Silva Ranger 15TD CL

Gregory Cain
Reviewed: 10 March 2007

EXCELENT COMPASS

Easy to use, adjustable, light, tidy, what more is tere to a compass?

None

Its excellent, easy to use, just hold it level, turn the thing so linespoint north look at something through it, repeat and there you g, you have a near exact location, laughing!

Chris Larvin
Reviewed: 29 December 2005

DECENT COMPASS CLINO.

Clinometer. Used on numerous fieldtrips with no problems at all.
Declination feature pretty handy.
Can be used with ease at night.
Sighting compass (more accurate use).

Quite difficult to use as a sighting compass due to massive plastic housing. Slightly more expensive than Suunto rival.
Snapped the plastic clip that holds the lid down but doesnt really matter.
Dial a bit sticky.

Clinometer a very useful addition for any surveying/geology field trips.
Price is worth it and doesn't include the superfluous internal lighting of the Silva Ranger 25TCL

andy herrington
Reviewed: 24 May 2004

TOUGH, COMPACT, GOOD FUNCTIONS & SIMPLE TO USE

High level of durability and top quality construction with sensible features, all at a reasonable price.

Non reversed numbers on dial when taking bearings with the mirror ... but you soon learn to read these.

I've had mine for 11 years and it's still in excellant condition (yes it has been used :). It's been used for field geology, navigation and surveys. It's one of those bits of kit which is always there without me thinking about it. The declination feature is particularly useful if you need accuracy across a wide geographic region. Silva haven't seen the need to change the design for a long time which bears out just how good this compass is.

Glen Jayman
Reviewed: 20 July 2001

Durable compass

Proven design, rugged, adjustable declination, clinometer for slope measurements

Reflected view of degree dial isn't the best, sometimes difficult to align compass when sighting bearings

The Ranger has been around for years and makes for an excellent all-around outdoors compass. Currently standard issue to the Canadian military, I've seen Rangers run over by truck wheels, crack the cover and still function perfectly.

The mirror sight design is compact, but has never been the easiest method to take a bearing, what with a rather wobbly needle and crude notch on the cover. The numbers are reversed in the mirror and the solid black dial obscures a full reflected view of the degree markings and sighting may be difficult in poor light. If you like this style of compass you should also consider the 25TDCL Ranger Pro Elite, with clear housing and integral battery light.