Customer Reviews

Brunton Lensatic Military Style Sighting Compass

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this to see if it would be adequate for someone (nephews, etc.) to learn how to properly use a military compass. I checked it against my Cammenga lensatic unit and found that the one I received is accurate. Unlike the Cammenga, this light weight Brunton model would not stand up to rough treatment for long, but with proper care it will serve its owner well. It is made of metal and certainly adequate for light day hikes of a few miles or so and would be good way to learn how to use a military compass without spending a small fortune (only about $15). Even so, if you're going deep into the woods for several days, don't hesitate to spend the extra money for the Cammenga. Cammenga supplies the U.S. Military and the durability of their compasses is worth the additional cost.

No, it's not a Cammenga. For <$11 no one should expect the same quality. If you hold it level, you will get an accurate enough reading to head you in the direction you want--but you'd better hold it level....and wait a minute for it to settle.

I've got an old better quality Brunton that I would trust with my life--this one I would not. In no way would I use this with a topo map in big woods. Out of the box, it points about 10 degrees E of mag N compared to the older Brunton and a high priced GPS at speed(which agree).

I use it in the deer woods to get a fairly accurate reading on wind direction and stand placement. It fits in the smallest pocket on my belt pack which is why I bought it. If it breaks, I'll get a new one.

The case is non-ferrous--seems sturdy enough. Better have a working flashlight or a Bic to see the alleged luminous cardinal points>>charge them with a flashlight, and they're dark in about 5 minutes.

Bottom line: if you need a compass that will point you approximately where you want to get...for the money it gets the job done. If you want accuracy, buy better quality.

I bought two and only one worked ok.
I will make this short.
Spend the money and buy a good one that works well.
Amazon would not take it back because of what it is filled with.

I'm exceptionally satisfied with this compass. It would be nice if the needle swung a little more freely but, I have had nothing but success with this product.

It's made from some sort of heavy duty composite that is rugged enough to survive a 12 foot drop off a ledge with a 150 pound man landing on it. It survived this unscathed.

In general, okay to good. The accuracy is off by 1 to 2 degrees, they stuck the dial on slightly askew. Dampening - way too much, but not bad if you're mountain biking and giving it a beating. Design is good and solid, illumination is lacking a full moon is required.

YOU MUST HOLD IT LEVEL - failure to do so will result in readings off by as much as 10+ degrees.

In general, at less than $15, a buy. BUT, if you're serious and way out in the woods get a Cammenga.

This is a good product. However, it is not the same color as depicted in the photo. It is more of a darker gray.

construction is ok, illumination is not that useful. damping may be too much (not sure)

Given the price, I wasn't sure about what quality I'd receive. I've been very pleased with the quality of the compass. It was delivered on time, and my son is having a great time with it.

I bought this for my bug out bag, thinking it would work like a compass should because it had decent reviews.
Well the one i got didn't work. sometimes it rotated when i turned, and sometimes it didnt...
Cheap Garbage made in china crap, do not buy!

I purchased this sighting compass because I lost my other one on a recent trip. This one looks identicle to my lost one, but a huge difference in working operations. I have been using a sighting compass for 40 years. The one I lost was over 25 years old. This unit looks the same but I can't get the same reading twice in a row. There is not lock to stop and hold the moving dial when closed. This prevents the dial from getting shaken and abused when in your pocket or pack. It is extreamly sensative to metal. This is real important. If your wearing a medal, badge name tag with metal, gunbelt vest or even a zipper - be very careful on your readings. Even my eyeglasses disrupts a correct reading while sighting. I do not believe this is worth the money or even owning. Look to a little better quality and one that has a lock for the compass dial. That is what I am going to do...