The Suunto MC-2G and the Silva Ranger are the two high end (read: expensive) compasses out there. I'm not sure why they are worth the money, but I own both and here's my take on the head-to-head comparison. Both compasses are about the same, but the Suunto has the edge for three or four reasons:

1) The housing turns more smoothly on the Suunto than the Silva. Not a big deal either way, but the Silva turns smooth for a bit and then hangs up a bit. Suunto is smooth the whole way around.

2) The Suunto has half-moon window in the mirror for easier sighting whereas the Silva does not for some reason. Again, no big deal, but I like having the window.

3) The Suunto needle doesn't get hung up if you aren't holding it perfectly level, whereas the Silva can hang a bit. The reason the Suunto doesn't get hung up is because it has these two tiny pins attached to the needle that rest against the housing and keep the needle level. I held both compasses side by side and moved them around a bit. The Suunto consistentlly found north a little more quickly and didn't get hung up. This is a somewhat signficant difference.

4) This is really insignificant, but the Suunto declination markings are printed so that you are looking at the markings on the same side you are turning the screw. With the Silva, you turn the screw on the backside and look at the markings on the other side. It's such a minor point that it is almost not worth mentioning, but once again, a small edge for Suunto.

4.5) And now for perhaps the most significant difference of all...the Suunto looks a little cooler.

I rate both products four stars instead of five because of price. I can't see that there is any significant difference in the manufacturing costs of a compass like these two and something in the $15-$30 range. But I like sighting with a mirror and I'm inclined to buy what appears to be "the best" even if it is more expensive. I'm not sure the price is justified in this case, but when all is said and done both are excellent compasses. 4 stars

My title says most of it. The problem is that the indices or bearing marks on the compass are made in relation to the points of the compass. So you need to think "37 degrees east of south" or "60 degrees west of north".

In _every_ professional (or good amateur) setting I know, bearings are given based on the 360 degree circle: "Bear 118 degrees" etc. The Navy, the National Forest Service, the USGS -- all do it this way.

Why did the chumps at Silva do it the "old fashioned way"? My guess is, if I check, I'll find that there is a _more expensive_ Silva compass that does it the better way. 3 stars

When building a mile trail on the sloped areas of our property, this came in very handy in determining the grading for switchbacks. Handy little tool! I take it hiking all the time:) 5 stars