SE Military Lensatic and Prismatic Sighting Survival Emergency Compass with Pouch - CC4580

What is it?It's a sighting compass. It's definitely more than 'just a compass'I go back to the day when I had those toy compasses, this definitely does not feel anything like those compasses.I needed to get a compass so I can get my way around the city without depending on landmarks and other markers of visual aid due to the snow, I am not very good with direction due to autism and other disorders. I am very good when it comes to giving me a tool and using said tool.I am getting out a lot more and still have trouble getting around places without knowing which way I am going. my phone is fine for driving but nothing when your on foot can beat a regular old school compass, even worse is in a urban jungle GPS coverage is weak, it'll tell you within a few hundred feet where you are and which way you are going, not good when your bus stop could be a mere 50 paces to the west!WIll I ever use the distance measuring tools on this compass? probably not, though its nice to have.Are you going to use it for something major, probably not...Is this a good compass for basic navigation? yes.Is this a good compass for basic work on a map (navigation) yes.Is this a good compass to throw in your emergency bag just to have around, you bet.If your not a professional and your looking for a good hobby compass or just a compass to help you get around when you get turned around, this is it. it's inexpensive and does what it says on the tin... its a compass. it does a fine job at that and has a few added features.Another added benefit I like about this is the fact you can look 'through' the compass and see the heading numbers. definitely useful so you can associate the direction to a specific building in the city.

First of all, this is an inexpensive version (made in China) of the German K&R Meridain Sighting Compass (similair to the MK 9657), which sells for quite a bit more ($150). I bought this compass for $8.50 and it is the same compass which is being sold for around $28 to $40 on other sights.Observations:1) The box and the advertisement state "Military Prismatic Sighting Compass". This compass is not a prismatic compass as there is no prism which folds over the compass card to allow for viewing the compass card and target object simultaneously. It does have a "magnified" adjustable peep hole to accurately view the compass edge dial. Therefore, this is a "LENSATIC COMPASS". That being said, this is a very durable, accurate compass. Mine is dead nuts accurate to true north and, viewing the compass card thru the peephole lens with carefull reading, it is very accurate and usable.2)The build quality is quite durable and acceptable. The outer dial does glow in the dark illuminating both the compass card and the lensatic sighting. However, it should be noted that this is built to be a $30 compass. Don't expect this to be of the same build quality as a higher priced military/hiking compass.Conclusion:If a calibrated, high precision well made compass is required for the serious hiker or adventurer - go for the German K&R Meridian ($150) or the US Military Commenga Compass for around $60. Both of these are proven professional compasses used in the harshest of environments.If an average, or in this case, a little bit better than average compass is needed for general hiking and camping - for $8.50 (and even at $30) this is an excellent alternative. This is a darned good deal and alot of compass for the money - way better than many of the plastic compasses out there and a great deal more accurate. I'm giving it 5 stars for the value. Highly recommended!

I bought this compass after giving mine to my son. I though for 15 bucks and mostly good reviews I'd take a chance. I'm happy to say this compass is worth the money. I hunt alot in National Forest Land and keep a map and compass in my pack. I rarely need it but it's nice to have just in case. This compass is pretty well made and should hold up for years of normal use. This compass should be fine for most navigation, but if you do some kind of extreme hiking might want to buy a more expensive model. Some of the reviews complain about it's hard to see in the dark and they are right. Some advice on that, If you are not trained on night navigation don't try it. Second if you get lost in the woods and are using any compass and it's to dark to see and your life is not in danger, bed down for the night, wait til morning or you're really going to be lost or injured!!! Make no mistake about it this is not a top of the line compass but works great for light navigation. Trust me it's a darn good $15 insurance policy.Cons.The pouch is a bit cheap but not a big deal. No instructions at all. Not a big deal if you know compass basics but for the first time buyer it would be nice to have some basic instructions. You may be able to find something on line or on youtube.com to help get you started using a compass.All in all this is a good buy. I'd buy it again if I needed an other compass. I would have given it 5 stars if instruction were included. Overall I'm pleased with the purchase.