Silva Specialty Compass Companion, Black

I've had one of these Silva compasses sewn into the lining of my hunting coat for 30 years. I only needed it once, but it proved to be the best $5 I ever spent. The markings have pretty much worn off my old one, so i bought (2) new ones to replace my old one and to slip into my survival kit. (1) arrived "dead on arrival". The needle wouldn't float at level, as one end was stuck against the base plate. Too inexpensive an item to warrant a return, I was satisfied that the other compass was OK. Two weeks later I happened to glance down and realized that the second compass had failed, as well. Same issue as the first one, the needle had dropped off its pinion and would no longer float at level. These compasses are a complete waste of money. Silva makes some very affordable, but reliable compasses suitable for hikers, hunters and others that spend time in the woods, but these compasses are absolute junk. It's hard to believe that Silva would risk its reputation by offering such a poor quality product.

A simple, sturdy compass for day hikes in the city, or on well-marked park trails.

I bought basically the same model Silva compass 15 years ago and have carried it either in my backpack or in my pocket on each of my annual overseas trips since then. No telling how many times it's kept me from getting lost. It still works like brand new. I just purchased 8 of these little jewels to give as gifts to my nieces and nephews. I'm sure these new ones will be just as durable and accurate as my old faithful one. I do wish these came in different colors besides black, though. My old faithful one is a light blue color. Something besides black would be easier to find in a backpack.

I got the Silva Specialty Compass Companion, Black to carry in my pocket at all times. It is not for normal navigation because it is hard to level. It seems to be as as accurate as my normal compass.

This compass worked very well for just over one year but the polarity reversed a few days ago. In addition to reversing polarity, the needle doesn't seem to sit level anymore and I've got to hold the compass at an angle to allow it to move freely. Even then, it doesn't seem to move as freely as it used to - maybe it lost most of its magnetizm. I have no need for an unreliable compass. UPDATE Silva replaced the compass. I haven't hit the one-year mark with the replacement but so far the replacement works fine. My Blackberry case broke recently so I slipped it into my pocket with my keys and I think the compass lost a bit of stability after that. I think the strong magnet on the Blackberry case did some damage to the compass, but it is still true even though it takes just a little longer to find north.

Similar story as other reviewers. I purchased this about a year ago and it worked fine until about a month ago when it failed completely. It seems that the needle is now touching the bottom of the unit - making it no longer float to north. This was used as a key chain and not abused unduly.

Ever emerge from a subway in a foreign city and been completely turned around? I have a STRONG sense of direction and don't get lost easily, except underground. You too? Well, I clip this onto my shoulder bag with a small aluminum carabiner and I will never be lost. When scouting a shoot I can quickly determine when the sun will rise from behind that building, or reflect off those windows... a helpful, and impressive tool. Several colleagues and travel partners have gotten these after seeing mine in use... You too?

The compass arrived with small air bubbles in the capsule which I could live with. The deal breaker is the fact that the North end of the needle dips to the point that it rubs against the face of the compass. It does not swing freely and does not point North as a result. Returning.

I have been using these for years. They are light for carrying around your neck, and they find direction faster than most. Good price, Fast delivery