Equipment > Compasses

Silva Expedition

<< < (2/2)

ianj37:
Callum, thanks for the advice. You are right and that's the plan if and when anything happens to the Expedition. I did originally plan to buy Suunto/Recta but really wanted the built in 1:25k romer and via a question raised on this forum found out that they didn't do that.

Just to continue my story for anyone following the trail.
1) No word yet from Silva UK about why it's not obviously  available in the UK.
2) Painting over the cardinal points with white gloss/enamel so they stand out - not as easy as I might have thought, even with a very, very fine brush!!

Oakleaf:
Ian

Can you mask everything but a small area around the raised points, then use a firm sponge rather than brush to lightly transfer your paint?

Lyle Brotherton:
Similar to handheld satnavs, the ideal compass for land navigation has not in my opinion been made yet. As an alternative, it is a matter of selecting a compass with the most appropriate features, such as ease of use, manufacturing quality, plus the physical features you need for your task in hand.

Like Callum, my primary compass had been the military version of the Silva type 54 followed by its civilian counterpart. Then, in the mid-00’s, when Silva moved its manufacturing to the Far East and the business was simultaneously bought by a Fiskars, better known for its scissors, axes and knives, their compasses build quality substantially deteriorated. This reality only became apparent to me when I was loaned a Suunto compass, an M3 global, by one of the MRT’s I was working with.

The M3 Global is now my mainstay for most regions I visit. In the Polar Regions I carried the MC-2 G/IN, which is slightly more accurate and therefore more appropriate working in regions where bearings are taken to far away features.
 
This M3 Global is available in two versions, one balanced for the Northern Hemisphere and the other, which I carry, balanced globally, they cost around £25 & £35 respectively.

The MC-2 G/IN cost over £50. Personally, unless you are intending to visit desert regions, which include the Antarctic, I wouldn’t bother with this compass.

ianj37:
Lyle - as always very sound advice. I feel a purchase coming on!

Oakleaf - Thanks. I hadn't thought of that but I'm not sure how easy it would have been to mask areas as the letters don't really have any sharp edges just smooth curves. Anyway the deed is done and I'll just have to live with my shoddy workmanship - as I said it sounded like a good idea at the time!

Also, Silva UK have replied to my email - rather move to the newer model they have stuck with the Expedition 4 because it's approved and used by MoD and DoE, so now we know!

captain paranoia:
> rather move to the newer model they have stuck with the Expedition 4 because it's approved and used by MoD and DoE

I wonder if the MoD and DofE know the Explorer 4 exists...?  I mean, if you don't see it in the shops, you won't add it to your approved list...

What a strange argument for limiting your product range.  Silva sell other compass types in the UK, so why not the Explorer 4...?

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page