SE Lensatic Compass

by Instapark

Product Description

Classic design traditionally used by military forces for its precisely accurate bearings in land navigation and directing artillery coordinates.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.2 inches ; 4.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0012DJBNG
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (100 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #522 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #2 in Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Camping & Hiking > Compasses
  • #3 in Sports & Outdoors > Accessories > Electronics & Gadgets > Compasses

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All Most Of Us Will Ever Need....A Bargain, September 6, 2009

By 

Ambergris "John Thomas" (New England.....USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: SE Lensatic Compass (Misc.)

As an avid hiker for most of my life I learned a long time ago that one never steps foot into the wilderness without a good compass. One has to be in the deep woods and get turned around without a compass first to imagine how easily you can swear you're heading one way, and be totally fooled. Although the other reviewers here that made a lot of comments about this compass not being as heavy and rugged as it appears are essentially correct, I have to disagree with them in not recommending it. At $5.00 and free shipping it is the best deal and best compass I have ever held. One could manage to barely pick up a toy compass at Toys R' Us for $5. And even then don't forget the sales tax. The fact is that most of us that go out and blow a whole lot of money on an expensive compass spend most of the time taking it out to show other folks, and finding their way with it to their shed in the back yard. This compass will suffice in being accurate in 95% of the situations you will find yourself ever needing a compass for. I would hesitate to recommend this particular compass to anyone whose average use of one entails taking on the savage elements in life and death situations worthy of tall tales around the camp fire. However if your idea of a rugged wilderness outing is camping just on the outskirts of civilization, where your wanderings may lead you too far from the local McDonald's, I highly recommend this very accurate and well designed compass. In short, most of us will hardly ever be in the need of anything that much more expensive like some others here have suggested. My best recommendation is to buy this compass and then read up on its best use in the numerous articles available on the subject here on the web. Or if you prefer something deeper and more educational on a broad scale, may I suggest the SAS Survival Handbook which I have enclosed a link too. Its an excellent, plainly written guide on all areas and expertise as to survival tactics at a reasonable price, and, contains a very easy to understand and thorough chapter on the basics of using a compass. Remember to watch your step, and Happy Trails!!! SAS Survival Guide Handbook (Collins Gem)

Update: Since the writing of this review the price of this compass has gone from the original $5.00 to a high of $7.00. The shipping on it is sometimes free, and at other times only free if it is part of a $25 bundle. This compass remains a solid deal to me even at $7.00. But unless the shipping is either free, or free due to your making it part of a bundle, (or you just like it and want it right away), I would add this to your wish list and keep an eye on it. For the shipping changes from free on its own, to free as a bundle quite often. Don't let the price change on the compass itself bother you, unless it happens to rise dramatically. It remains a solid bargain in my opinion even considering the minor changes...

50 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Value With Great Accuracy!, June 23, 2008

By 

Martin A Hogan "Marty From SF" (San Francisco, CA. (Hercules)) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: SE Lensatic Compass (Misc.)

"Lensatic" Military Compasses are some of the best and this one is very reasonably priced. This compass is black powder-coated which means it does not scratch. The Dial is extremely easy to read and floats easily in the liquid chamber. The sighting-slit unit/top cover lens is perfect for accuracy and sits perfectly on your map. This unit even reads in the moonlight. Nice inexpensive and lightweight compass for hiking/backpacking. "Lensatic" is the leader in compasses.

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Nice paperweight, May 6, 2010

By 

Bill Tarman "A.Golfer" (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: SE Lensatic Compass (Misc.)

All I required of the compass was that it show me roughly where North was.

Unfortunately, the particular item I received isn't quite sure where North is. Magnetic North moves 20-40 degrees at any given time (even out in the open).

Although made to look like an old military compass with sighting doodads and a scale, the missing ingredient is the ability to do what one expects of a compass. The Chinese manufacturer apparently thought looks were more important than function.