!

[@theadventureexpedition3619]

I completely agree but if you angle Expedition down you will realize just under the degree marking ring it does taper down to an arrow for more accurate reading. It is a slight inconvenience though.

[@christopher1800]

The (lack of) accuracy of the dial on the Expedion S is compensated by the mirror, which makes for a way more accurate bearing in the field. With the basic version you’re trusting your eye sight going up and down all the time to align the compass. I do agree with the NSEW letters being the same color (orange) though. What on earth were they thinking at Silva?? By the way: do you know why the dial is flattened between 30 and 60 degrees?

[@verysurvival]

I think it is flattened so you can read the scale on the side. It gives space to see the the ruler markings

[@2adamast]

Silva was thinking construction. There is a mechanism to set the declination, where the two others are fixed and need to calculate every measure between grid and magnetic north

[@James_Bowie]

Very good comparison and summary. 👍 I think the basic compass with scale lanyard is excellent value. To my mind the glow in the dark capability is overrated for ordinary hikers as trekking after sunset is a pretty dangerous activity. (PS: I think you mean to say bezel and orienting lines)

[@LockBits-ts6eo]

Thanks Dave, some good insights there.

[@christophlanz9930]

Awesome review! Many thanks for sharing

[@verysurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@ianbell5611]

Great review. Thank You. Cheers Ian

[@verysurvival]

🙏

[@realdanielhorvath]

In my Country the baseplate compass you named ranger is sold as Explorer but slightly differently. It also includes a circle and a triangle hole in case you want to draw them on the map. Plus the scale at its bottom end is on a white plastic rail which you could change for another scale which you prefer (never found other scales though) I have this compass( it's almost 20 years old now and still kicking) and the Expedition S too, yet I only used the Expedition S at home when I needed the Inclinometer. Meanwhile the Explorer is used every time outdoor, but the main reason 8s that the Expedition would be an Overkill to bring on hikes which I used to make. Its fair to mention that these compasses made for different purposes and both the ranger and the explorer has a baseplate and a mirror version The Ranger is made for Preferably Hiking and the Expedition is for Mountaineering. (Meanwhile the Explorer is more Likely for a general purpose and orienteering) In my Country they also have different scales too. The ranger used to sold with 1:20k and 1:40k and the Explorer with the 1:25k 1:50k Also If I remember well here the Ranger also had a declination adjustment screw on it. The less punctual Bezel is bothering me too on the Expedition also that despite it was in the description 8t has a 1:40k scale, the 40k scale is only on its baseplate version. Otherwise I've found it a clean well thought out design.

[@verysurvival]

cheers

[@daintree98]

Has the middle compass at 6:20 faulty? It seems to be pointing NW.

[@verysurvival]

It’s not faulty . If you put compasses next to each other they affect each other. So it is not pointin north because the other 2 are messing it up

[@verysurvival]

Probably the other 2 are not pointing north either they will also be a little wrong because they are close together

[@БогунВојиновић]

I've got mine as a gift. Ranger S. It was used. It seems that it is missing a part since the compas itself falls out from the baseplate when turned upside down. I have only the baseplate, the compass, and the white plastic ring bezel that goes under the declination numbers. What am I missing and how to compensate?

[@verysurvival]

Take it back to the store and ask for a refund . You can’t fix it

[@verysurvival]

Now I understand it is not a new purchase. Sorry but I don’t think you can fix it.

[@БогунВојиновић]

Do you think I could pour silicone in there or cut a circumference of a rubber ribbon to fit in the gap? Is it just a rubber ring in there?

[@verysurvival]

Sivi Vuk I guess you could try it. If you get it back together let me know

[@БогунВојиновић]

@@verysurvival Thank you, bro. Just tell me, is it plastic or rubber ring that is underneath?

[@ingowalkerling5141]

I like the Ranger and the Ranger S, but I love the Silva Expedition 4. All the wanted features of the newer Expedition are included by avoiding the flaws.

[@ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣΒΑΛΛΙΑΝΑΤΟΣ]

Φίλε μου, πες μου σε παρακαλώ, γιατί να προτιμήσει κάποιος την expedition από την ranger (με καθρέφτη ή χωρίς) ?

[@ingowalkerling5141]

Leider ist mein erster Kommentar verschwunden... Der Silva Expedition 4 hat drei Planzeigerskalen, eine verlängerte Parallaxlinie, Silikonfüße, Leuchtskalen, die auch funktionieren und ist robuster als der Ranger. Auf dem YT Kanal "The Map Reading Company" werden die Vorteile des Expedition 4 genauer beschrieben.

[@CROSSFIRE_TACTICS_SOFIA]

Great video!

[@graemewoodward]

Thx for a nice comparison. Just one point. The right-angled scale markings on the Expedition model are intended for use as a roamer, not really to measure distances, ie. to conveniently read off grid references by subdividing the 1km grid on the map by 10 to get 6 figure grid ref's.

[@verysurvival]

Thanks. I'll use it like that from now on

[@shajanjacob5849]

What's the grid reference you say?

[@graemewoodward]

@@shajanjacob5849 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4C9paiwZqtmi6Msi=jMe9nri8Dn0Y2OJu&t=13

[@justindawson3428]

I think they changed the map scale on the expedition so you quickly reading map grid reference coordinates, if you place the corner of the map scale on the exact point, you can quickly get the extra two grid reference that most people leave out or just guess. I do agree with the bearing marker.

[@verysurvival]

That’s right I realized it after I made the vid

[@jimsagubigula7337]

I think the one without the mirror is a good option (the expedition).

[@seankearney6915]

A bit late, but I have only just seen this. The sloped scale on the expedition model is in my opinion easier to see in the mirror. Also the rubber feet are actually handy if you want to carry the compass on the map in one hand. It doesn't slide around and makes it easier to keep a point marked with the corner of the compass. Also the scales/romer have to be inside the baseplate on the mirror versions as the baseplate has rounded corners. I prefer this as if on familiar territory I will usually tuck the compass in the top pocket of my shirt to save it swinging about especially if scrambling up rocks.

[@verysurvival]

why do you want to read the scale in the mirror?

[@justinblain573]

The reason they moved the map scale was to put a romer that is the reason of the shap to get accurate grid reference when reading a map. All decent compasses have them and would not purchase one without. When navigating wt map and compass having a adjustable magnetic declination is very important.

[@incorectulpolitic]

Bro, I just need a compass that shows exactly, correctly where magnetic north is and last for a lifetime. Which brand/product will do that?

[@verysurvival]

any Silva or Suunto

[@incorectulpolitic]

@@verysurvival what price range do you recommend? there are compasses from 5GBP to 100+GBP

[@verysurvival]

silva.se/product/compasses/outdoor/ranger/

[@incorectulpolitic]

@@verysurvival hi, what is the difference between the product in your link and this one: silva.se/product/compasses/outdoor/expedition/?fbclid=IwAR1uktXLQp5iyIugHfduFG8QQfcK4xWWm9BEYpWdo40l1CEUjrn3wOvyVAM Why is the product in my link 50gbp, double of the one you posted?

[@howardgreen9718]

I’ve used Silva prismatic for the last 25 years I have found them to be extremely accurate when I’ve calibrated them both in the northern and southern hemisphere The biggest problems I’ve had is the Roma rubbing off 👍

[@verysurvival]

one like this? www.actiongear.com.au/18-silva-prismatic-military-compass-nato-54b.html

[@paganphil100]

I don't have any of these (I use a Cammenga USGI) but if I was going to get a baseplate / mirror compass I would go for the Ranger for the same reasons that you mentioned. Its easier to read than the others, especially the Expedition compass which is very poorly designed.

[@verysurvival]

I believe cammenga are very high standard. but we dont really get them in my part of the world

[@elstennapel]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@verysurvival]

Thanks 🙏

[@pattoallen1981]

I was in Australian army cadets in the 90s we used silva compass it had illuminated dial and a prism you viewed through on a spot height and got a bearing for triangulation I want to buy one because the kids are in scouts but I havnt been able to find any I don't know what model it is but I'm pretty sure Australian army used the same one that's the one I want

[@verysurvival]

You are looking for one of the Silva army models probably , they are a bit hard to track down, let me have a sniff around

[@verysurvival]

look at this www.armyshop.com.au/catalogue/displayDecProduct/c/Brands/f/The-Australian-Army/fs/Army/n/Silva-54-6400B-Compass/id/9621.html

[@verysurvival]

Silva 54/6400B Compass is it's name if we ar on the same page

[@verysurvival]

www.osoa.com.au/Expedition-54B-360-6400-Compass

[@pattoallen1981]

@@verysurvival yer that looks a little bit different probly because it's newer but that's pretty much what I'm after thanks mate

[@jonmacdiarmid3671]

I can walk faster and go longer but I cannot read small print so the basic S1 is useless I have to use the expedition as I need to know where N and S is on the compass.

[@SpikeTheDog84]

your video really helped me making a choice, thank you very much! after 20 years, my german army metal hull compass got huge air bubbles and i bought the ranger s to replace it with. that turned out to be a huge upgrade and i should have replaced my outdated uses military compass much earlier. the ranger s is waaaaay more convenient with the see-through base while working with a map on trekking tours and hikes through germany. up next, i wanted a second compass for my bug out bag in the car, just in case, but most certainly never to be used again. i couldn´t make up my mind whether or not the expedition s was worth the few extra bucks and which version to use on hikes and which one to store in the car for emergencies. after seeing your side by side comparison i came to the conclusion that i wanted a seciond ranger s. the magnifying glass and slightly larger mirror the expedition s comes with don´t make up for the messed up reading method and the inconvenient scales the base has. for my purposes (hiking and trekking on an ambitious but not over the top level), i don´t need to mind being a degree or two off in the end and i never cared for declination and never needed a tool for that. so, the ranger s is perfect for me. thank you very much for this video! best wishes, michael

[@verysurvival]

Great

[@boatman222345]

All excellent points leading inevitably to the question: Where do they get the idiots who design these things? One would think that they would employ people who actually use the devices they design and, better yet, that they would field test the device design changes before incorporating them.

[@observationpostcharlie1365]

Thanks brother. Been looking for a new compass

[@samsworldofrations6996]

Great advice 👍

[@gerkostuff598]

Thanks for the review. I'm happy to just have the base model an will not upgrade to one of the other two.

[@verysurvival]

Enjoy it

[@seanthomasdowd]

the magnifying glass is also a good firelighter for solar ignition

[@verysurvival]

Indeed.

[@denniswilson7825]

Thanks! Good review!

[@verysurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@armorvestrus4119]

The Silva compass is one of the most reliable compasses out there and the baseplate is the easier one to use.

[@paulh2374]

That first compass is useful. It removes splinters from your fingers!

[@jimmyshousevideos]

Was that intro in English?

[@verysurvival]

lol

[@paganphil100]

James: "Dahn Sowf" English, I think :-)

[@theorangebear5809]

pity they aren't made in sweden anymore but thankfully sunto still manufactures in finland

[@FrankSchweppe]

I think the map scales on the expedition model are meant to quickly determine the UTM grid coordinates on a map that has the proper grid in 1:50000 or 1:25000, which has been the military way of determining coordinates for a long time, since way before the introduction of GPS. You can do the same thing with a dedicated transparant grid reader, or of course by using the normal map scale as on the basic plate compass and some minor mental calculations. In order to work properly the grid should be reversed, enabling you to put the corner of the km grid on the position, say a crossroads or whatever, and read off the coordinates, or rather the part inside the km grid square, from where the grid lines on the map intersect left and below (you always start reading UTM from the lower left corner of a grid square, eastings first and northings second). So the expedition model should also be useable as a military compass. Apart from soldiers calling in positions or targeting artillery the obvious other use is for things like geocaching, basically any activity using UTM grid maps and targets or goals. Hot air ballooning is an example, but there using just a separate plastic grid is far easier. I do agree that for general civilian use the basic plate model will do fine. For the price difference you can probably put a basic plate model in each of your day packs and/or vehicle kits, so when you need to find north, your one and only top model is not at home in another bag... Thanks for a good overview, keep it up.

[@verysurvival]

Yes you are right they are for working utm coordinates

[@TheLosttransmission]

Yes, these are referred to as romers and are very useful

[@stevenvarner9806]

@@verysurvival They're especially useful in the UK where your Ordnance Survey maps have the British National Grid in 1 km squares. The two Romer scales match up with the Landranger (1:50,000) and Explorer (1:25,000) grid squares. The same is true for the maps using the Irish Grid such as the Discovery Series.

[@ipedros7]

The square scales is to determine an 8 number grid coordinate. One the sides its a pain to do that. For scale you can any string, e.g. a compass lanyard, plot the length then use the scale to determine distance. Easy. The new Silva lanyards which include scale, in my opinion, make it hard to plot map route A->B when its not a straight line. Which invariably that is the case. So, more of a gimmick.

[@brendanlittle1244]

The squares on the expedition are romer scales, for grid references. Vital for doing anything half serious. I wont buy a compass that doesnt have them on it. Sure you can have a seperate card for them but it's just more stuffing around.

[@torsten4757]

Hi, thank you for the Information. Very interesting and usefull. But you are sitting in snow? Damn. ... Come over here to south Germany Sun, blue sky and approx over 25 Celsius. ... Best regards Torsten

[@verysurvival]

Spring finally came this week. I am enjoying sunshine today. And loving it

[@hertzbergjoakim]

So basically the expeditionist S is just crammed and hard to use

[@verysurvival]

Joakim Hertzberg yes

[@MatRocht]

I have a silva compass with the mirror and a suunto compass also with a mirror and I think the suunto is better but a mirror is way more accurate than without a mirror to navigate + the mirror can be usefull as a signaling tool

[@verysurvival]

Agreed

[@ВячеславС-ы5у]

Прекрасный обзор. Спасибо!

[@Dexxex]

Someone realized every Kompass shows another direction? Why?

[@verysurvival]

BecAuse they mess each Other. You can’t have compass next to each other

[@Dexxex]

@@verysurvival ok i see, thanks you! I didnt know that the magnets in the needles are that strong.

[@speedygonzales9993]

Agree 100%

[@arcticwolfoutdooradventure5426]

Im a fan of the cm and inches along the length .. easy to calculate distance with on the metric 1:25k 1cm is 250m 1:50k 1cm is 500m Its just a more advance compass , you can work out angles etc with cm side.

[@branni6538]

Cant beat the simple base plates exped 4's. I'm only going for the exped 15T not the S model due to the price, easier reading marks/accuracy like the exped 4's but also for these points: The exped 15T is a shaving mirror, hygeine mirror for looking at yer teeth, face etc and arse/nuts to check for ticks. Its also a signal mirror for emergencies, and has the magnyfier for solar fires. Oh yeah and points north and can be used for nav......lol.... If you dont want all those multi use features then stick with an exped 4.

[@sully4875]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@-----REDACTED-----]

I hope one of those will be - if treated right and not subject to an accident - a buy for life kind of thing…

[@twestgard2]

Lock, Stock, and Three Smoking Compasses.

[@HughSmith]

Bezel not bevel different things

[@verysurvival]

There’s a bevel on the bezel

[@iamg07]

👍

[@mrparlanejxtra]

You do realise that with so many so close together they will all be pointing wrong?

[@verysurvival]

you do realise I said that in the video?

[@mrparlanejxtra]

@@verysurvival i was so shocked to see all the compasses together that I just thought he has no idea what he is doing so I stopped watching.

[@verysurvival]

So did I

[@niconicoo5661]

Theyre all showing different norths😂

[@verysurvival]

That is because when you put them next to each other they don’t work.

[@niconicoo5661]

@@verysurvival ah makes sense

[@iggie1439]

I haven't got a clue what your opening words where, I'm assuming it was your name and your company but I have no idea what you said. Please slow down.

[@LabiaLicker]

just use an electric map