Silva Ranger CLQ - Compass

by Silva

Product Features

• Compass with large, precision large sighting mirror and a vee notch
• Includes 1:24,000, 1:25,000, and 1:50,000 and 1/20-inch and millimeter rules
• Clinometer lets you measure angles of inclination
• Silicone feet for map gripping, lanyard with adjustable slider
• This item is not for sale in Catalina Island

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Identical to the Silva Ranger CL, the Silva Ranger 515 CLQ compass adds a 0-90 quadrants scale bezel (instead of the CL's instead of the standard 0-360 azimuth scale). The 515 CLQ make plotting quick and easy no matter which type of topographic map youÕre using with its 1:24,000, 1:25,000, and 1:50,000 scales. All scales come in two colors, so theyÕre easy to read. The 515 CLQ also offers a large sighting mirror with a vee notch, so you can take readings on distant landmarks. A geared declination allows adjustment for the difference in degrees between magnetic north and true north, giving you a faster read and reducing chance of error. The clinometer lets you measure angles of inclination.

Other versatile compass features include a 0-360 degree bezel with 2 degree increments, clinometer, 1/20-inch scale, millimeter rules, silicone feet for map gripping, adjustable declination, and lanyard with adjustable slider. It measures 4 by 2.5 inches and weighs 2.3 ounces.

Product Description

When precision counts and ease of use matters, you can't afford to pass up the incredible Ranger Model 515 CL and 515 CLQ compasses. 1:24,000, 1:25,000, and 1:50,000 scales make plotting quick and easy no matter which type of topographic map you're using. Also, there are 1/20-inch and millimeter rules for mapping and silicone feet for map gripping. All scales come in two colors, so they're easy to read. They also have a large sighting mirror with a vee notch, so you can take readings on distant landmarks. A geared declination allows adjustment for the difference in degrees between magnetic north and true north, giving you a faster read and reducing chance of error. The clinometer lets you measure angles of inclination. Just hold the compass and measure the angle of the incline. The CLQ utilizes quadrant graduations N(0�); E(90�); S(0�); W(90

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches ; 2.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000EQ82H8
• Item model number: 2801078
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,399 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #17 in Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Camping & Hiking > Compasses
  • #20 in Sports & Outdoors > Accessories > Electronics & Gadgets > Compasses

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not quite as good as the Suunto MC-2G, July 16, 2007

By 

Dr. Filthy McNasty (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cant beat it for the money, December 27, 2007

By 

PrOxY (SoCal) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Silva Ranger CLQ - Compass (Sports)

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:)

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Excellent compass except for one glaring failing, July 2, 2008

By 

H. Sansom "huw_the_book" (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Silva Ranger CLQ - Compass (Sports)

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.