Best Lensatic Compass Reviews 2020

Lensatic compasses have different prices, depending mostly on the construction and the features the compass brings to the table. Not all compasses are made equal and, therefore, it is important to look for one that carries all the necessary features and durability you need. Cheap lensatic compasses are also available but should be avoided, as they might not be accurate, or could be of poor construction.

If you’re looking to buy a compass, consider the accuracy offered and how well the compass can serve you. If you’re always outdoors camping or hiking, opt for a compass that’s built to last years of use. You’ll find a good lensatic compass in the price range of about $8 to $150. Advanced models might cost more.

The most important feature of a compass is its accuracy. Being off by even one degree can translate to a big difference over a distance, meaning you’re off target, depending on the radius you need to cover. This explains why a lensatic compass should be able to give you the best accuracy possible. Since you’ll be using your compass outdoors, you also need a waterproof and shatter-proof compass to withstand harsh conditions when you go camping.

Here are some of the features to look out for in a lensatic compass:

• A versatile compass with night visibility
• Capability to use it with a map
• Durability and high accuracy
• Rugged construction to withstand harsh conditions outdoors
• Lightweight and portable to bring with you when camping
• Ability to work within a wide range of temperature
• Clinometers to measure differences in height

With the right lensatic compass built to give accurate readings, you can expect to maneuver your way easily through different terrain when you engage in an outdoor activity.

There's a few main things to consider when you're looking to buy a lensatic compass and they are:

Design

The compass can either be liquid filled or dry. As the name suggests, the liquid-filled compass has liquid inside the dial. Although the design depends on your preference, most compasses are liquid filled because this kind of construction is affordable to make.

Liquid-Filled Lensatic Compass – The dial is housed in a casing filled with either alcohol or some type of oil. The liquid is responsible for dampening the movement of the arrow in the dial, causing it to stop oscillating. This ensures you get a stable compass so you can take the reading quickly. Furthermore, the liquid used is non-compressible, enabling the compass to be used underwater if it’s made waterproof.

Dry-Capsule Lensatic Compass – This kind of compass doesn’t have liquid in the dial. The dial is housed in a dry capsule containing only air. It uses a different mechanism to dampen the oscillatory movements of the arrow. These compasses use induction damping to stop the needle. This makes the needle stop quite easily and quickly.

Besides these two designs, other features to look for in the design of a compass include a clinometer that measures the height differences to the target. Other compasses come with a scale you can use to measure distances on a map and calculate the distance to the target. Look out for a compass that incorporates enough in the design for your intended use.

Accuracy

Accuracy is measured by the precision of the measurements. For instance, a compass that can allow you to take a reading of 214.50 degrees is more accurate than one that shows 214 degrees only. The higher the accuracy, the more likely you are to reach your target.

Temperatures

Liquid-filled compasses can be affected by temperature changes because the liquid they contain changes in consistency when the temperatures change. The liquid used in the compass should allow you to use the compass in a wide range of temperatures. This means it should be a liquid that can neither freeze easily nor evaporate easily. This is why the liquid used in the compass is usually oil. Therefore, you can use the compass in low, winter temperatures and high, summer temperatures.

Size

A lensatic compass should not be bulky, because you’ll be carrying it all the way through your expedition. It should be lightweight and portable, so you can easily move around with it in your backpack.

Material

The material used in the construction of a compass is also important. Most compasses will have a plastic or an aluminum body. Those made of aluminum have a premium look and feel, atop being built to last longer. The plastic ones are light in weight and also last long, especially when the plastic used is high-quality plastic that’s hardened.

With a lensatic compass, there isn’t much that’s required of you in terms of maintenance. The only requirement is to ensure the compass is not stored near magnets, since the needle reacts to magnets and hence, can lose its magnetic properties. The compass should allow you to navigate at night, because they have self-illuminating products inside, luminous or phosphorescent materials.

If you need to calculate the distance to the target, most brands of lensatic compasses come with a scale with graduated lengths to do that. Above all, make sure your compass is durable and highly accurate.