are these compass models equivalent?

[InvisibilityEquipped]

I'm about to purchase my first compass and have been checking out what is available in my price range. The options I have narrowed it down to are the Silva 6 NOR spectra orienteering thumb compass or the Moscompass 3L. They are both the same price.

I am wondering if they are considered equivalent or is one a higher end model than the other? Also wondering about taking bearings (which I've never done, not sure I'll ever want to do - but just in case) - would the Moscompass be better for this given that it has the degree markings?

[madmike]

As a beginner you will probably find on occassions you do want to take precise bearings rather than just rough compass or run on the needle all the time.

The Moscow is probably a better bet for you at this stage but I use a moscow thumb compass so I would say that wouldn't I.

[Mrs H]

The Silva is much prettier and easier to find when you drop it in the mud.

(what are bearings?)

[AndyC]

(what are bearings?)

They make things turn smoothly

[SeanC]

I think the Silva has a fast settling needle, so if you are doing lots of rough bearings you will save time (especially if you're doing this whilst running). As MadMike says though the Moscow can do the accurate bearing by turning the baseplate. As a beginner you're probably experiencing the situation where if you miss a control it may take you much longer to relocate than experienced orienteers so you might be better off with the Moscow to take accurate bearings at risky controls.

[Ernie_Wise]

I think that if you're not experienced in using bearings then the Moscompass 3L is probably going to be a better choice for learning how bearings work. I always took the opinion that the colour coded compasses were for lazy orienteers (like me) who just want a quick/rough indication of direction.

The Silva 6 NOR spectra is equivalent to the Moscompass 8L in terms of how you actually use it. That said, I've used the colour coded compasses for years and I'd never go back.

[EddieH]

I learnt to navigate with a compass with a base plate and find it impossible to go anywhere near straight using a thumb compass. Nevertheless in areas with plenty of detail I use a thumb compass - it encourages you to read the map. Plenty of people learn with this type - it just doesn;t suit me in flat areas with few features.

Regarding speed of settling Moscompass certainly do have fast settling needles.

[SeanC]

mmm, yes after a proper look at the Compass Point website there are quite a few more Moscow thumb compasses than I remember. The one i bought a few years ago settles much slower than the Silva I have now which has the "JET" needle. Compass Point has some settling times for some compasses but not others - it would be a good article for CompassSport if someone fancied doing a "which compass" report. It is very confusing.

[InvisibilityEquipped]

Thanks all. I've decided on the Moscompass. I'm still doing courses where I can use "handrails" but when I move onto the harder courses think I'll appreciate being able to set a bearing as I get the hang of it.