We compared two baseplate navigation compasses: the Silva Expedition 4 Compass and the Skylety Navigation Orienteering Compass.
What we looked at
Build, map scales, declination, luminous markings, and price.
The verdict
If you want a full-size navigation compass with a sapphire jewel bearing, a magnifying lens and three map scales, the Silva Expedition 4 is the pick at £29.99. If you would rather pay £23.00 less for a small acrylic orienteering compass with adjustable declination and a lanyard, the Skylety is the alternative, at £6.99.
A £29.99 full-size baseplate compass for advanced users with a magnifying lens.
A £6.99 11.5 x 5.5cm acrylic compass with adjustable declination and a lanyard.
Silva Expedition 4 Navigation Compass (1:25k, 1:40k, 1:50k) — Premium Navigation
Intended for: Marketed as a full-size baseplate compass for experienced navigators and rescue professionals, with 1:25k, 1:40k and 1:50k scales in mm and inches, a rotatable housing, declination adjustment and a magnifying lens. The listing describes a sapphire jewel bearing and luminous markings that give about six hours of illumination after charging in light. Carries 4.6 stars from 2.2K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Sapphire jewel bearing and a magnifying lens
- 1:25k, 1:40k and 1:50k scales in mm and inches
- Declination adjustment and luminous markings
- Higher star rating than the Skylety (4.6 vs 4.2)
Worth knowing
- Costs £23.00 more than the Skylety on these listings
- Larger and more than most casual hikers need
Best for
- Buyers who want a serious navigation compass
- Anyone navigating with maps in poor visibility
- Those who want a long-lasting build
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who only needs a basic compass
Skylety Navigation Orienteering Compass with Adjustable Declination — Budget Pick
Intended for: Marketed as an acrylic baseplate orienteering compass measuring about 11.5 x 5.5cm with adjustable declination, a ruler and magnifier on the baseplate, luminous markings on the direction arrow, index line and needle, and a nylon lanyard. Carries 4.2 stars from 2.1K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Much cheaper than the Silva on these listings, at £6.99
- Adjustable declination
- Small, about 11.5 x 5.5cm, with a lanyard
- Luminous markings listed
Worth knowing
- Acrylic build, with no jewel bearing stated
- Lower star rating than the Silva (4.2 vs 4.6)
- No map scales stated in the details we reviewed
Best for
- Buyers who want a basic compass at a low price
- Anyone learning orienteering
- Those who want a spare for a bag
Not ideal for
- Buyers who need advanced navigation tools
- Anyone who wants the highest build quality
